AMC Networks Launches New Branded Digital Originals, 6 New Streaming Channels And Ad Tools In First Live Upfront Since 2019

deadline.com:

After two years of virtual operations due to Covid, AMC Networks is convening an in-person upfront presentation tonight in New York, where it will highlight a number of digital ad initiatives.It has set a new slate of digital originals under its two-year-old Content Room brand studio; added six new “FAST” channels to its roster; and unveiled a new suite of ad tools.The new channels join eight existing ones available on streaming platforms like Pluto TV, Sling TV, Samsung TV Plus, VIZIO, Plex and Comcast XUMO.

FAST stands for “free, ad-supported television” and is a growing part of the streaming ecosystem designed to take advantage of the overall uptick in viewing. (Nielsen today said streaming view time has risen 18% over the past year.)Advertising revenue continues to be a significant part of AMC Networks’ financial picture.

In 2021, the company set a revenue record of $3.1 billion, up 9%. Unlike in years past, however, AMC is managing through a period of significant change.

Traditional linear viewing is expected to contribute a smaller and smaller amount to the overall total, with the company’s portfolio of specialized streaming outlets set to become the dominant asset.The new FAST channels include AMC en Español, with Spanish-language versions of AMC shows; ALLBLK Gems, a showcase for the company’s Black-aimed subscription streaming service; anime destination HIDIVE x ANIME; sports channel Overtime; and short-film outlets Shorts and its Spanish-language version, Cortos.Kim Kelleher, president of commercial revenue & partnerships at AMC Networks, told Deadline in an interview that the FAST strategy takes advantage of a key differentiating trait of the company compared with rivals.