AMC Networks announces ad tier plans for streaming service AMC+

Better Call Saul

AMC Networks has unveiled plans to launch an ad-supported version of its AMC+ streaming service later this year.

The AMC+ premium streaming bundle which provides customers access to the Shudder, IFC Films Unlimited and Sundance Now, as opposed to being purchased individually, will also be included in the ad-supported tier.

The ad-supported version will also give advertisers the chance to buy and manage high-impact placements across series, genres and franchises.

The company whose brands include Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead franchise, said the move will offer additional flexibility to subscribers and allow the company’s advertising partners to reach viewers on its flagship streaming product and across a comprehensive ad-supported content ecosystem that spans linear TV networks, streaming and digital/CTV platforms.

The move comes soon after AMC Networks announced plans to cut its content spending by around 20% this year, down to $1.1bn from $1.35bn in 2022.

The company, which operates flagship AMC Network and Sundance TV, as well as platforms AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE, has struggled to make the move into streaming and is facing pressure from stalling subscriber growth.

“This is a big moment for AMC Networks and for our advertising partners, because it not only creates a fully-ad supported distribution ecosystem, it also allows advertisers to buy our shows, genres and franchises in a much more comprehensive and impactful way,” said Kim Kelleher, chief commercial officer of AMC Networks.

She added, “With our new series content, library titles and other targeted streaming platforms that are all bundled into AMC+, partners can move beyond individual shows and even series and choose to ‘own’ whole genres and franchises, and drive messaging to target audiences no matter what they are watching or where. We’ve never been able to offer this level of sweeping yet highly focused reach before in such an effective and comprehensive way.”