Summary : Christina Spade, a veteran media executive who was previously chief financial officer of the former ViacomCBS, has been named the new chief executive of AMC Networks, tasked with leading the small but influential media company through a tricky time in the media business. She replaces Matt Blank, a Showtime veteran who had been serving as the company’s interim CEO, and will assumer her new responsibilities on Sept. 9.
“I’m delighted that Chris is taking over as our new CEO,” said James Dolan, AMC Networks’ chairman, in a statement. “She is a proven leader with a long track record driving transformative change in media and entertainment and I am confident she has the expertise and vision to guide AMC Networks to greater success.”
While best known for premium TV dramas like “Better Call Saul” and “The Walking Dead,” AMC Networks has been diligently launching broadband businesses in past months.
Christina Spade, a veteran media executive who was previously chief financial officer of the former ViacomCBS, has been named the new chief executive of AMC Networks, tasked with leading the small but influential media company through a tricky time in the media business. She replaces Matt Blank, a Showtime veteran who had been serving as the company’s interim CEO, and will assumer her new responsibilities on Sept. 9.“I’m delighted that Chris is taking over as our new CEO,” said James Dolan, AMC Networks’ chairman, in a statement. “She is a proven leader with a long track record driving transformative change in media and entertainment and I am confident she has the expertise and vision to guide AMC Networks to greater success.”Spade will take up the company’s reins as it has been working to ramp up its broadband and streaming activities. While best known for premium TV dramas like “Better Call Saul” and “The Walking Dead,” AMC Networks has been diligently launching broadband businesses in past months. Its streaming portfolio includes AMC+ and venues aimed at specific audience niches including Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder and Sundance Now. The company says it has 10.8 million paying subscribers and believes it is on track to reach 20 million to 25 million subscribers in 2025. AAMC Networks is also in the midst of launching a new spate of programs as it casts about for a successor to some of its best known series. “Better Call Saul” is in the midst of its final few episodes and “The Walking Dead,” while growing into a portfolio of related programs, is aging, and many of the original actors have departed the shows. AMC is launching a TV series based on author Anne Rice’s popular “Interview With the Vampire,” and has hopes for series such as “Moonhaven” and “Dark Winds.”
