Recap To 2022: AMC Networks, Paramount Global Push Through Major Layoffs Which Could Lead To Cutback Of Channels

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It looks like The Walking Dead may not be the only thing that has come to an end at AMC Networks, which operates the AMC cable TV channel, IFC, We TV, and Sundance TV. According to The Wall Street Journal, a memo has been sent to staff warning them of major layoffs on the way.

“We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood,” AMC Chairman James Dolan wrote. “We do not take this lightly. We will take every step possible to minimize the impact of these actions on our community.”

All told, AMC Networks plans to lay off 20% of U.S. workers. Essentially, the reason is more people turning to streaming for their entertainment needs. AMC Networks also operates the AMC+ and Shudder streaming services, but as Dolan’s memo laid out, those services haven’t brought in enough to offset losses.

AMC International:
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AMC operates streaming services, but they’re not successful enough to prevent layoffs

It’s tough to think that the network that has given us shows like The Walking Dead, Mad Men and Breaking Bad has been taking such a major hit this year; their stock has dipped 40%. At least The Walking Dead series finale gave AMC+ its biggest day of viewership since it began; that’s something!

According to sources, AMC Network isn’t the only one undergoing major layoffs. Paramount Global is laying off around 30 people as the company aligns CBS Studios, Paramount TV Studios, and the Paramount+ scripted originals team.

What’s happening at Paramount Global doesn’t sound as bad as what’s going on at AMC Networks. It’s more about organization and figuring out how to make things work more efficiently for the studios. Although that doesn’t mean the layoffs don’t hurt.

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Paramount:
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AMC+ To Launch Streaming Service Across Europe In 2023, No Indicator On When Or If It Will Roll Out In The UK And Africa

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Even more American prestige TV is headed to Europe. This week it was announced that AMC+ will find its way onto small screens in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets.

AMC Networks’ executive vice president Levente Málnay — who was speaking at the NEM Dubrovnik European TV conference — revealed that the streaming platform will be available to CEE customers in 2023.

The streaming service combines original programming along with series and movies from various other AMC-owned streamers and studios, including Shudder , Sundance Now, BBC America, IFC, and more. So the content on the service already has significant international influences but Málnay added that as AMC+ expands, it would focus on balancing specific regional content with its own U.S.-based programming.

 

The news comes at a time of expansion for the fledgling platform. AMC+ began streaming in June 2020 and grew its reach to the Australian market last year. As of the end of the first quarter, AMC’s combined streaming services — both under the AMC+ umbrella and the individual services — have reached 9.5 million global subscribers.

Málnay indicates that the streamer will take “baby steps” when planning larger-budget offerings, but he also suggested that local dramas may be in development as well. In Q1, AMC saw 3% year-over-year revenue growth, but profits dropped by almost 15% for the same period, due in large part to the enhanced investment in content creation. Domestically, AMC has also worked to ensure subscribers can easily find its streaming channels, making them paid add-ons to services such as Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV.

 

An AMC+ release will bring hit shows like modern classics “The Walking Dead ,” “Better Call Saul,” and “Mad Men” to CEE.

Additionally, in April, AMC+ announced that it would be enhancing its offerings by bringing a new movie from corporate sibling IFC Films to the streaming service every week immediately following its theatrical release.

AMC+ is a premium streaming bundle that includes the best from AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited containing original, award-winning series, popular movies, festival favorites, plus horror, sci-fi, true crime, and thrillers. You can subscribe to AMC+ for $8.99/month (R153.84/month) or save over 40% with the annual plan for $59.88/year (R1005.88/year).

CBS Reality: Why The Judge Judy Channel Isn't As Bad As It Appears To Be?

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CBS Reality has been available on DStv for as long as Zone Reality was around before ChelloZone got purchased by AMC International. The offering consisted of factual programming ranging from courtroom, medical, lifestyle, crime and drama.

One of the shows that have become a pillar to this brand is Judge Judy. The cancelled daytime court show has been seen as a double bill on weekdays and 10 hour marathon on weekends.

 

It's one of the reasons why some viewers take this channel for granted and the other reasons was the volume of repeats available on the channel. Believe it or not, CBS Reality is far behind on Judge Judy.

Trust me, I don't see anything wrong with that but e.tv being a free-to-air is three seasons ahead. Not that the channel can't keep up but they often pull a FOX and air the same episodes continuously and bring in two seasons yearly (technically FOX).

 

Unlike FOX, CBS Reality was saved back in 2019 when Viacom and CBS merged onto a single unit before becoming Paramount. I know Judge Judy seems to set some people off but outside of that the channel has got plenty on offer like Botched Bodies, Motorway Patrol and Animal Hoarding.

In my opinion, CBS Reality is one of the most decent if not best reality stations on DStv if you're trying to keep away from any type of wife ranging from house to sport even teen moms, weddings and celebrity filled programming.