Recap To The Week: AMC Networks International Launches New Content Group Across UK & EMEA

AMC Networks International UK (AMCNI0UK) has forged a new Content Group across the UK and EMEA and promoted Sam Rowden to run it.

Rowden, who currently oversees the company’s programing strategy for the CBS channel portfolio, becomes VP of the Content Group.

She will oversee linear and content strategies across the UK and EMEA with oversight of joint venture channels CBS Justice, CBS Europa, CBS Reality, RealityXtra, Legend, HorrorXtra as well as channel brands AMC and SundanceTV.

The weighty new remit also includes AMCNI-UK’s AVoD and FAST portfolio consisting of the AVoD player CBS Catchup Channels UK and FAST channel True Crime from CBS Reality that has recently launched with Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV, and which is also available via ITVX. Additionally, Rowden is now also responsible for content acquisition and content partnerships including the relationship with Paramount Global for both the UK and EMEA joint ventures as well as content management including compliance.

“Sam has been the driving force behind the continued success of AMCNI-UK’s joint ventures with Paramount Global, both in the UK and in EMEA, including the development of our highly successful true crime originals effort since the beginning,” said Kevin Dickie, EVP and MD for AMNCI UK.

“With her leadership skills and expertise developing brands that appeal to a wide range of audiences, she is perfectly placed to assume this key role as we further integrate our linear and streaming efforts.”

Rowden joined AMCNI around 15 years ago.

Possible Outcome To The Demise Of CBS Justice And Nicktoons On DStv

During the year, MultiChoice had been monitoring stock which led to the cancellation of Tellytrack, fliekNET and ITV Networks and there's also been those unexpected developments from e.tv's 4 channels, RT and Lifetime with CBS Justice and Nicktoons likely joining the trio.

CBS Justice was shuttered in the UK in July by the same people that manage the one seen on the DStv platform which was subsequently supplemented by an action skewed channel Legend which appears to be applicable to viewers of that region.

After seeing a promo, it doesn't feel like something AMC International would want to build in other regions and the fact that these channels aren't seen with the CBS brand has led me to believe that maybe these channels will involve CBS Reality.

CBS Reality remains intact as sources believe it has to do with another channel almost resembling the "Reality" look and feel.

But seeing as CBS Reality and CBS Justice are factual it makes more sense to merge them perhaps under another brand name like RealityXtra I mean both channels have seen a high level in repetition and this merger would kind of help boost the offering.

Honestly, CBS Reality kind of seems out of touch that the idea of both channels likely exiting the region wouldn't be far fetched a stretch.

Onto their partners Paramount, I noticed that Nicktoons has become lifeless as the only current shows are NickMusic and something I can see Nickelodeon boot after a season 2/3 is Middlemost Post. I know the brand was always catered to Nickelodeon's scraps but this time it's different.

Paramount had always wanted to make Nicktoons feel independent and there's been less of that. I noticed they put up adverts for Kamp Koral and Rugrats on Nicktoons despite not airing as the channel might be aligned to the global Nicktoons feed to some extent.

On top of that, Nicktoons has an outdated programme guide if Horrid Henry ain't called Program To Be Confirmed then you get an old schedule which is usually updated the following day with the rest of the week remaining very much outdated.

This habit makes it seem as if Paramount is ready to retire the channel soon as they gear up for the rollout of Paramount+ which is scheduled to rollout in Africa by 2023 and would it be shocking if Nicktoons closed prior to its launch with Nickelodeon filling up its shoes.

Paramount often refers Nicktoons audiences to upcoming attractions from Nickelodeon which can be chaotic considering the geography. In South Africa, Nickelodeon is a premium channel and viewers should be compensated should Nicktoons be discontinued.

Honestly, the world is evolving and these channels in general are becoming a thing of the past I have some fond memories and I believe that's the only thing to keep a channel alive in spirit.