AMC Networks announced in July that it was looking to acquire a stake of almost 50 percent of BBC America, the home of sci-fi hits Doctor Who and Orphan Black. That deal, valued at around $200 million, is about to come together, according to Bloomberg.
AMC Networks, which currently operates channels AMC, IFC, SundanceTV and WEtv, will be able to add BBC America to its programming slate through the deal, allowing the network to negotiate for higher fees. Currently, AMC boasts one of the highest-rated shows on TV with The Walking Dead.
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, will continue to hold a controlling stake in BBC America. Bloomberg reports that the deal could become official by the end of October.
Read more at Bloomberg.
Brief Take: By adding BBC America and its brands to its family of networks, AMC could further promote its brand as high-quality cable fare, adding BBC America series to round out its programming.
[Image courtesy of BBC America]
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