AMC Networks’ streamers — Acorn TV, UMC (Urban Movie Channel), horror channel Shudder and Sundance Now — now count 2 million-plus subscribers, according to the company’s full year and Q4 2019 earnings report today.
Digital growth has helped fuel revenues for the company.
AMC Networks, which includes WEtv, IFC, Sundance TV and BBC America, reported that 2019 revenue saw an uptick of 3% to $3 billion, though operating income dropped 14% and full-year net income was $380 million vs. $446 million in 2018.
Its streaming networks division had better news.
Todd Juenger, media analyst at Bernstein Research, estimates revenue from digital video platforms at $120 million a year from the four subscription services. With 2 million subscribers, that means the company is earning around $5 a month in average monthly revenue per user.
AMC Networks also announced a comprehensive, long-term distribution agreement with Dish Network and Sling TV.
That deal includes continued carriage of AMC Networks’ linear channels, as well as the upcoming launch of the company’s targeted SVOD services — Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, UMC, the ad-free AMC Premiere and its IFC Films Unlimited streaming service.
On the earnings call this morning, AMC Networks announced it plans to globally distribute its subscription streaming services. COO Ed Carroll said it’s aimed at English-speaking countries, parts of Europe and Latin America, Deadline reported.
“As we own more [of our own] content, there becomes more efficiencies about expanding,” he said. “The overlay of our international sales forces also provides us a head-start getting these services on the major platforms,” Carroll said.