AMC Networks is developing six new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, as the company executes a targeted streaming strategy based on individual interests.
It adds to AMC’s current FAST roster, which already includes eight channels deployed across six ad-supported platforms.
The new channels are expected to be launched in the coming months and were announced as part of AMC Network’s 2022 upfront. They include:
- AMC en Español, featuring Spanish-language versions of popular shows like The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Rectify, Into the Badlands, Halt and Catch Fire, the Red Road and others.
- ALLBLK Gems, with programming from the ALLBLK streaming service, highlighting originals like Double Cross, A House Divided, Notorious Queens, My Mane Problem and more.
- An original FAST channel called HIDIVE x ANIME focused on Anime fans, with new series from Japan.
- Two channels, Shorts and Cortos (the latter which is the Spanish-language version) that are dedicated to short film across genres with more than 13,000 spanning thrillers, dramas, comedy, romance, animation, Sci-Fi, horror, and documentary.
- The sixth channel involves a distribution partnership with Brooklyn-based Overtime. The Overtime-branded FAST channel will give looks at the next generation of sports stars on and off the court. It’s the first time the channel’s programming has been curated as a FAST channel, and includes more than 40 original series.
Since starting to launch specific interest-based channels using its content two years ago, AMC has FAST and AVOD channels available across several ad-supported platforms including, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Samsung TV Plus, Vizio, Plex, and Comcast Xumo.
Kim Kelleher, president of commercial revenue and partnerships for AMC Networks, pointed to the growing importance of FAST channels to AMC as part of its streaming strategy and revenue mix.
“Our Viewers First strategy is built around the goal of making our compelling original content available to viewers wherever and whenever they want to consume it, and that has resulted in an expanding presence on a growing array of leading platforms, with our advertising partners walking right alongside us,” said Kelleher in a statement. “FAST has become an increasingly important and growing component of our overall commercial revenue mix, and these new channels will only further accelerate our growth and success in this dynamic environment.”
AMC also has its own AMC+ streaming service, along with Shudder which caters to horror fans and Acorn TV which features British mysteries, dramas and comedies.
While not the largest streamer, AMC in 2021 hit its goal of 9 million subscribers across the services (also including Sundance Now and ALLBLK) and is now targeting 20 million to 25 million by the end of 2025. In the fourth quarter AMC reported record-high revenue of $3.1 billion.
“Our differentiated and targeted streaming strategy is clearly working,” said AMC COO and CFO Christina Spade during the earnings call.
CEO Matt Blank had highlighted the new approach in November, saying that “with our targeted strategy, we don’t compete with the other streamers and this puts us in a very solid, advantageous position as we navigate a streaming future.”