NEW YORK, NY – March 13 – AMC Networks and BBC Studios, the commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group, today announced the launch of BBC News as a new 24-hour live news channel on a variety of leading CTV/FAST platforms. Initial launch partners are Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, VIZIO WatchFree+, Sling Freestream and Plex.

BBC News is the world’s most trusted international news broadcaster, carrying the best of the BBC’s journalism and storytelling from around the globe. Driven by its public service mission and commitment to impartiality, the BBC News channel delivers 24-7 coverage of breaking news and moments of global significance in a way that only the BBC can. AMC Networks is the distribution and sales representative for BBC News in the U.S. through its BBC America joint venture.

As part of the BBC’s expansion in North America, BBC News has grown its news operation out of its Washington D.C. bureau, expanding its nightly primetime coverage and developing programming focused on national news to better serve audiences in the U.S. and around the world. BBC News live 24-hour coverage is anchored out of the U.K, U.S., and Singapore. The channel features chief presenters including Sumi Somaskanda and Caitríona Perry in Washington DC, Matthew Amroliwala, Christian Fraser, Lucy Hockings, Maryam Moshiri and Sally Bundock in the UK, and Steve Lai in Singapore.

“This is a significant milestone for the BBC as this launch will more than double the current reach and availability of the BBC News channel in the U.S. at a time when access to independent news and information is more important than ever,” said Tara Maitra, Chief Commercial Officer, Global Media & Streaming, BBC Studios. “We’re proud to launch this channel with the support of so many of the leading CTV/FAST platform partners as we continue to expand the footprint of BBC News and bring the BBC’s journalism to wider audiences in the region.”

“What a profoundly meaningful addition to the rapidly growing CTV/FAST space, at a time when access to authoritative and impartial news could never be more important,” said Kim Kelleher, Chief Commercial Officer of AMC Networks. “The BBC is one of the largest, most trusted and comprehensive news-gathering organizations in the world. The arrival of BBC News as a live, 24-hour channel on these free platforms is a landmark moment for global news, our partner platforms and the entire FAST distribution ecosystem.”

“This latest addition to our news offering expands our diverse programming lineup and gives us the opportunity to reach an even wider audience via a well-respected and trusted international news source,” said Amy Kuessner, EVP of Programming for Pluto TV. “In today’s day and age, free round-the-clock access to a strong audience-centric news brand like BBC News is indispensable.”

“Live local and national news has always been a top performing category on Xumo Play, and with the addition of BBC’s 24/7 live coverage, our viewers can now enjoy a fresh, international perspective on major news moments happening across the world,” said Stefan Van Engen, Vice President, Programming and Partnerships, Xumo.

“Samsung TV Plus is committed to providing a platform for a variety of global, national, and local news sources to share important updates that our consumers rely on,” said Sarah Nelson, Head of BD & Strategic Partnerships, Samsung TV Plus. “We’re excited to partner with BBC Studios and AMC Networks to bring this 24-hour live news channel to our viewers, empowering them to stay informed and engaged with the world around them.”

This additional CTV/FAST distribution of BBC News is complementary to existing wide distribution on pay TV platforms including DIRECTV, Comcast’s Xfinity, Charter’s Spectrum, YouTube TV, Philo, DISH and others. BBC News programming includes popular flagship shows such as Verified Live, BBC News America, Newsday, Influential with Katty Kay, and World Business Report plus continuing favorites The Travel Show, Click, and BBC Documentaries.

About AMC Networks

AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £2.1 billion (2021/22: £1,630 million). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the global Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Channels & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. Around 2,500 hours of award-winning British programmes are made by the business every year, with over 80% of total BBC Studios revenues coming from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com is BBC Studios’ global digital news platform, offering up-to-the-minute international news, in-depth analysis and features.

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