Longtime AMC Networks president and CEO Josh Sapan will transition to the role of executive vice chairman after 26 years at the helm of the cable network, the company announced Tuesday. (Adweek)
Ex-Showtime CEO Matthew Blank will move to interim CEO while AMC Networks searches for Sapan’s successor. In a release, AMC Networks noted Sapan will focus on creative direction and company leadership in his new role, likely moving into the film arena. (Forbes)
Sapan transformed AMC from a sleepy cable channel known for showing old black-and-white movies into a home for critically acclaimed dramas like Mad Men and Breaking Bad. (Bloomberg)
Over his 34 years with Cablevision and Dolan-owned entities, the executive has led the expansion of the cable channel group that now includes AMC, SundanceTV, BBC America, IFC and WeTV channels and the IFC Films movie unit, plus a collection of international channels. (Variety)
AMC Networks’ cable portfolio has made it the longtime subject of M&A speculation. But an ownership structure with shares controlled by the Dolan family has made the wheeling and dealing that has reshaped the media landscape unlikely—at least so far—to involve the company. (Deadline)