Christina Spade becomes CEO of AMC Networks

Christina Spade, a veteran media executive who was previously the chief financial officer of former ViacomCBS, has been named the new chief executive of AMC Networks, tasked with leading the small but influential media company through a difficult time in the media business.

She replaces Matt Blank, a Showtime veteran who served as the company’s interim CEO, and will assume her new duties on September 9.

“I am pleased that Chris will be our new CEO,” James Dolan, chairman of AMC Networks, said in a statement. “She is a proven leader with a long track record of driving transformative change in media and entertainment, and I am confident that she has the expertise and vision to lead AMC Networks to greater success.”

Spade will take charge of the company as it has been working to expand its broadband and streaming operations. While best known for premium TV dramas like “Better Call Saul” and “The Walking Dead,” AMC Networks has been busy launching broadband deals in recent months. The streaming portfolio includes AMC+ and venues targeting specific audience niches including Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder and Sundance Now. The company says it has 10.8 million paid subscribers and believes it’s on track to reach 20 to 25 million subscribers by 2025. A

AMC Networks is also in the process of launching a new series of programs while it searches for a sequel to some of its most popular series. Better Call Saul is well into its last few episodes and The Walking Dead as it grows into a portfolio of related programs is aging and many of the original actors have left the shows. AMC is launching a TV series based on author Anne Rice’s popular “Interview With the Vampire,” and hopes for shows like “Moonhaven” and “Dark Winds.”

There’s more to come…