AMC renames Chellomedia

AMC Networks is rebranding its Chellomedia International Networks division as AMC Networks International following its US$1bn takeover of the firm earlier this year.

US-based AMC finalised a deal with Liberty Global for Chello in February and took on a number of its operating businesses.

In addition to Chellomedia, AMC Networks International will also encompass AMC/Sundance Channel Global, which operates in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

AMC Networks’ chief operating officer Ed Carroll said: “Re-naming Chellomedia is a natural next step as we continue to integrate this portfolio of channels and transition AMC Networks into a global media company.”

AMC Networks International will now consist of six operating units, with four of these made up of AMC Networks International divisions for Asia-Pacific, Central Europe, Iberia and Latin America.

The fifth division is the former Chello Zone unit, rebranded as AMC Networks International – Zone (EMEA), while the sixth is AMC Networks International – DMC, a European-based global media technology and distribution unit.

Bruce Tuchman, will continue to serve as president of AMC/Sundance Channel and MGM Channel Global – as announced in April but will also take control of AMC Networks International Asia-Pacific.

Edward Zuluetta, formerly MD of Chello Multicanal, will take over AMC Networks International in Iberia and Latin America.

Meanwhile, Mike Moriarty, formerly MD of Chello Central Europe, will lead AMC Networks International DMC and Central European divisions.

AMC Networks International – Zone (EMEA) will be headed up by Dermot Shortt, who was CEO of Chello Zone.

Last November, C21 revealed that UK-based Chello Zone shed almost 10% of its workforce, including its director of programming Adam Robinson, as part of a restructure.