Press Releases

Companies to Jointly Market their Combined Infrastructure that Supports Cost Effective Programming Distribution across Canada

OTTAWA, CANADA, February 4, 2015 – Telesat, a leading global satellite operator, announced today an agreement with AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a subsidiary of AMC Networks, the owner and operator of several of cable television’s most recognized brands, for C-band capacity on Telesat’s Anik F1R satellite. In addition, AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology and Telesat have agreed to jointly market AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology center and satellite transmission facilities in New York, in combination with Telesat’s satellite capacity over Canada, as a cost effective solution for cable distribution across Canada.  

Under the agreement, Telesat capacity is now a core component in AMC Networks’ cable TV distribution across North America. Distribution originates from AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology center in New York where HD and SD programming are uplinked to Telesat’s Anik F1R, the leading satellite for C-band distribution to cable head-ends across Canada. Anik F1R then broadcasts the content to Canadian multi-system operators (MSOs) via its broad C-band footprint, one of the largest in the North American cable arc. The solution is highly efficient and cost effective for both AMC Networks and Canadian MSOs given the large number of cable head-ends across Canada already receiving television programming via Telesat’s Anik F1R.    

“It is very gratifying when an industry leader like AMC Networks chooses Telesat satellite capacity for distribution of its prime programming,” said Michele Beck, Telesat’s Vice President North American Sales. “Having AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology center in New York fixed on Telesat’s Anik F1R satellite creates opportunities for other US content providers to make use of the same infrastructure for cost-effective distribution across Canada. Telesat looks forward to working with AMC Networks to market this capability to select programmers, providing Canadians with greater viewing choice and giving US content providers an easy and cost effective means to reach new markets and grow their subscriber base.”  

“We’re pleased to be working with Telesat to distribute AMC Networks’ programming to cable head-ends across Canada on Telesat’s Anik F1R satellite,” said Steve Pontillo, Chief Technology Officer, AMC Networks. “In the coming months, AMC Networks and Telesat will be working together to create greater awareness of this capability among US video programmers looking to extend their reach into Canada. Telesat and AMC Networks have a winning solution for Canadian cable distribution that we believe can meet the requirements of many other operators.”  

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)

Telesat is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 14 satellites and the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 with another satellite under construction. Telesat also manages the operations of additional satellites for third parties. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).

About AMC Networks

Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates BBC America through a joint venture with BBC Worldwide.  In addition, the company operates AMC Networks International, its global division. More information is available at www.amcnetworks.com.

For further information:                                                                               

Gerry Nagler, Telesat +1 908 470-4907 (gnagler@telesat.com)