AMC Buys Half of BBC America to Bolster Pay-TV Leverage

AMC Networks Inc., the cable-TV home of “The Walking Dead,” acquired a 49.9 percent stake in BBC America for $200 million, forming an alliance that will bolster both networks in negotiations with pay-TV carriers.

The agreement with BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of government-backed British Broadcasting Corp., is structured as a joint venture, according to a statement yesterday. AMC will run BBC America, including affiliate and advertising sales, while adhering to BBC editorial standards. A joint editorial committee will ensure that.