Billionaire James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and CEO of Madison Square Garden Sports, has hired Hope Hicks as a consultant for Msg after his controversial usage of facial recognition software to target his perceived enemies.
After it was revealed that Dolan had been using the technology to block fans who had criticized him from entering Msg, Dolan hired Hicks who was a former Director of Communications for the White House under the Donald Trump administration.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
After resigning from the Trump Administration in 2018 Hicks worked as Fox Corporation’s chief communications executive. Hicks then went back to work for the White House shortly before the pandemic.
It was recently revealed in her text messages that Hicks believed January 6 would make her “unemployable.”
Dolan has been under fire for quite some time, beginning with removing attorneys involved in litigation against...
After it was revealed that Dolan had been using the technology to block fans who had criticized him from entering Msg, Dolan hired Hicks who was a former Director of Communications for the White House under the Donald Trump administration.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died In 2022
After resigning from the Trump Administration in 2018 Hicks worked as Fox Corporation’s chief communications executive. Hicks then went back to work for the White House shortly before the pandemic.
It was recently revealed in her text messages that Hicks believed January 6 would make her “unemployable.”
Dolan has been under fire for quite some time, beginning with removing attorneys involved in litigation against...
- 2/5/2023
- by Emily Sorkin
- Uinterview
After record deal-making in 2021, the number and dollar value of M&a in media and telecommunications fell during the past 12 months through November, according to the latest report by PwC.
There have been 3,772 deals, a 26 year-over-year drop. The dollar value of M&a totaled 624 billion, an 18 dip, the firm said in its biannual U.S. Deals Outlook. That’s still above pre-pandemic levels but squeezed by higher interest rates and inflation, a soft stock market, growing geopolitical tensions and enhanced regulatory oversight — i.e. the FTC’s announcement today that it will sue to block Microsoft’s planned 69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. All are pressures that will continue to color M&a into 2023.
Related Story Microsoft, Activision Blizzard Confident Merger Will Close As FTC Prepares To Challenge 69-Billion Deal In Court – Update Related Story 'Saw' Alum Shawnee Smith Circling 10th Installment As Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand & Michael Beach Sign...
There have been 3,772 deals, a 26 year-over-year drop. The dollar value of M&a totaled 624 billion, an 18 dip, the firm said in its biannual U.S. Deals Outlook. That’s still above pre-pandemic levels but squeezed by higher interest rates and inflation, a soft stock market, growing geopolitical tensions and enhanced regulatory oversight — i.e. the FTC’s announcement today that it will sue to block Microsoft’s planned 69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. All are pressures that will continue to color M&a into 2023.
Related Story Microsoft, Activision Blizzard Confident Merger Will Close As FTC Prepares To Challenge 69-Billion Deal In Court – Update Related Story 'Saw' Alum Shawnee Smith Circling 10th Installment As Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand & Michael Beach Sign...
- 12/9/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Across every major studio, economic emergency brakes have been pulled, with hiring freezes, enhanced scrutiny on travel and entertainment expenses, and, yes, layoffs. In the legacy media world, where studios have been betting on streaming to make up for declining cable revenues, it also has provided a gut check. Profits are still years off for many, and the economic headwinds are accelerating cost-cutting measures that may have already been in motion as executives, and Wall Street, get more pragmatic about streaming.
AMC Networks laid out this case explicitly in its Nov. 29 memo, in which executive chairman James Dolan explained the need for “a large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area” at the company. “It was our belief that cord-cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case,” Dolan wrote. “We are primarily a content...
Across every major studio, economic emergency brakes have been pulled, with hiring freezes, enhanced scrutiny on travel and entertainment expenses, and, yes, layoffs. In the legacy media world, where studios have been betting on streaming to make up for declining cable revenues, it also has provided a gut check. Profits are still years off for many, and the economic headwinds are accelerating cost-cutting measures that may have already been in motion as executives, and Wall Street, get more pragmatic about streaming.
AMC Networks laid out this case explicitly in its Nov. 29 memo, in which executive chairman James Dolan explained the need for “a large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area” at the company. “It was our belief that cord-cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case,” Dolan wrote. “We are primarily a content...
- 12/7/2022
- by Caitlin Huston and Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
James Dolan has had a busy week, and it’s only Tuesday.
A day after taking over day-to-day control of AMC Networks, as the cable company seeks a permanent CEO, Dolan on Tuesday revealed a revised spinoff plan for his Madison Square Garden Entertainment business.
Msg Entertainment announced in August plans to spin off its namesake arena, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular, and the Msg regional sports networks, with Dolan’s Msg Sphere project and Tao Group Hospitality forming their own project.
Under the new plan, the RSNs will be part of a new company housing the Msg Sphere and Tao (to be called Msg Sphere Corp.), with the arena, entertainment venues and Rockettes business forming the basis of a new live entertainment company.
The Msg Sphere, set to open next year in Las Vegas, is Dolan...
James Dolan has had a busy week, and it’s only Tuesday.
A day after taking over day-to-day control of AMC Networks, as the cable company seeks a permanent CEO, Dolan on Tuesday revealed a revised spinoff plan for his Madison Square Garden Entertainment business.
Msg Entertainment announced in August plans to spin off its namesake arena, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Rockettes and Christmas Spectacular, and the Msg regional sports networks, with Dolan’s Msg Sphere project and Tao Group Hospitality forming their own project.
Under the new plan, the RSNs will be part of a new company housing the Msg Sphere and Tao (to be called Msg Sphere Corp.), with the arena, entertainment venues and Rockettes business forming the basis of a new live entertainment company.
The Msg Sphere, set to open next year in Las Vegas, is Dolan...
- 12/6/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC Networks has appointed James Dolan as interim executive chairman following the Nov. 28 departure of former CEO Christina Spade.
Dolan’s appointment is effective immediately and will last until March 6, 2023, or until a new CEO is named.
“AMC Networks has a seasoned executive leadership team and I look forward to working with them to provide high-level strategic direction and guidance as we navigate the business during this period of transformation in the media industry,” Dolan said in a statement.
Also Read:
Christina Spade Abruptly Exits as AMC Networks CEO After Less Than 3 Months
Dolan is executive chairman and CEO of New York Knicks owner Madison Square Garden Sports and Madison Square Garden Entertainment and executive chairman of Msg Networks. He is also a producer and executive, known for the feature film “August: Osage County” and 2020’s “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – At Home Holiday Special.”
He was nominated...
Dolan’s appointment is effective immediately and will last until March 6, 2023, or until a new CEO is named.
“AMC Networks has a seasoned executive leadership team and I look forward to working with them to provide high-level strategic direction and guidance as we navigate the business during this period of transformation in the media industry,” Dolan said in a statement.
Also Read:
Christina Spade Abruptly Exits as AMC Networks CEO After Less Than 3 Months
Dolan is executive chairman and CEO of New York Knicks owner Madison Square Garden Sports and Madison Square Garden Entertainment and executive chairman of Msg Networks. He is also a producer and executive, known for the feature film “August: Osage County” and 2020’s “Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – At Home Holiday Special.”
He was nominated...
- 12/6/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
AMC Networks, whose CEO Christina Spade resigned last week, said Monday its board has named James Dolan “interim executive chairman.”
“Effective immediately, Mr. Dolan will serve as Interim Executive Chairman which will enable him to provide strategic oversight of the company until a new CEO is named,” AMC said in an SEC filing.
“AMC Networks has a seasoned executive leadership team and I look forward to working with them to provide high-level strategic direction and guidance as we navigate the business during this period of transformation in the media industry,” said Dolan.
He’ll remain in the position until the earlier of the board of directors appointing a new chief executive officer, or March 6, 2023.
As Spade left — after only three months in the top job — Dolan announced a wave of layoffs and plans to restructure and cut costs across divisions as the company faces down financial headwinds. Streaming growth has...
“Effective immediately, Mr. Dolan will serve as Interim Executive Chairman which will enable him to provide strategic oversight of the company until a new CEO is named,” AMC said in an SEC filing.
“AMC Networks has a seasoned executive leadership team and I look forward to working with them to provide high-level strategic direction and guidance as we navigate the business during this period of transformation in the media industry,” said Dolan.
He’ll remain in the position until the earlier of the board of directors appointing a new chief executive officer, or March 6, 2023.
As Spade left — after only three months in the top job — Dolan announced a wave of layoffs and plans to restructure and cut costs across divisions as the company faces down financial headwinds. Streaming growth has...
- 12/5/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
As AMC Networks finalizes a replacement for CEO Christina Spade after she abruptly stepped down on Nov. 29, the media company has named chairman James Dolan as interim executive chairman.
AMC announced the short term appointment on Dec. 5 in an SEC filing. Dolan will receive no pay bump and will serve in the stop-gap post until a new CEO is named, or until March 6, 2023.
The short term appointment suggests AMC is close to announcing a successor for Spade, who became CEO on Sept. 9, 2022 and suddenly left last week. AMC Networks operates such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streaming services as AMC+, Acorn TV and horror-focused Shudder.
In the wake of Spade’s sudden departure, the company said it will undergo steep layoffs to cut costs as the media company attempts to offset losses from traditional linear TV...
As AMC Networks finalizes a replacement for CEO Christina Spade after she abruptly stepped down on Nov. 29, the media company has named chairman James Dolan as interim executive chairman.
AMC announced the short term appointment on Dec. 5 in an SEC filing. Dolan will receive no pay bump and will serve in the stop-gap post until a new CEO is named, or until March 6, 2023.
The short term appointment suggests AMC is close to announcing a successor for Spade, who became CEO on Sept. 9, 2022 and suddenly left last week. AMC Networks operates such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streaming services as AMC+, Acorn TV and horror-focused Shudder.
In the wake of Spade’s sudden departure, the company said it will undergo steep layoffs to cut costs as the media company attempts to offset losses from traditional linear TV...
- 12/5/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC+ has canceled its sci-fi series “Moonhaven,” with the subscription video streaming service reversing its decision just four months ago to renew it for a second season.
The second season from creator and showrunner Peter Ocko was set to span six episodes and return to AMC+ in 2023. The cancellation comes amid programming write-downs and “large-scale layoff” at AMC Networks.
Upon its renewal in July, Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, said in a statement, “This is such an engaging and entertaining series, brilliantly conceived and run by Peter. The story is suspenseful, provocative and prescient, and features a phenomenal cast that delivers mesmerizing performances. What Peter and the team are crafting for Season 2 is next level, and the fans will be thrilled.”
Also Read:
AMC Networks Renews ‘Moonhaven’ for Season 2
Although AMC Networks grew streaming subscribers by 44 in the third quarter, it saw revenue decline...
The second season from creator and showrunner Peter Ocko was set to span six episodes and return to AMC+ in 2023. The cancellation comes amid programming write-downs and “large-scale layoff” at AMC Networks.
Upon its renewal in July, Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, said in a statement, “This is such an engaging and entertaining series, brilliantly conceived and run by Peter. The story is suspenseful, provocative and prescient, and features a phenomenal cast that delivers mesmerizing performances. What Peter and the team are crafting for Season 2 is next level, and the fans will be thrilled.”
Also Read:
AMC Networks Renews ‘Moonhaven’ for Season 2
Although AMC Networks grew streaming subscribers by 44 in the third quarter, it saw revenue decline...
- 12/4/2022
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
AMC Network said today it will take write-downs for up to 475 million as it restructures its business to cut costs. That includes up to 400 million for content-related moves it calls “strategic programming assessments” and 75 million for organizational restructuring costs including severance.
The shakeup at the Dolan-controlled company came Tuesday as CEO Christina Spade stepped down and the company announced plans to lay off 20 of its U.S. staff, or about 200 people. Chairman James Dolan sent a dire memo to staff, the gist of which was reiterated in an SEC filing today. It said AMC Networks started a restructuring on Monday, aiming to “achieve significant cost reductions, in light of ‘cord cutting’ and the related impacts being felt across the media industry as well as the broader economic outlook. The plan encompasses initiatives that will include, among other things, strategic programming assessments and organizational restructuring costs.”
It said the “programming assessments...
The shakeup at the Dolan-controlled company came Tuesday as CEO Christina Spade stepped down and the company announced plans to lay off 20 of its U.S. staff, or about 200 people. Chairman James Dolan sent a dire memo to staff, the gist of which was reiterated in an SEC filing today. It said AMC Networks started a restructuring on Monday, aiming to “achieve significant cost reductions, in light of ‘cord cutting’ and the related impacts being felt across the media industry as well as the broader economic outlook. The plan encompasses initiatives that will include, among other things, strategic programming assessments and organizational restructuring costs.”
It said the “programming assessments...
- 12/1/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
AMC Networks says that it expects to have restructuring charges of between 350 million and 475 million, “in light of ‘cord cutting’ and the related impacts being felt across the media industry as well as the broader economic outlook.”
Those charges include the company-wide layoffs announced earlier this week, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in write-downs related to TV programming.
The company disclosed the writedowns in a securities filing Thursday.
The topline figure includes organizational and severance costs of between 50 million and 75 million, reflecting layoffs at the company. And it will also include “strategic programming assessments leading to content charges of approximately 300 million to 400 million.”
It was not immediately clear which titles are impacted by the write-down, but AMC says that “the programming assessments pertain to a broad mix of owned and licensed content, including legacy television series and films that will...
AMC Networks says that it expects to have restructuring charges of between 350 million and 475 million, “in light of ‘cord cutting’ and the related impacts being felt across the media industry as well as the broader economic outlook.”
Those charges include the company-wide layoffs announced earlier this week, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in write-downs related to TV programming.
The company disclosed the writedowns in a securities filing Thursday.
The topline figure includes organizational and severance costs of between 50 million and 75 million, reflecting layoffs at the company. And it will also include “strategic programming assessments leading to content charges of approximately 300 million to 400 million.”
It was not immediately clear which titles are impacted by the write-down, but AMC says that “the programming assessments pertain to a broad mix of owned and licensed content, including legacy television series and films that will...
- 12/1/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC Networks’ head of unscripted, Marco Bresaz, has exited the company amid cost-cutting moves made on the heels of the sudden departure of CEO Christina Spade.
Bresaz’s is the first high-profile cut made at the cabler since James Dolan, AMC Networks’ chairman, released a memo Monday, following the Spade news hitting, that “significant cut backs in operations” were coming shortly.
“As I am sure you are aware our industry has been under pressure from growing subscriber losses. This is primarily due to ‘cord cutting,’” Dolan said in a memo to staffers at the time. “At the same time we have seen the rise of direct to consumer streaming apps including our own AMC+. It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case. We are primarily a content company and the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray.
Bresaz’s is the first high-profile cut made at the cabler since James Dolan, AMC Networks’ chairman, released a memo Monday, following the Spade news hitting, that “significant cut backs in operations” were coming shortly.
“As I am sure you are aware our industry has been under pressure from growing subscriber losses. This is primarily due to ‘cord cutting,’” Dolan said in a memo to staffers at the time. “At the same time we have seen the rise of direct to consumer streaming apps including our own AMC+. It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case. We are primarily a content company and the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray.
- 12/1/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
A media sector squeezed by streaming losses, anemic stocks, layoffs and executive turmoil unveiled its latest casualties Tuesday: 20 of AMC Networks’ U.S. staff, or about 200 people, along with the departure of CEO Christina Spade.
The news follows Bob Chapek’s equally sudden departure last Sunday from Disney after a quarter of hefty streaming losses and months of PR missteps. No reason was given for Spade’s departure, but it kicked off another round of speculation about the potential for the cuts being a preamble to an M&a transaction. AMC Networks declined to comment when contacted by Deadline.
Jobs are being axed from Warner Bros Discovery to Paramount Global, Disney and the CW alongside a virtual bloodbath in tech. Today’s staff memo from AMC Networks chairman James Dolan, whose family is the company’s controlling shareholder, was particularly grim, noting that “the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray.
The news follows Bob Chapek’s equally sudden departure last Sunday from Disney after a quarter of hefty streaming losses and months of PR missteps. No reason was given for Spade’s departure, but it kicked off another round of speculation about the potential for the cuts being a preamble to an M&a transaction. AMC Networks declined to comment when contacted by Deadline.
Jobs are being axed from Warner Bros Discovery to Paramount Global, Disney and the CW alongside a virtual bloodbath in tech. Today’s staff memo from AMC Networks chairman James Dolan, whose family is the company’s controlling shareholder, was particularly grim, noting that “the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray.
- 11/30/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Shortly after AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade abruptly stepped down after less than three months in the role, the company’s chairman, James Dolan, sent a memo to staff on Nov. 29 forecasting “large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area.”
“It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case,” Dolan wrote, adding: “We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood. We do not take this lightly. We will take every step possible to minimize the impact of these actions on our community.”
The company — home of such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streamers as AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder — didn’t immediately provide details about...
Shortly after AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade abruptly stepped down after less than three months in the role, the company’s chairman, James Dolan, sent a memo to staff on Nov. 29 forecasting “large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area.”
“It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case,” Dolan wrote, adding: “We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood. We do not take this lightly. We will take every step possible to minimize the impact of these actions on our community.”
The company — home of such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streamers as AMC+, Acorn TV and Shudder — didn’t immediately provide details about...
- 11/29/2022
- by Georg Szalai, Lesley Goldberg and Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC Networks is planning a “large-scale layoff” amid CEO Christina Spade’s abrupt departure from the company after less than three months, per an internal memo penned by chairman James Dolan, obtained by TheWrap.
In the note to staff, Dolan — who pointed to a need for resource conservation following mixed third-quarter earnings results — said that the company has “directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the TV and streaming company announced Spade’s exit, though no reason was given for her leaving. She had served in the post since Sept. 9, taking over Matt Blank who held the position as an interim since September 2021. When AMC Networks’ Board of Directors names a replacement, which it is currently finalizing, it will mark the company’s fourth individual at the helm in two years.
Also Read:
Christina Spade Abruptly Exits as AMC Networks CEO...
In the note to staff, Dolan — who pointed to a need for resource conservation following mixed third-quarter earnings results — said that the company has “directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the TV and streaming company announced Spade’s exit, though no reason was given for her leaving. She had served in the post since Sept. 9, taking over Matt Blank who held the position as an interim since September 2021. When AMC Networks’ Board of Directors names a replacement, which it is currently finalizing, it will mark the company’s fourth individual at the helm in two years.
Also Read:
Christina Spade Abruptly Exits as AMC Networks CEO...
- 11/29/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Updated, 8:56 Am: AMC Networks Chairman James Dolan warned of layoffs at the media company in a staff memo to employees as newly installed CEO Christina Spade steps down after a tenure of only three months.
It hadn’t been immediately clear what was behind her departure. But Dolan’s memo notes weakening financials. “It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming,” Dolan said. “This has not been the case.”
“We have directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations. These will include a large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area of AMC Networks,” he said in the memo obtained by Deadline. See in full below.
“We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood,” Dolan said. “We do not take this lightly.
It hadn’t been immediately clear what was behind her departure. But Dolan’s memo notes weakening financials. “It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming,” Dolan said. “This has not been the case.”
“We have directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations. These will include a large-scale layoff as well as cuts to every operating area of AMC Networks,” he said in the memo obtained by Deadline. See in full below.
“We of course realize that this will cause significant concern and anxiety for our employees and those who rely on AMC Networks for their livelihood,” Dolan said. “We do not take this lightly.
- 11/29/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman, Dade Hayes and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
AMC Networks is about become the latest entertainment company to undergo layoffs. The company will begin “large-scale layoffs” soon, according to a memo sent to staff from James Dolan on Tuesday.
In the memo, Dolan, the CEO of AMC parent company Msg Entertainment, attributed the decision to subscriber losses via cord-cutting, or the cancellation of cable bundles in favor of streaming. Dolan said that AMC initially believed gains in subscribers for their streamers like AMC+ and Shudder would offset losses from cable cutting, but their estimates proved to be wrong.
“It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case. We are primarily a content company and the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray,” Dolan said in the memo. “We have directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations. These will...
In the memo, Dolan, the CEO of AMC parent company Msg Entertainment, attributed the decision to subscriber losses via cord-cutting, or the cancellation of cable bundles in favor of streaming. Dolan said that AMC initially believed gains in subscribers for their streamers like AMC+ and Shudder would offset losses from cable cutting, but their estimates proved to be wrong.
“It was our belief that cord cutting losses would be offset by gains in streaming. This has not been the case. We are primarily a content company and the mechanisms for the monetization of content are in disarray,” Dolan said in the memo. “We have directed the executive leadership of AMC Networks to undergo significant cutbacks in operations. These will...
- 11/29/2022
- by Tony Maglio and Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
New AMC Networks CEO Christina Spade has exited after less than three months on the job. As of November 29, Spade is no longer listed on the company’s press website among the executives. She is still on the public-facing landing page.
In a statement shared with IndieWire, AMC said Spade “stepped down.” The company’s board “is currently finalizing who it will name as a replacement, with an announcement to follow,” it continued.
“We thank Christina for her contributions to the company in her CEO role and her earlier CFO role, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” AMC Networks Chairman James Dolan said.
In a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the publicly traded company said Spade departed on November 28. It added that she “will receive the severance benefits payable in accordance with the terms of her employment agreement…on a termination without ’cause’ or resignation for ‘good reason’ basis.
In a statement shared with IndieWire, AMC said Spade “stepped down.” The company’s board “is currently finalizing who it will name as a replacement, with an announcement to follow,” it continued.
“We thank Christina for her contributions to the company in her CEO role and her earlier CFO role, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” AMC Networks Chairman James Dolan said.
In a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the publicly traded company said Spade departed on November 28. It added that she “will receive the severance benefits payable in accordance with the terms of her employment agreement…on a termination without ’cause’ or resignation for ‘good reason’ basis.
- 11/29/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
AMC Networks said on Tuesday that CEO Christina Spade “has stepped down from her role” without giving details about the reason.
The news came as a surprise as Spade had only taken over the role as of Sept. 9. A successor wasn’t immediately named.
“The AMC Networks board of directors is currently finalizing who it will name as a replacement, with an announcement to follow,” the company, which operates such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streaming services as AMC+, Acorn TV and horror-focused Shudder, said on Tuesday.
AMC Networks chairman James Dolan said: “We thank Christina for her contributions to the company in her CEO role and her earlier CFO role, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”
A representative said the company had no further comment.
A regulatory filing later on Tuesday morning added some color.
AMC Networks said on Tuesday that CEO Christina Spade “has stepped down from her role” without giving details about the reason.
The news came as a surprise as Spade had only taken over the role as of Sept. 9. A successor wasn’t immediately named.
“The AMC Networks board of directors is currently finalizing who it will name as a replacement, with an announcement to follow,” the company, which operates such cable networks as AMC, IFC and Sundance TV, as well as such streaming services as AMC+, Acorn TV and horror-focused Shudder, said on Tuesday.
AMC Networks chairman James Dolan said: “We thank Christina for her contributions to the company in her CEO role and her earlier CFO role, and we wish her well in her future endeavors.”
A representative said the company had no further comment.
A regulatory filing later on Tuesday morning added some color.
- 11/29/2022
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Msg Entertainment is exploring a spinoff two of its most iconic properties — New York’s Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, as well as its regional sports channels — in a bid to provide cash and new options for its Msg Sphere project, which is set to open next year in Las Vegas.
Msg Entertainment’s board of directors explored the move, and in a statement Thursday the company outlined the plan.
Under the plan being considered, the iconic New York arena (home to concerts, live events and New York Knicks and Rangers games), Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre and the Chicago Theatre, as well as those venues’ entertainment and sports booking businesses, would be spun out into a new live entertainment and media company.
Also part of the new company would be the Msg Networks’ Rsn business, the arena...
Msg Entertainment is exploring a spinoff two of its most iconic properties — New York’s Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall, as well as its regional sports channels — in a bid to provide cash and new options for its Msg Sphere project, which is set to open next year in Las Vegas.
Msg Entertainment’s board of directors explored the move, and in a statement Thursday the company outlined the plan.
Under the plan being considered, the iconic New York arena (home to concerts, live events and New York Knicks and Rangers games), Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre and the Chicago Theatre, as well as those venues’ entertainment and sports booking businesses, would be spun out into a new live entertainment and media company.
Also part of the new company would be the Msg Networks’ Rsn business, the arena...
- 8/18/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMC has been through multiple phases, from its origins as American Movie Classics to its iconic anti-hero years of “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men.” Now, the flagship property of AMC Networks is entering its next era, as it says goodbye to “The Walking Dead” and “Better Call Saul” in a few months, and hello to its Anne Rice franchise, increased viewership on AMC+ and it’s biggest year of original programming yet.
The way Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios at AMC Networks, puts it to Variety, the company is experiencing “a real creative renaissance and resurgence.” “In the wake of these classic, great tentpole series ending, we’re successfully launching the next generation of classic, great tentpole series,” McDermott says.
Behind-the-scenes, McDermott — who joined the company right before the pandemic hit — has been leading a great deal of that charge, following a shakeup in leadership that saw...
The way Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios at AMC Networks, puts it to Variety, the company is experiencing “a real creative renaissance and resurgence.” “In the wake of these classic, great tentpole series ending, we’re successfully launching the next generation of classic, great tentpole series,” McDermott says.
Behind-the-scenes, McDermott — who joined the company right before the pandemic hit — has been leading a great deal of that charge, following a shakeup in leadership that saw...
- 6/16/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
[[tmz:video id="0_u62qsu2f"]] Fat Joe is calling for More Knicks heads to roll ... saying Jimmy Dolan needs to put head coach Jeff Hornacek in the crosshairs after pulling the trigger on Phil Jackson. "[Hornacek's] gotta go. Phil's gotta go ... they gotta get rid of everybody down with that regime," Joe tells TMZ Sports. Fyi, Fat Joe is diehard Knicks superfan -- Loves 'Em -- and says he truly believes the man who can save his squad is ex-Golden State...
- 6/28/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
James Dolan is seeking suitors for a potential sale of Msg Networks, according to the New York Post. The Manhattan newspaper said that any talks are “rather young.” The Msg Company wouldn’t comment on the report when reached by TheWrap: “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation,” a spokesperson told us. The Regional Sports Network (Rsn) commands a hefty $5 per subscriber. By comparison, national network Espn is almost up to $8 per cable customer. Cord-cutting is hurting those businesses, however. Msg Networks reaches about 7 million houses in the New York City metropolitan area. Also Read: Louis Ck Releases New $5 Special,...
- 4/4/2017
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
It’s extremely hard not to be a Kristaps Porzingis fan. He’s an incredible talent with all of the potential in the world. At 7’3 he does what no man can do at his size. They don’t call him “The Unicorn” for nothing. Though I think “Kp” is a more than fine nickname. As to whether or not the big man will actually pan out as his potential sees is another question. I’m of the opinion that once Carmelo Anthony is gone from the fundamentally cursed team that is the New York Knicks (curse because of James Dolan), that he will
This Picture of an 8-Year-Old Kristaps Porzingis Rules...
This Picture of an 8-Year-Old Kristaps Porzingis Rules...
- 3/4/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
[[tmz:video id="0_k5z50p45"]] Finally, some good news for James Dolan ... one of his most famous players is coming to his defense -- saying he's the Best owner he's ever had. Remember, Dolan doesn't just own the Knicks -- he also owns the NY Rangers ... so when we saw goalie Henrik Lundqvist out in NYC, we had to ask where he stood in the Charles Oakley drama. Lundqvist made it very clear he's got Dolan's back -- saying, "He's...
- 2/27/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Charles Oakley might not want to return to Msg after his beef with James Dolan, but that won't keep him from watching his Knicks ... sitting courtside as New York visited the Cavs Thursday night. Oak -- a Cleveland native -- was invited to sit next to Dan Gilbert to have an up-close look at LeBron James and the defending world champs beat up on the struggling Knicks. Oakley was temporarily banned from the Garden after...
- 2/24/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Draymond Green says he never meant to imply Knicks owner James Dolan was a racist with his "slave master mentality" comments ... saying he describing the mindset, and not the man. Green caused a racial firestorm earlier this week when he used the term "slave master mentality" to describe Dolan's attitude and treatment of Knicks great Charles Oakley. The backlash from the comments was severe ... with people saying Draymond had no right to inject race into...
- 2/17/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Charles Oakley just compared Knicks owner James Dolan to disgraced ex-Clippers owner Donald Sterling -- but stopped short of calling him a full-blown racist. Oakley was asked about Draymond Green's claim that Dolan has a "slave master mentality" -- and while Charles wouldn't definitely agree with the term ... he didn't say Green was wrong either. Oakley sounded off on "Si Now" and said he predicts the Knicks "will end up the same way as...
- 2/16/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Charles Oakley's beef with the Knicks looks like it might be squashed ... thanks to Michael Jordan ... who was part of a meeting between Oak, James Dolan and the NBA commish. Oakley, J.D. and the NBA honcho met face-to-face today in NYC ... while Jordan called into the sit-down. Adam Silver addressed the high-level meeting in a statement ... saying, "In an effort to find a path forward, New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan, Charles Oakley,...
- 2/14/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
While the world might not want to read this, Andy Gray, writer for Sports Illustrated, shed some light on the Charles Oakley Msg incident on his Facebook account last night. Apparently Gray is friends with a number of people who were sitting a row in front of Oakley the night of the incident. From what they’re telling him, Oakley was well more than buzzed and was apparently being belligerent to waitresses and ushers for a very long time before the escalated James Dolan incident. I bring this up because even I, a Knicks fan, don’t care. Charles Oakley is the
T.I. is Proposing Boycott of Msg Until Charles Oakley Lifetime Ban Is Lifted...
T.I. is Proposing Boycott of Msg Until Charles Oakley Lifetime Ban Is Lifted...
- 2/11/2017
- by Nat Berman
- TVovermind.com
TMZ Sports has obtained witness statements in the Charles Oakley incident at Msg -- in which Knicks staffers claimed Oakley went on a verbal tear trashing white people, cops and Jimmy Dolan after things got physical with security. According to the documents, one security guard told Msg investigators Oakley was talking to fans before the incident when he saw security looking at him. The security guard says Oakley said, "You got all these f**king security here looking at me,...
- 2/10/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_ktjvzbrr"]] Charles Oakley says he has No Idea why he was kicked out of Madison Square Garden before things got physical with security Wednesday night ... swearing he has nothing but Love for the Knicks. After Oakley was released from police custody, he sat down with a friend of his from Jimmy's NYC restaurant and calmly gave his side of the story. Oakley also told the The NY Daily News he did Not put his hands on...
- 2/9/2017
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Msg executive chairman James Dolan told the Rockettes they were expected to tolerate intolerance during a meeting about the dance group’s performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Marie Claire obtained audio of the meeting, which was secretly recorded by one of the Rockettes late last month, and reported the women “still seem to largely oppose the decision made on their behalf to enter this particular political fray.” According to the publication, one of the dancers said to Dolan, “I mean, it just sounds like you’re asking us to be tolerant of intolerance.” Marie Claire reported that her comment...
- 1/3/2017
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
Cablevision CEO and Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman James Dolan has left his seat on the board of The Weinstein Company, TheWrap has learned. The executive and longtime pal of Harvey Weinstein will be replaced by Avenue Capital founder and Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry. “Jim Dolan is one of my and Bob’s best friends. His insight into business has led us to grow an unbelievably successful TV division. He was the biggest impetus, years ago, for us getting into TV in a big way — we owe him for that,” Harvey Weinstein said Tuesday through a company spokesperson. Also Read: Lin-Manuel.
- 6/21/2016
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
[[tmz:video id="0_3wedw239"]] Beware NBA owners ... Knicks headman James Dolan might just dominate the whole lot of you ... if you ever meet him on the bowling lanes, 'cause it turns out Dolan is one hell of a roller. Dolan was out at the Gardens of Dream bowling event in NYC when we asked him what his skills are like in the realm of strikes and gutterballs. Check out the clip -- Dolan says he's got more skills than...
- 3/7/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
[[tmz:video id="0_5st61hfq"]] NY Knicks' James Dolan is having a good week ... his team is winning ... and his band just landed a huge gig ... To Open For Jewel!!! Dolan -- who's worth Billions -- was out in NYC this morning when he broke the big news about his band Jd & The Straight Shot. Fyi -- James is the founder and frontman of the blues inspired rock band ... and told us they're going on tour with Jewel in March to promote their new album.
- 1/20/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Already ensnared in the escalating daily fantasy sports legal tangle, Time Warner, Fox and Comcast are among numerous targets in a suit filed today in federal court in Florida, according to a post on Sports Illustrated’s website. Specific defendants in the potential class action include Turner Sports, Time Warner, NBC Sports Comcast Ventures, 21st Century Fox, Fox Sports Interactive Media as well as New York Knicks and Msg Sports and Entertainment owner James Dolan. The…...
- 11/21/2015
- Deadline TV
Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys band come to life in the first official footage released from the upcoming biopic, I Saw the Light. British actor Tom Hiddleston steps into the shoes of the Alabama native in a brief scene from the film that depicts the singer and his band members in the studio recording what would be his first hit, "Move It on Over," at Nashville's Castle Studio in 1947. There's also a brief glimpse of Williams watching from a window as his then-wife, Audrey, played by Elizabeth Olsen, admonishes...
- 9/11/2015
- Rollingstone.com
The big-screen retelling of the life of country music icon Hank Williams has secured a release date, just in time for awards season. Sony Pictures Classics has announced that I Saw the Light will bow in movie theaters on Black Friday, November 27th.
English actor Tom Hiddleston will play the lead role and do his own singing in the film. His previous screen credits include the role of Loki in a trio of Marvel films: Thor, The Avengers and Thor: The Dark World. He also portrayed novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald...
English actor Tom Hiddleston will play the lead role and do his own singing in the film. His previous screen credits include the role of Loki in a trio of Marvel films: Thor, The Avengers and Thor: The Dark World. He also portrayed novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald...
- 7/1/2015
- Rollingstone.com
CAA managing partner Doc O'Connor was officially unveiled as Madison Square Garden Company CEO on Tuesday. He's set to start on July 15. "Growing up in New Jersey, some of my earliest and fondest memories involve The Madison Square Garden Company — from my first professional hockey and basketball games to my first rock concert to Radio City Music Hall and the Christmas Spectacular," said O'Connor in a statement. "It is a privilege for me to come full circle and work with Msg's legendary brands." James Dolan, executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company, stated: "We
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- 6/30/2015
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Maybe it’s time to stop calling them “cable TV” companies. “Connectivity is our No. 1 product now; it is no longer video,” Cablevision CEO Jim Dolan told an investor gathering today. “That is a significant change to our model.” It isn’t just because his Long Island-based company now has more broadband subscribers than TV ones. “We expect a reduction in the big bundle offering,” he said in an interview with Guggenheim Partners Executive Chairman Alan Schwartz — who’s a…...
- 6/16/2015
- Deadline TV
The lunar landing, the origin of Pepsi, and the true paternity of Ronan Farrow. These are only a few of the more popular conspiracy theories that have circulated throughout society. And like the majority of all conspiracy theories, they all seem pretty baseless. One such conspiracy theory that originally seemed like a crackpot notion, but has since gained steam, is that Marvel is slowly trying to phase out the X-Men in a misguided, and totally James Dolan-esque attempt to spite 20th Century Fox, the studio that owns the film rights of the X-Men (What it comes down to, is that Fox refuses to sell back the X-Men film rights to Marvel, and now that the movies are making money, Marvel wants the mutants back). If someone tried to make this claim back in 1995, not only would this person be the most incorrect person on the planet, but no one...
- 5/26/2015
- by Andrew Doscas
- SoundOnSight
Knicks owner James Dolan has something in common with Mariah Carey ... he's a huge Diva .. so says Knicks legend Charles Oakley who says Dolan completely bungled an email situation with a fan. Oakley -- who spent 10 years ballin' in Madison Square Garden -- tells TMZ Sports Dolan had some nerve ripping into a lifelong Knicks fan who had written a letter bitching about the team. Fyi -- Dolan called the fan a "sad person" and...
- 2/11/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
• Gal Gadot is in talks for the female lead in Ben-Hur. Timbur Bekmambetov is directing. The work is a remake of the 1959 film of the same name, as well as an adaptation of the Lew Wallace novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The film follows Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), the Jewish prince who is betrayed into slavery by Messala (Toby Kebbell). Morgan Freeman will play the man who teaches Ben-Hur the art of chariot-racing. If Gadot signs on, she will play Esther, a slave and the love interest of Ben-Hur. Keith Clarke penned the script with a rewrite by John Ridley.
- 10/16/2014
- by C. Molly Smith
- EW - Inside Movies
Jim Dolan, founder and frontman of Jd & The Straight Shot, CEO of Cablevision and executive chairman of the Madison Square Garden Company, presented a donation of $100,000 to Dorine Gordon, president and CEO of the Als Association, Greater New York chapter, at Madison Square Garden. The gift comes after 7,422 fans accepted Dolan's challenge to break the record for simultaneous kazoo playing — a record set during a concert by Dolan's band, which opened for The Eagles at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 18.
- 10/3/2014
- by Ray Waddell, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you're not into getting water and ice dumped on your head, you should start learning how to play a the kazoo. Madison Square Garden owner Jim Dolan donated $100,000 to the Als Association last night after he helped set a world record for kazoo playing. Yes, kazoo playing. Here's what went down… Dolan's band Jd & The Straight Shot opened for the Eagles last night at the Garden. After 7,422 kazoos were handed out to ticket-holders as they entered the arena for the concert, they were asked to play them during the kazoo solo when Jd & The Straight Shot performed their new song, "Governor's Song." The challenge resulted in setting a world record for...
- 9/19/2014
- E! Online
Carmelo Anthony opted out of the final year of his contract with the Knicks on Monday, making the 30-year-old forward a free agent. As the perennial All-Star begins to test the waters, the Knicks’ most famous fan and sideline season ticket holder is hoping Melo finds his way back to the Garden. “Yeah , so does Phil Jackson, so does James Dolan,” Spike Lee told TheWrap in an interview at his Brooklyn office on Monday. See video: Spike Lee Thinks Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Has ‘Mentality of a Slave Master’ “We need him, because here's the...
- 6/23/2014
- by Jordan Zakarin
- The Wrap
The joint venture forged last year between Jim Dolan’s Madison Square Garden and Irving Azoff’s Azoff Music Management just complemented its strength in music and large venues by adding comedy and clubs. Azoff Msg says today that it bought 50% of Levity Entertainment Group, a power in comedy management and booking that also owns clubs and produces TV shows including about 100 specials for Comedy Central and Food Network’s Iron Chef. The companies didn’t disclose financial terms. But Leg chief Robert Hartmann tells me that the infusion of capital and management expertise will enable him to move on his ambitious global growth plans, which include the development of clubs that combine music and comedy. “It’s not your father’s comedy club,” he says. “It’s more a diversified entertainment destination.” Hartmann will continue to run day-to-day operations but says he’ll have a “true partnership” with Azoff...
- 6/10/2014
- by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Financial Editor
- Deadline TV
A review of tonight's two "Louie" episodes coming up just as soon as I don't drink lemonade for two years... It's the end of a long weekend, and I didn't get to see "Elevator" Parts 4 & 5 until today, so in the interests of getting some discussion going before this miniseries concludes a week from tonight, let's go straight to the bullet points: * "Elevator" remains very much about communication, but also about loneliness. Louie makes so many mistakes in his life out of a fear of being lonely, even as he admits in Part 5 that there are times when he wishes he was always lonely, because being around people (his daughters in particular) is so stressful. And the solitary life is exemplified by Todd Barry's amusingly riveting monologue about his incredibly mundane, self-involved day, a speech delivered with such verve that the entire bar bursts into applause when he tells them...
- 5/27/2014
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Perhaps it’s just a coincidence (don’t strain yourself trying to find out) that the same year the Tribeca Film Festival was partially acquired by Knicks owner James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Company, the Espn-sponsored sports film sidebar — a reliable showcase of “30 For 30″-esque jock docs destined for the network — kicked off with a gala screening of actor Michael Rappaport’s When the Garden Was Eden, a documentary about the Knicks’ late ’60s and early ’70s glory years. Here, the director of the well-regarded A Tribe Called Quest doc Beats, Rhymes & Life (which I wrote about here) relies on standard-fare […]...
- 4/22/2014
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Perhaps it’s just a coincidence (don’t strain yourself trying to find out) that the same year the Tribeca Film Festival was partially acquired by Knicks owner James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Company, the Espn-sponsored sports film sidebar — a reliable showcase of “30 For 30″-esque jock docs destined for the network — kicked off with a gala screening of actor Michael Rappaport’s When the Garden Was Eden, a documentary about the Knicks’ late ’60s and early ’70s glory years. Here, the director of the well-regarded A Tribe Called Quest doc Beats, Rhymes & Life (which I wrote about here) relies on standard-fare […]...
- 4/22/2014
- by Brandon Harris
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
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