• by Wayne Friedman , August 6, 2021

Following other TV network groups, AMC Networks had strong second-quarter gains in advertising revenues -- 13% higher (to $212 million) for its U.S. networks and 75% more internationally (to $75 million).

Overall revenues grew 20% in the period to $771.4 million, with operating income up 40% to $68.3 million.

In addition to advertising, distribution revenue were also up sharply -- adding 14% for U.S. networks to $427 million and growing 48% internationally to $112 million. Much of its U.S. revenue growth for distribution came from its streaming businesses, including its platform AMC+, which was up 21%.

But AMC, like other TV networks, also witnessed core, traditional distribution business declining -- citing that “normalized” affiliate revenue sank to “low single digits” due to overall U.S. subscriber declines.

In addition, due to the pandemic TV production delays, content licensing revenues decreased 10%, given less available original programming.

Last month, AMC agreed to a settlement with “The Walking Dead” original producer, writer and director Frank Darabont, and Creative Artists Agency, for $200 million, as well as future revenue-sharing as it concerns “The Walking Dead “and” Fear The Walking Dead.”

The Company recorded a charge of $143 million.