• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, September 27, 2022

Creative and media agency Known has been named global media agency of record for AMC Networks including its flagship network AMC and portfolio sibling networks BBC America, IFC, WE tv, and Sundance TV. Streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, Shudder, Sundance Now, and Hidive are also part of the Known remit.   

The award followed a six-month global review led by Casey Burnett at the Burnett Collective. Dentsu and Allied Global Media were incumbents and participated in the pitch along with several other global holding company agencies.

AMC spent an estimated $50.9 million on measured media in 2021 including $28 million on traditional media and $22.9 for digital according to agency research firm COMvergence.

Known was formed about two years ago when marketing and data strategy firm Schireson Associates acquired independent creative agency Stun Creative and brand strategy firm Blackbird. The companies were combined to form Known. The firm is led by former Viacom executive Kern Schireson, who is Chairman and CEO of the company.  

Known also has data scientists and research teams and strategists who leverage machine learning, AI and the company's proprietary media operating system, called Skeptic.

In addition to its advertising, marketing and media capabilities the company has a production unit that has created programs including Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission To Space for Netflix in partnership with Time Studios documenting the first ever all-civilian mission into orbit.

Known has over 450 employees in six U.S. cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Boston and New York. 

AMC Networks is known for such popular programs as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead, Killing Eve, Halt and Catch Fire and Rectify.

Working closely with AMC Networks’ President of Marketing, Len Fogge, and his team, Known will serve as agency of record for full funnel media strategy, planning and buying across all media channels.

“We look forward to working with Known as a true strategic business partner to support everything we are doing,” Fogge stated. “Their creative excellence and strong data-driven approach to this work is a powerful and rare combination. Consolidating media planning and buying with Known enhances our ability to evolve our business and engage passionate fans with the content they love, however they want to watch.”