Global Media Group

AMC Networks Rebrands as AMC Global Media

Ahead of upfront season, AMC Networks announced an official corporate rebrand to AMC Global Media, saying the new name reflects its evolution into a global media and studio-driven company with streaming as the leading source of domestic revenue. CEO Kristin Dolan said the company produces and curates content for viewers worldwide. AMC Global Media reported distribution to subscribers in more than 100 countries and territories, offers content in over a dozen languages, and produces roughly 1,000 hours of original programming including live sports. Its portfolio includes streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and AMC Studios. The rebrand follows an industry trend of dropping “Networks” as companies prioritize global streaming and cross-platform capabilities. The company’s upfront is scheduled for April 29 at Spring Studios in Manhattan.

Microsoft Names Publicis Global Media Agency, Announces AI Partnership

Microsoft confirmed Publicis Groupe as its global media agency of record and said the two companies will form an AI partnership to combine tools, technology and data for clients. ADWEEK reports Microsoft’s media account, previously held by Dentsu, was awarded to Publicis without a pitch. Dentsu will, however, continue to handle media planning and buying for Xbox and will work with the brand through its Tag Worldwide production network. Industry data provider COMvergence estimates Microsoft’s media spend at $700 million in 2025. The announcement frames the move as both an agency-of-record assignment and a strategic collaboration around AI capabilities.

Amazon, Global’s DAX Plan UK Audio Ad Partnership

Amazon and Dax (the digital audio arm of U.K. broadcaster Global Media Group) plan to announce an audio-advertising partnership in the U.K. that would let advertisers layer Amazon’s first-party retail signals onto Global’s radio and streaming audio inventory. The collaboration, presented privately to media buyers and described as a first-of-its-kind U.K. audio deal, is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to expand its demand-side platform (ADSP) by integrating retail data into audio and connected-TV inventory. Amazon has forged similar integrations with Spotify, SiriusXM, iHeart and CTV partners (Roku, Disney’s DRAX, Netflix) to make data-enriched inventory available through its DSP. Global reported roughly $1.1 billion in revenue for the year ending March 2024; DAX is its digital advertising platform.