AMC Networks appoints Sam Rowden to head new content group across UK and EMEA

AMC Networks International has promoted Sam Rowden to vice President of content group to oversee its content strategy across the UK and EMEA

Rowden who joined the company in 2007, currently oversees the company’s programming strategy for the CBS channel portfolio consisting of six entertainment channels owned by joint ventures between AMCNI-UK and Paramount Global.

In the newly created role will continue to report to Kevin Dickie, EVP/MD for AMCNI-UK and head the newly formed content group.

She will be responsible for both the linear and streaming content strategies across the UK and EMEA, which includes the oversight of the joint venture channels, CBS Justice, CBS Europa, CBS Reality, RealityXtra, Legend, HorrorXtra as well as channel brands AMC and SundanceTV. Her remit also includes AMCNI-UK’s AVOD and FAST portfolio consisting of the AVOD player CBS Catchup Channels UK and FAST channel True Crime from CBS Reality that has recently launched with Amazon Freevee and Rakuten TV and is available via ITVX.

Rowden’s responsibilities also include content acquisition and content partnerships including the relationship with Paramount Global for both the UK and EMEA joint ventures as well as content management including compliance.

During her time at AMC Networks, the exec has commissioned and produced The Real Prime Suspect, Donal MacIntyre’s Killer Evidence, The Truth About My Murder, Wrongly Accused, Murder: Fight for the Truth and Murder by the Sea. She also led the rebrand of Horror Channel to Legend to deliver a male-skewing channel showcasing sci-fi, thriller, fantasy, action and western alongside classic horror.

“Sam has been the driving force behind the continued success of AMCNI-UK’s joint ventures with Paramount Global, both in the UK and in EMEA, including the development of our highly successful true crime originals effort since the beginning.” Dickie said. “With her leadership skills and expertise developing brands that appeal to a wide range of audiences, she is perfectly placed to assume this key role as we further integrate our linear and streaming efforts.”

“As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing TV landscape, having a dedicated team of experienced and proactive individuals is crucial to facilitate change and utilize new opportunities,” Rowden added. “Our aim is to create a content offering, which is strong, relevant and well-placed to co-exist in both the linear and streaming space.”