James Dolan: Last News

The fate of AMC Networks has always been determined by its controlling shareholders, the Dolan family, and now Kristin Dolan will get a chance to get the ailing programmer back on track.

AMC Networks is choosing to host an in-person event during the spring upfront season, confirming plans for a presentation for about 200 to 250 guests.

AMC wants the $200 million profits lawsuit from The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and fellow executive producers to be D.O.A.

AMC Networks, whose CEO Christina Spade resigned last week, said Monday its board has named James Dolan “interim executive chairman.”

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 it calls “strategic programming assessments” and $75 million for organizational restructuring costs including severance.

A media sector squeezed by streaming losses, anemic stocks, layoffs and executive turmoil unveiled its latest casualties today – 20% of AMC Networks’ U.S. staff, or about 200 people, along with the departure of CEO Christina Spade.

In a surprising move, AMC Networks Chief Executive Officer Christina Spade has stepped down from the role after only three months.

Brian Steinberg Senior TV EditorChristina Spade, a veteran media executive who was previously chief financial officer of the former ViacomCBS, has been named the new chief executive of AMC Networks, tasked with leading the small but influential media company through a tricky time in the media business.She replaces Matt Blank, a Showtime veteran who had been serving as the company’s interim CEO, and will assumer her new responsibilities on Sept. 9.“I’m delighted that Chris is taking over as our new CEO,” said James Dolan, AMC Networks’ chairman, in a statement.

Hundreds of youngsters will be put through their paces at summer football camps run by Ayr United.

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 exits of longtime CEO Josh Sapan (who became executive vice chairman), COO Ed Carroll, president of AMC Networks Entertainment Group and AMC Studios Sarah Barnett; the addition of interim CEO Matt Blank and marketing chief Len Fogge; and the handing over of the reins from AMC Networks chairman Charles Dolan to his son James Dolan.“In that time, the company changed dramatically its ambitions and its mission directives,” McDermott says.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that starting Wednesday the state will adopt CDC guidance letting vaccinated people mostly dispense with masks and social distancing, allowing the Knicks and Nets to offer fully-vaccinated fan sections at the NBA playoffs in the city’s biggest reopening bid since the pandemic hit.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterNearly three years after the Weinstein Co. declared bankruptcy, a judge on Monday confirmed a liquidation plan that provides a $17.1 million fund for Weinstein’s sexual misconduct victims.The plan also provides $9.7 million to the former officers and directors of the Weinstein Co., allowing them to pay a portion of their legal bills over the last several years.

Cable mogul Charles Dolan will step down as executive chairman of AMC Networks, with the 93-year old shifting to a chairman emeritus role. In his place, Dolan's son James Dolan will become chairman of the company, which owns AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and BBC America.

Jill Goldsmith Co-Business EditorAMC Networks, in a pair of SEC filings Tuesday, said cable pioneer and family patriarch Charles Dolan, is stepping down as executive chairman of its board of directors and that it’s planning to buy back up to $250 million in stockCharles Dolan will become chairman emeritus. His son James Dolan will become non-executive chairman of the board.The elder Dolan, 93, was a founder of HBO and created Cablevision, one of the nation’s largest cable operators that was sold to Altice in 2017.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorCharles Dolan has stepped down as executive chairman of AMC Networks, marking the end of an era for the cable industry.Dolan, 93, ranks among the earliest pioneers of cable TV. The telecom entrepreneur had the foresight to wire parts of Manhattan for cable service in the 1960s and in 1971 launch the pay TV service that became HBO.

As Madison Square Garden completes its spinoff of its entertainment assets from its sports teams, the Hollywood side is adding to its executive ranks. The newly formed MSG Entertainment Corp.

The newly spun-off MSG Entertainment began trading as a public company on Monday as the live business continues to wait in the wings due to pandemic-related shutdowns of events.

By Jill Goldsmith

A week after reaching an agreement to sell the Forum in Inglewood to Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Balmer, The Madison Square Garden Company on Tuesday said that its board has approved spinning off its entertainment business from its sports businesses, effectively creating two distinct publicly traded companies.Following the spinoff, which is expected to take place in early April, MSG will change its name to Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, while the new entertainment company will be called Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation.

A week after reaching an agreement to sell the Forum in Inglewood to Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Balmer, The Madison Square Garden Company on Tuesday said that its board has approved spinning off its entertainment business from its sports businesses, effectively creating two distinct publicly traded companies.Following the spinoff, which is expected to take place in early April, MSG will change its name to Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation, while the new entertainment company will be called Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation.

James Dolan, the executive chairman of Madison Square Garden Company and owner of the New York Knicks, has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Knicks announced Dolan's diagnosis Saturday night.