MGM Networks

MGM Networks was the television-networking and channel-distribution arm associated with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It managed or represented MGM-branded cable and satellite television interests across a broad international footprint, with services reaching nearly 120 countries and territories. Its activities centered on licensing MGM’s film library, operating film-focused television services, and developing or supporting channel ventures with local broadcasters and other motion-picture companies. The business developed from MGM’s effort to extend its film brand beyond theatrical distribution and home entertainment. In 1998, Liberty Media and MGM established MGM Latin America as a 50/50 venture. That operation became associated with channels and services such as the MGM Channel, Casa Club TV, and other Latin American pay-television networks. The group also participated in channel ventures outside Latin America, including arrangements connected with Korea, Japan, Australia, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. MGM Networks’ portfolio combined wholly controlled or branded channels with joint ventures, licensing arrangements, and distribution relationships. The MGM Channel provided a film-led service built around MGM’s extensive studio library. Casa Club TV addressed home, lifestyle, and practical-interest programming for Latin American viewers. In other markets, MGM-branded services were operated with local partners or in association with other studios. The group also had involvement in broader television businesses, including LAPTV and its movie services, although ownership and control varied over time. During the late 2000s, MGM pursued additional television opportunities. It participated in the creation of Epix with Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, and Showtime, and separately worked with Weigel Broadcasting on This TV, a multicast network carrying film and television programming. In 2011, MGM was also linked to the proposed KIN TV network, an African-American-focused multicast service developed with Basil Street Media. KIN did not achieve its planned launch after repeated delays and changes in its leadership and development arrangements. MGM’s financial restructuring influenced the later direction of the business. In July 2012, MGM sold MGM Networks to Chellomedia while retaining selected North American, United Kingdom, German, Brazilian, and Australian interests and certain other television assets. Chellomedia continued operating or licensing MGM-branded channels and content in international markets. AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia in 2014 and renamed it AMC Networks International. Beginning in late 2014, many European, Latin American, and Asian MGM channels were rebranded as AMC services; Casa Club TV was subsequently rebranded as Más Chic in 2015. As a result of those disposals and rebrandings, MGM Networks no longer operated as an independent MGM-branded international channel group. Its former activities survive through successor services, licensed programming relationships, and AMC Networks International operations, while MGM’s film library continues to underpin television and streaming exploitation by later rights holders.

MGM Networks developed as the international television arm of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, extending the studio’s film identity into cable, satellite, and pay-television services. Its international business included both MGM-branded channels and regional ventures operated with broadcasters, distributors, and other film studios. The group’s services reached a wide geographic area, reportedly covering close to 120 countries and territories. A significant early development came in 1998, when Liberty Media and MGM created MGM Latin America as an equal partnership. The venture helped establish MGM’s presence in Latin American television and was connected with services including the MGM Channel and Casa Club TV. MGM also held interests in or worked with regional movie-channel platforms, including LAPTV, whose services included Cinecanal, The Film Zone, and Movie City. MGM’s interests in these businesses changed over time as partners and ownership structures evolved. The company expanded its television ambitions during the late 2000s. In 2008, MGM, Paramount Pictures, and Lionsgate formed Studio 3 Partners after negotiations concerning film-output arrangements with Showtime did not produce the intended outcome. The venture launched Epix as a premium movie service in 2009. MGM also partnered with Weigel Broadcasting to create This TV, a free-to-air multicast network that launched in 2008 and used film and television content associated with the participating companies. In 2011, MGM became associated with KIN TV, a proposed multicast network aimed at African-American audiences. The initiative involved Lee Gaither and Basil Street Media. MGM’s precise role was described variously as distribution, channel development, or a joint-venture relationship. The service encountered repeated launch delays, and Gaither later departed for another television position, leaving the project’s future uncertain. MGM’s ownership and financial circumstances subsequently reshaped MGM Networks. In May 2012, MGM sold its minority, non-voting interest in LAPTV to Fox International Channels while entering a long-term content arrangement with LAPTV. On July 31, 2012, MGM sold MGM Networks to Chellomedia. MGM retained selected operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as well as joint-venture interests in Brazil and Australia. Chellomedia continued using the MGM name and content under licensing and channel agreements. AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia in 2014 and renamed the business AMC Networks International. The acquisition brought MGM-branded international channels into a larger international broadcasting portfolio. Starting in November 2014, several European and Latin American MGM channels were rebranded as AMC. An Asian MGM service was also renamed AMC toward the end of that year. Casa Club TV, another former MGM-associated service, changed its name to Más Chic in June or July 2015. These transactions effectively ended MGM Networks as a distinct international channel group. Its former channels and partnerships were divided among AMC Networks International, regional partners, and other rights holders. The MGM brand remained important as a source of film programming, but the dedicated MGM television-network structure was largely replaced by successor brands and licensed distribution arrangements.

1. 2015Casa Club TV rebranded as Más Chic

   The former MGM-associated home and lifestyle service adopted the Más Chic brand.

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2. 2014Chellomedia becomes AMC Networks International

   AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia and incorporated its international channel operations into AMC Networks International.

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3. 2012MGM Networks sold to Chellomedia

   Chellomedia acquired MGM Networks, with MGM retaining selected markets and television interests.

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4. 2009Epix launches

   The Studio 3 Partners premium movie service Epix began operations.

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5. 2008Studio 3 Partners formed

   MGM, Paramount Pictures, and Lionsgate created Studio 3 Partners to develop a premium movie television service.

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6. 2008This TV launches

   MGM and Weigel Broadcasting formally launched This TV as a multicast television network.

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7. 1998MGM Latin America established

   Liberty Media and MGM formed a 50/50 venture to develop MGM-related television operations in Latin America.

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A film-led international television business using the MGM studio brand and film library to operate, license, and distribute cable and satellite channels, while also participating in regional pay-TV and broadcast-network ventures.

• The MGM ChannelFilm television channel

  A film-focused cable and satellite channel built around MGM’s studio library. It was distributed internationally through a combination of MGM ownership, local operating partnerships, and brand or content licensing. Different regional versions appeared across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and other markets.

• Casa Club TVHome and lifestyle television channel

  A Latin American home and lifestyle channel associated with MGM Networks. Its programming targeted viewers interested in domestic life, practical topics, and lifestyle content. The service was later acquired within the Chellomedia transaction and ultimately rebranded as Más Chic.

• MGM Latin AmericaRegional television venture1998

  A 50/50 venture formed by Liberty Media and MGM to develop and distribute MGM-related television services in Latin America. Its activities included film channels and relationships with regional pay-TV platforms.

• MGM KoreaRegional film television service

  A Korean MGM-branded television operation associated with MGM’s international channel portfolio and local partnerships. The service was part of the broader set of regional MGM channel businesses rather than a single globally standardized channel.

• EpixPremium movie television service2009

  A premium movie service developed through Studio 3 Partners, a venture involving MGM, Paramount Pictures, and Lionsgate. It launched in 2009 and represented MGM’s participation in a broader U.S. premium-television strategy, although it was not simply a wholly owned MGM Networks channel.

• This TVMulticast television network2008

  A multicast broadcast network created by MGM and Weigel Broadcasting. It launched in 2008 with a schedule built around films and television programming, extending MGM’s content presence beyond subscription television.

• 2014Rebranding of international MGM channelsStrategy

  AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia and integrated its operations into AMC Networks International.

  What changed. AMC Networks International began replacing MGM branding on multiple European, Latin American, and Asian channels with the AMC brand.

  Aftermath. The rebranding reduced the visibility of MGM Networks as a standalone international channel group and established AMC as the principal successor channel identity in many markets.

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• 2012Sale of MGM Networks to ChellomediaM&A

  MGM was restructuring its television and corporate holdings while seeking funds connected with its broader financial strategy.

  What changed. MGM sold MGM Networks to Chellomedia and retained selected channel operations, territories, and joint-venture interests.

  Aftermath. Chellomedia continued operating and licensing MGM-branded channels. After AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia, many of those channels were rebranded under AMC or other successor brands.

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• 2015Casa Club TV becomes Más Chic

  The former MGM-associated lifestyle channel Casa Club TV was rebranded as Más Chic in mid-2015.

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• 2014AMC Networks International rebrands MGM channels

  After AMC Networks acquired Chellomedia, multiple European, Latin American, and Asian MGM-branded channels began changing to the AMC name.

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• 2012MGM sells MGM Networks to Chellomedia

  MGM transferred MGM Networks to Chellomedia while retaining selected channels, territories, and joint-venture interests as part of its effort to raise funds and strengthen its balance sheet.

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• 2008MGM, Paramount and Lionsgate form Studio 3 Partners for Epix

  MGM joined Paramount Pictures and Lionsgate in creating Studio 3 Partners to develop the premium movie service later known as Epix.

  M&AProduct launchOther
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• 2008MGM and Weigel Broadcasting launch This TV

  MGM and Weigel Broadcasting announced a film and television multicast network, This TV, which formally began broadcasting in November 2008.

  Product launch
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1. MGM Networks