Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”) and collectively with its subsidiaries (the “Company”) own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments:

• National Networks: Principally includes five nationally distributed programming networks: AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV. These programming networks are distributed throughout the United States (“U.S.”) via cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite (“DBS”) and platforms operated by telecommunications providers (we refer collectively to these cable and other multichannel video programming distributors as “multichannel video programming distributors” or “distributors”). AMC, IFC and SundanceTV are also distributed in Canada. The National Networks operating segment also includes AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, which primarily services most of the nationally distributed programming networks of the Company.

• International and Other: Principally includes AMC Networks International (formerly Chellomedia and AMC/Sundance Channel Global), the Company’s international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; AMC Networks International - DMC (formerly Chello DMC), the broadcast solutions unit of certain networks of AMC Networks International and third party networks; and various developing on-line content distribution initiatives.

Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks, its majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method.

Use of Estimates

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the valuation of acquisition-related assets and liabilities, the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets and income taxes.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.