Veteran AMC CEO steps down
August 24, 2021
AMC Networks reveals that Josh Sapan, president and CEO of the company for 26 years, is to step down and become executive vice chairman. The company has brought in former Showtime lead Matthew Blank as interim CEO.
“Over his long career, Josh’s leadership ensured AMC Networks became a force in entertainment, with far-reaching influence throughout the industry, and home to some of the most successful and innovative shows in the history of television. We are grateful for his vision, creativity and management expertise and look forward to his continued contributions as executive vice chairman,” said AMC Networks chairman James Dolan.
Sapan oversaw the transition of AMC Networks from repeats to a producer of award-winning original programming including Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. AMC is now focused on getting into the streaming game with subscription services including AMC Plus, Acorn, Shudder, Sundance Now and Allblk.
Sapan became head of the company in 1995 when it was a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems known as Rainbow Media.