AMC Networks Inc. announced on Thursday that it is now in-charge of BBC America's full operational control following its acquisition of $200 million or 49.9 percent stakes of the cable TV channel.

While BBC Worldwide still owns the majority (50.1 percent) of BBC America, AMC manages advertising sales and financial statements "consistent with BBC's editorial standards and policies." AMC also aims to help BBC World News increase its patronage, which currently accounts for 30 million American households.

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The joint partnership promises viewers better quality and programming aside from award-winning shows, such as The Walking Dead, Rectify, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, and Orphan Black. 

BBC North America, the branch responsible for brand and image building in the United States and Canada, remains a wholly-owned business of BBC Worldwide. BBC America, on the other hand, serves as a standalone organization in the AMC Networks together with IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv.

BBC America reaches out to more than 80 million viewers in the United States whose patronage is improved by online platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.com Inc. 

According to AMC Networks Chief Executive Josh Sapan, the BBC America-AMC joint venture is long-term and expected to help both organizations to grow viewership without compromising costs and carriage fees.

Sapan continued that the marriage is made in order to build more premium content so that both channels can continually provide a "pragmatic business environment" for digital audiences.  BBC Worldwide Tim Davie added that the company shared the same vision as AMC in terms of editorial alignment and program lineup.

Both TV cable organizations promised more groundbreaking and innovative content, though they clarified that there are no joint programs in the nearest future, The Hollywood Reporter said.

When asked whether the partnership could give AMC Networks an influence in British programming, Sapan emphasized that everything that BBC produces is the most excellent that television can have today.  The goal is viewer-centered, focusing more on "finest characters and the best storylines," Davie continued.

TagsBBC, AMC, The Walking Dead, Doctor Who, Mad Men, BBC America