0001514991-21-000014 | 10-K | XBRL Viewer

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Balances from contracts with customers:
Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)	$	1,081,070	$	1,121,834
Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)	9,830		7,283
Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)	942		9,964
Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)	71,048		63,921

(a)Revenue recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2019 was $47.2 million.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 888,526	$ 816,170
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,234 and $5,733)	813,587	857,143
Current portion of program rights, net	13,480	426,624
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	223,173	230,360
Total current assets	1,938,766	2,330,297
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $261,082 and $347,302	256,045	283,752
Program rights, net	1,269,131	1,038,060
Intangible assets, net	410,672	524,531
Goodwill	686,407	701,980
Deferred tax assets, net	25,046	51,545
Operating lease right-of-use assets	146,522	170,056
Other assets	513,749	496,465
Assets, Total	5,246,338	5,596,686
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable	120,530	94,306
Accrued liabilities	320,005	251,214
Current portion of program rights obligations	259,449	304,692
Deferred revenue	71,048	63,921
Current portion of long-term debt	75,000	56,250
Current portion of lease obligations	32,435	33,959
Total current liabilities	878,467	804,342
Program rights obligations	182,511	239,813
Long-term debt, net	2,774,307	3,039,979
Lease obligations	194,324	211,047
Deferred tax liability, net	132,009	136,911
Other liabilities	125,970	163,638
Total liabilities	4,287,588	4,595,730
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	315,649	309,451
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	323,425	286,491
Accumulated earnings	1,847,451	1,609,428
Treasury stock, at cost (34,593 and 19,808 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)	(1,419,882)	(1,063,181)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(134,950)	(167,711)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity	616,805	665,781
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	26,296	25,724
Total stockholders' equity	643,101	691,505
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,246,338	5,596,686
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	646	639
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock	$ 115	$ 115

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 256,988	$ 407,716	$ 463,967
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	33,562	(6,272)	(41,716)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps	(437)	(1,609)	(356)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	(370)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	33,125
Income tax benefit	114
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	33,239	(7,365)	(44,133)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	32,647	(7,881)	(42,442)
Income tax benefit	114	364	45
Other comprehensive income	32,761	(7,517)	(42,397)
Comprehensive income	290,227	400,199	421,570
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,487)	(27,078)	(16,044)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 272,740	$ 373,121	$ 405,526

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2020
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	802,332	$	74,338	$	(854)	$	875,816
Distribution and other	1,293,837		672,189		(26,886)		1,939,140
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,096,169	$	746,527	$	(27,740)	$	2,814,956
Operating income (loss)	$	656,425	$	(224,228)	$	10,447	$	442,644
Share-based compensation expense	42,536		10,372		—		52,908
Depreciation and amortization	40,539		64,067		—		104,606
Impairment charges	—		122,227		—		122,227
Restructuring and other related charges	20,553		14,515		—		35,068
Cloud computing amortization	—		200		—		200
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		8,958		—		8,958
Adjusted operating income	$	760,053	$	(3,889)	$	10,447	$	766,611
Capital expenditures	$	11,007	$	35,588	$	—	$	46,595


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	904,253	$	89,659	$	(79)	$	993,833
Distribution and other	1,464,791		644,484		(42,787)		2,066,488
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,369,044	$	734,143	$	(42,866)	$	3,060,321
Operating income (loss)	$	804,422	$	(170,039)	$	(9,106)	$	625,277
Share-based compensation expense	52,977		11,156		—		64,133
Depreciation and amortization	32,674		68,424		—		101,098
Impairment charges	—		106,603		—		106,603
Restructuring and other related charges	13,453		28,084		(623)		40,914
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		5,965		—		5,965
Adjusted operating income	$	903,526	$	50,193	$	(9,729)	$	943,990
Capital expenditures	$	36,199	$	55,405	$	—	$	91,604


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	944,675	$	91,404	$	—	$	1,036,079
Distribution and other	1,468,650		506,902		(39,702)		1,935,850
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,413,325	$	598,306	$	(39,702)	$	2,971,929
Operating income (loss)	$	825,770	$	(93,326)	$	(5,535)	$	726,909
Share-based compensation expense	48,621		12,358		—		60,979
Depreciation and amortization	33,728		57,553		—		91,281
Impairment charges	—		4,486		—		4,486
Restructuring and other related charges	17,160		35,189		(6,502)		45,847
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		3,043		—		3,043
Adjusted operating income	$	925,279	$	19,303	$	(12,037)	$	932,545
Capital expenditures	$	16,316	$	73,486	$	—	$	89,802

Summary Of Inter-segment Eliminations

Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment.


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Inter-segment revenues
National Networks	$	(22,617)	$	(32,762)	$	(33,600)
International and Other	(5,123)		(10,104)		(6,102)
	$	(27,740)	$	(42,866)	$	(39,702)

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area

The table below summarizes revenue based on customer location:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
Revenue
United States	$	2,267,754	$	2,511,686	$	2,389,624
Europe	385,787		382,888		394,235
Other	161,415		165,747		188,070
	$	2,814,956	$	3,060,321	$	2,971,929

Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas

The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019
Property and equipment, net
United States	$	239,387	$	244,175
Europe	15,938		25,925
Other	720		13,652
	$	256,045	$	283,752

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 701,980	$ 798,037
Impairment charge	(25,062)	(97,996)
Purchase accounting adjustments		(2,414)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,343)	(1,328)
Foreign currency translation	10,832	5,681
Ending balance	686,407	701,980
National Networks [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	237,103	238,431
Impairment charge	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,343)	(1,328)
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	235,760	237,103
International And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	464,877	559,606
Impairment charge	(25,062)	(97,996)
Purchase accounting adjustments		(2,414)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	0	0
Foreign currency translation	10,832	5,681
Ending balance	$ 450,647	$ 464,877

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Dec. 31, 2020
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 its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments: •National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV. Our AMC Studios operations produce original programming for our programming networks and also license those program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks. •International and Other: Includes AMC Networks International ("AMCNI"), our international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world; AMC Networks Streaming Services, consisting of our targeted subscription streaming services (Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK), AMC+ and other streaming initiatives; Levity, our production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, our film distribution business. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. 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 of accounting. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("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 useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications were made to the prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

Program Rights and Obligations (Schedule of Future Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Program Rights Obligations [Abstract]
2021	$ 259,449
2022	103,986
2023	49,529
2024	26,233
2025	1,931
Thereafter	832
Total	$ 441,960

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jul. 28, 2017	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 17, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,875,000	$ 3,131,250
Unamortized discount	(18,337)	(24,351)
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(7,356)	(10,670)
Long-term debt, net	2,849,307	3,096,229
Current portion of long-term debt	75,000	56,250
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	2,774,307	3,039,979
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net	669,878	723,560
4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net	$ 398,230	595,813
Debt, interest rate	4.75%
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net	$ 991,074	988,609
Debt, interest rate	5.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net	$ 790,125	788,247
Debt, interest rate	4.75%
Senior Notes [Member] \| 4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000	600,000
Unamortized discount					$ (10,500)
Debt, interest rate	4.75%
Senior Notes [Member] \| 5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Unamortized discount				$ (17,500)
Debt, interest rate	5.00%
Senior Notes [Member] \| 4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 800,000	800,000
Debt, interest rate	4.75%
Secured Debt [Member] \| Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 675,000	$ 731,250	$ 675,000

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Number of Performance Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2018	881,477	2,384,767	$	57.49
Granted	371,673	582,282	$	61.69
Released/Vested	(410,865)	(519,531)	$	60.74
Canceled/Forfeited	(81,854)	(77,617)	$	55.85
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2019	760,431	2,369,901	$	57.89
Granted	824,946	335,472	$	25.78
Released/Vested	(322,458)	(858,101)	$	61.18
Canceled/Forfeited	(260,382)	(369,650)	$	48.57
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2020	1,002,537	1,477,622	$	43.79

All restricted stock units granted vest ratably over a three or four year period.

The target number of PRSUs granted represents the right to receive a corresponding number of shares, subject to adjustment based on the performance of the Company against target performance criteria for a three year period. The number of shares issuable at the end of the applicable measurement period ranges from 0% to 200% of the target PRSU award.

The following table summarizes activity relating to Non-employee Directors who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant
Vested award balance, December 31, 2018	219,656	$	54.40
Granted	34,678	$	54.42
Released/Vested	(4,566)	$	55.90
Vested award balance, December 31, 2019	249,768	$	54.38
Granted	54,535	$	28.33
Released/Vested	(43,938)	$	51.24
Vested award balance, December 31, 2020	260,365	$	49.45

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to employees of the Company who held unvested AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Shares Under Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options
Balance, December 31, 2018	298,923	$	48.26	7.79	$	1,979
Exercised	(95,962)	—
Balance, December 31, 2019	202,961	$	48.26	6.79	$	—
Exercised	—	—
Balance, December 31, 2020	202,961	$	48.26	5.79	$	—
Options exercisable at December 31, 2020	202,961	$	48.26	5.79	$	—
Options expected to vest in the future	—	$	—	—	$	—

(a)The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on the reporting date, as indicated.

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consists of the following:


(In thousands)	December 31,				Estimated Useful Lives
	2020		2019
Program, service and test equipment	$	251,925	$	296,680	5 years
Satellite equipment	41,228		46,871		Term of lease
Furniture and fixtures	21,024		29,811		3 to 8 years
Transmission equipment	30,539		76,604		5 years
Leasehold improvements	172,411		181,088		Term of lease
Property and equipment	517,127		631,054
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(261,082)		(347,302)
Property and equipment, net	$	256,045	$	283,752

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including capital leases) amounted to $62.4 million, $54.9 million and $48.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, impairment charges were recorded related to certain property and equipment at the AMCNI business. See Note 9 for additional details regarding the impairment test of long-lived assets.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under finance leases were as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31,
	2020		2019
Satellite equipment	$	41,228	$	46,871
Less accumulated amortization	(28,049)		(31,158)
	$	13,179	$	15,713

Program Rights and Obligations (Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Owned original program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	$ 349,078
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	61,108
Total	410,186
Licensed program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	94,534
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	419,166
Total	513,700
Predominantly Monetized Individually	443,612
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	480,274
Total	$ 923,886

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Derivative [Line Items]

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps

$ (437)

$ (1,609)

$ (356)

Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps

^[1]

1,974

295

Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps

$ (2,411)

$ (1,609)

[1]	There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Leases (Summary of Leases) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases	6 years 9 months 18 days
Finance leases	8 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.70%
Finance leases	8.10%

Fair Value Measurement (Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 2,849,307	$ 3,096,229
Estimated Fair Value	2,907,379	3,152,553
Term-A Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	669,878	723,560
Estimated Fair Value	665,719	724,303
4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	398,230	595,813
Estimated Fair Value	400,500	605,250
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	991,074	988,609
Estimated Fair Value	1,015,000	1,020,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	790,125	788,247
Estimated Fair Value	$ 826,160	$ 803,000

Segment Information (Schedule of Fixed Assets by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 256,045	$ 283,752
North America [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	239,387	244,175
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	15,938	25,925
Other Geographic Locations [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 720	$ 13,652

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:


(In thousands)	For the three months ended,
2020:	March 31, 2020		June 30, 2020		September 30, 2020		December 31, 2020		2020
Revenues, net	$	734,375	$	646,291	$	654,015	$	780,275	$	2,814,956
Operating expenses	(561,405)		(597,489)		(514,538)		(698,880)		(2,372,312)
Operating income	$	172,970	$	48,802	$	139,477	$	81,395	$	442,644
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	73,526	$	17,234	$	67,996	$	98,232	$	256,988
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$	68,667	$	14,961	$	61,640	$	94,711	$	239,979

Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic	$	1.24	$	0.29	$	1.18	$	2.15	$	4.70
Diluted	$	1.22	$	0.28	$	1.17	$	2.09	$	4.64


(In thousands)	For the three months ended,
2019:	March 31, 2019		June 30, 2019		September 30, 2019		December 31, 2019		2019
Revenues, net	$	784,221	$	772,299	$	718,597	785,204		$	3,060,321
Operating expenses	(539,358)		(602,042)		(550,159)		(743,485)		(2,435,044)
Operating income	$	244,863	$	170,257	$	168,438	$	41,719	$	625,277
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	150,157	$	133,985	$	123,226	$	348	$	407,716
Net income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$	143,397	$	128,743	$	116,923	$	(8,577)	$	380,486

Net income (loss) per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic	$	2.53	$	2.28	$	2.09	$	(0.15)	$	6.77
Diluted	$	2.48	$	2.25	$	2.07	$	(0.15)	$	6.67

Property and Equipment (Property, Plant, Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 517,127	$ 631,054
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(261,082)	(347,302)
Property and equipment, net	256,045	283,752
Program, Service and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	251,925	296,680
Satellite Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	41,228	46,871
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	21,024	29,811
Transmission Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 30,539	76,604
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 172,411	$ 181,088
Pending Litigation [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Maximum [Member] \| Program, Service and Test Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	8 years

Redeemable Noncontroling Interests

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

In connection with the 2018 acquisition of RLJE, the terms of the operating agreement provide the noncontrolling member with a right to put all of its noncontrolling interest to a subsidiary of the Company at the greater of the then fair market value or enterprise value of RLJE, in each case pursuant to the operating agreement and applied to the equity interest. The put option is exercisable following the seventh anniversary of the agreement, or earlier upon a change of control.

In connection with the 2018 acquisition of Levity, the terms of the operating agreement provide the noncontrolling interest holders with a right to put 50% of their interests to a subsidiary of the Company on the fourth anniversary of the agreement and a right to put all of their interests to the Company on the sixth anniversary of the agreement. The put rights are at fair market value.

In 2014, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired 49.9% of the limited liability company interests of New Video Channel America L.L.C, that owns the cable channel BBC AMERICA. In connection with acquisition, the terms of the agreement provide the BBC with a right to put all of its 50.1% noncontrolling interest to a subsidiary of the Company at the

greater of the then fair value or the fair value of the initial equity interest at the closing date of the agreement. The put option is exercisable on the fifteenth and twenty-fifth anniversary of the joint venture agreement.

Because exercise of these put rights is outside the Company's control, the noncontrolling interest in each entity is presented as redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of stockholders' equity on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented below.


(In thousands)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
December 31, 2018	$	299,558
Net earnings	22,320
Distributions	(12,120)
Other	(307)
December 31, 2019	309,451
Net earnings	15,878
Distributions	(14,782)
Other	5,102
December 31, 2020	$	315,649

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Summary of Lessee Assets and Liabilities

The following table summarizes the leases included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	2020		2019
Assets
Operating	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	146,522	$	170,056
Finance	Property and equipment, net	13,179		15,713
Total lease assets		$	159,701	$	185,769
Liabilities
Current:
Operating	Current portion of lease obligations	$	28,813	$	30,171
Finance	Current portion of lease obligations	3,622		3,788
		32,435		33,959
Noncurrent:
Operating	Lease obligations	166,452		193,570
Finance	Lease obligations	27,872		17,477
		194,324		211,047

Total lease liabilities		$	226,759	$	245,006

Summary of Lease Costs

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under finance leases were as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31,
	2020		2019
Satellite equipment	$	41,228	$	46,871
Less accumulated amortization	(28,049)		(31,158)
	$	13,179	$	15,713

The following table summarizes the lease costs included in the consolidated statement of income:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2020		2019
Operating lease costs	SG&A expenses	$	31,785	$	33,184
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of leased assets	Depreciation and amortization	2,299		2,472
Interest on lease liabilities	Net interest expense	2,617		2,513
Short term lease costs	SG&A expenses	240		3,309
Variable lease costs	SG&A expenses	1,487		1,068
Total net lease costs		$	38,428	$	42,546

Summary of Maturity of Lease Liabilities for Operating Leases

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities for operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020:


(In thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases		Total
2021	$	37,253	$	5,974	$	43,227
2022	35,218		6,002		41,220
2023	34,621		6,031		40,652
2024	32,745		6,061		38,806
2025	28,622		6,091		34,713
Thereafter	61,745		10,667		72,412
Total lease payments	230,204		40,826		271,030
Less: Interest	34,939		9,332		44,271
Present value of lease liabilities	$	195,265	$	31,494	$	226,759

Summary of Maturity of Lease Liabilities for Financing Leases

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities for operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020:


(In thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases		Total
2021	$	37,253	$	5,974	$	43,227
2022	35,218		6,002		41,220
2023	34,621		6,031		40,652
2024	32,745		6,061		38,806
2025	28,622		6,091		34,713
Thereafter	61,745		10,667		72,412
Total lease payments	230,204		40,826		271,030
Less: Interest	34,939		9,332		44,271
Present value of lease liabilities	$	195,265	$	31,494	$	226,759

Summary of Lease Information

The following table summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases:


	December 31, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases	6.8
Finance leases	8.1
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.7	%
Finance leases	8.1	%

Summary of Supplemental Cash Paid for Amounts in the Measurement of Lease Liabilities

The following table summarizes the supplemental cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities:


	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	31,871	$	26,758

Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	3,261	$	5,115

Program Rights and Obligations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Film, Disclosures [Abstract]
Owned original programming amortization period	3 years
Percentage of film costs amortized in the next three years	88.00%
Percentage of license program costs amortized in the next three years	93.00%
Programming costs to be amortized in next twelve months	$ 115.1
Program rights write offs	$ 108.3	$ 40.9	$ 50.5

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments


(In thousands)	Payments due by period
	Total		Year 1		Years 2 - 3		Years 4 - 5		More than 5 years
Purchase obligations (1)	$	1,011,886	$	290,915	$	222,694	$	118,277	$	380,000

(1)Purchase obligations consist primarily of program rights obligations, participations, residuals, and transmission and marketing commitments.

Legal Matters

On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "2013 Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between the parties related thereto. The Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On August 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint"), in which they retracted their claims for wrongful termination and failure to apply production tax credits in calculating Plaintiffs' contingent compensation. Plaintiffs also added a claim that Darabont is entitled to a larger share, on a percentage basis, of contingent compensation than he is currently being accorded. On September 26, 2016, Plaintiffs filed their note of issue and certificate of readiness for trial, which included a claim for damages of no less than $280 million. The parties each filed motions for summary judgment. Oral arguments of the summary judgment motions took place on September 15, 2017. On April 19, 2018, the Court granted the Company’s motion for leave to submit supplemental summary judgment briefing. A hearing on the supplemental summary judgment submissions was held on June 13, 2018. On December 10, 2018, the Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment and granted in part Defendants' motion for summary judgment, dismissing four of Plaintiffs' causes of action. The Company believes that the remaining claims are without merit, denies the allegations and continues to defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.

On January 18, 2018, the 2013 Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. The claims in the action allegedly arise from Plaintiffs' audit of their participation statements covering the accounting period from inception of The Walking Dead through September 30, 2014. Plaintiffs seek no less than $20 million in damages on claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. The Company filed an Answer to the Complaint on April 16, 2018. On August 30, 2018, Plaintiff's filed an Amended Complaint, and on September 19, 2018, the Company answered. The parties have agreed to consolidate this action for a joint trial with the action Plaintiffs filed in the New York Supreme Court on December 17, 2013. Following the conclusion of discovery, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment seeking the dismissal of the second action, which was denied on April 13, 2020. On August 24, 2020, the Company filed a motion for leave to re-argue the previously denied motion for summary judgment. On December 31, 2020, Justice

Cohen granted the Company’s motion for reargument and issued a revised summary judgment decision that granted in part and denied in part the Company’s motion for summary judgment. Additionally, on July 8, 2020, the Company filed an appeal of the New York Supreme Court’s denial of its summary judgment motion to the New York Appellate Division, First Department. Oral argument on the appeal is scheduled for March 23, 2021. On February 16, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to reargue one aspect of the revised summary judgment decision that was issued on December 31, 2020.

Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the New York State courts, the joint trial, originally scheduled to begin on June 1, 2020, has been further delayed and is currently scheduled to begin on April 26, 2021. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and will defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.

On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the "California Plaintiffs") filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead, as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead, and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On August 15, 2017, two of the California Plaintiffs, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert (and their associated loan-out companies), along with Charles Eglee and his loan-out company, United Bongo Drum, Inc., filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court alleging nearly identical claims as the California Action (the "New York Action"). Hurd, Alpert, and Eglee filed the New York Action in connection with their contract claims involving The Walking Dead because their agreements contained exclusive New York jurisdiction provisions. On October 23, 2017, the parties stipulated to discontinuing the New York Action without prejudice and consolidating all of the claims in the California Action. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. The Company filed an Answer on April 30, 2018 and believes that the asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. On August 8, 2019, the judge in the California Action ordered a trial to resolve certain issues of contract interpretation only. The trial commenced on February 10, 2020 and concluded on March 10, 2020 after eight days of trial. On July 22, 2020, the judge in the California Action issued a Statement of Decision finding in the Company's favor on all seven matters of contract interpretation before the court in this first phase trial. On October 30, 2020, the judge in the California Action set a tentative trial date of September 8, 2021 with regard to claims not addressed in the first phase trial. On January 20, 2021, the California Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint, eliminating eight named defendants and the California Plaintiffs’ claims under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On February 9, 2021, the Company filed a demurrer and motion to strike seeking to dismiss claims in the second amended complaint that are barred by the Statement of Decision of July 22, 2020 in the first phase trial. The court has scheduled a hearing regarding the Company’s demurrer and motion to strike for April 1, 2021. The parties have resumed discovery in preparation for the September 2021 trial. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.

The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.

Cash Flows (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data

During 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Continuing Operations:
Finance lease additions	$	14,255	$	—	$	—
Treasury stock not yet settled	—		—		985
Exercise of RLJE Warrants	—		—		20,086
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,689		6,270		5,081
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid	131,167		151,501		147,710
Income taxes paid, net	99,852		139,994		138,433

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 21, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) customer $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) customer shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Sep. 16, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Advertising costs			$ 246,900,000	$ 180,300,000	$ 196,000,000.0
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)			(4,000,000.0)	11,100,000	(6,800,000)
Accounts receivable contractually due in excess of one-year			$ 267,500,000	$ 273,000,000.0
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS \| shares			300	600
Repurchase amount (up to)			$ 1,500,000,000
Average purchase (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 23.91
Available for repurchase under program			$ 135,300,000
Aggregate cost	$ 250,600,000		356,701,000	$ 70,598,000	$ 283,143,000
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]		us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member		us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Decrease to retained earnings			$ (1,847,451,000)	$ (1,609,428,000)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease to retained earnings				$ 2,000,000.0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS \| shares			300	1,300	1,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of customers \| customer			2	2
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Customer One [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage			18.00%	16.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Customer Two [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage			10.00%	10.00%
Common Class A [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights			one
Common stock, conversion basis			one
Stockholders entitled election of Board of Directors			25.00%
Repurchase amount (up to)						$ 250,000,000
Share repurchases \| shares	10,800		14,785	1,302	5,386
Average purchase (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 23.20
Additional percentage						2.00%
Common Class B [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights			ten
Common stock, conversion basis			one
Share repurchases \| shares			0	0	0
Maximum [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Period of related affiliation arrangement (up to)			10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Common Class A [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares						$ 26.50
Minimum [Member] \| Common Class A [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares						$ 22.50
2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			100.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$ 98,631	$ 103,407
Compensation and benefit plans	22,562	27,835
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,832	428
Fixed assets and intangible assets	42,550	37,893
Accrued interest expense	5,599	7,202
Other liabilities	16,682	27,276
Deferred tax asset	187,856	204,041
Valuation allowance	(96,199)	(59,584)
Net deferred tax asset	91,657	144,457
Prepaid liabilities	(538)	(530)
Fixed assets and intangible assets	(84,005)	(93,300)
Investments in partnerships	(77,619)	(105,062)
Other assets	(36,458)	(30,931)
Deferred tax liability	(198,620)	(229,823)
Total net deferred tax liability	$ (106,963)	$ (85,366)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Net Income Per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Basic (in shares)	51,016	56,205	58,066
Diluted (in shares)	51,733	57,037	58,947
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Effect of dilution (in shares)	0	14	15
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract]
Effect of dilution (in shares)	717	818	866

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule

Commitments


(In thousands)	Payments due by period
	Total		Year 1		Years 2 - 3		Years 4 - 5		More than 5 years
Purchase obligations (1)	$	1,011,886	$	290,915	$	222,694	$	118,277	$	380,000

(1)Purchase obligations consist primarily of program rights obligations, participations, residuals, and transmission and marketing commitments.

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Restructuring and Related Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges	$ 35,068	$ 27,897	$ 45,847
Other related charges	0	13,017	0
Total restructuring and other related charges	35,068	40,914	45,847
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	0	(623)	(6,502)
National Networks [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	20,553	13,453	17,160
International And Other [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	$ 14,515	$ 28,084	$ 35,189

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated impairment charges		$ 123,100	$ 98,000
Reduction in carrying about of goodwill		1,343	1,328
Impairment charges	$ 25,100	122,227	106,603	$ 4,486
Aggregate amortization expense		42,200	46,200	$ 43,000
impairments of intangibles and property and equipment associated with the sale of a subsidiary		$ 97,100	8,600
Hypothetical decrease (as a percentage)		20.00%
National Networks [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying about of goodwill		$ 1,343	1,328
International And Other [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying about of goodwill		$ 0	$ 0

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Schedule of Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted, number of shares	54,535	34,678
Released/Vested, number of shares	(43,938)	(4,566)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 28.33	$ 54.42
Released/Vested, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 51.24	$ 55.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Vested award beginning balance, number of shares	249,768	219,656
Vested award ending balance, number of shares	260,365	249,768
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Vested award beginning balance, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 54.38	$ 54.40
Vested award ending balance, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 49.45	$ 54.38
Parent Company [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested award, beginning balance, number of shares	760,431	881,477
Granted, number of shares	824,946	371,673
Released/Vested, number of shares	(322,458)	(410,865)
Canceled/Forfeited, number of shares	(260,382)	(81,854)
Unvested award, ending balance, number of shares	1,002,537	760,431
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested award beginning balance, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 57.89	$ 57.49
Granted, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	25.78	61.69
Released/Vested, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	61.18	60.74
Canceled/Forfeited, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	48.57	55.85
Unvested award ending balance, weighted average fair value per stock unit at date of grant (in dollars per share)	$ 43.79	$ 57.89
Parent Company [Member] \| Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested award, beginning balance, number of shares	2,369,901	2,384,767
Granted, number of shares	335,472	582,282
Released/Vested, number of shares	(858,101)	(519,531)
Canceled/Forfeited, number of shares	(369,650)	(77,617)
Unvested award, ending balance, number of shares	1,477,622	2,369,901

Long-term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt

The Company's long-term debt consists of:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term Loan A Facility	$	675,000	$	731,250
Senior Notes:
4.75% Notes due December 2022	400,000		600,000
5.00% Notes due April 2024	1,000,000		1,000,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	800,000		800,000

Total long-term debt	2,875,000		3,131,250
Unamortized discount	(18,337)		(24,351)
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(7,356)		(10,670)
Long-term debt, net	2,849,307		3,096,229
Current portion of long-term debt	75,000		56,250
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	$	2,774,307	$	3,039,979

Subsequent Events

Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

On February 8, 2021, AMC Networks entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2017 (as amended by Amendment No. 1, the "Credit Agreement"), among AMC Networks and its subsidiary, AMC Network Entertainment LLC, as the Initial Borrowers, certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries, as restricted subsidiaries, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and L/C Issuer, Bank of America, as an L/C Issuer, and the lenders party thereto. Amendment No. 1 extends the maturity dates of the $675 million Term Loan A Facility and $500 million Revolving Facility (each as defined below) under the Credit Agreement to February 8, 2026, and makes certain other amendments to the covenants and other provisions of the Credit Agreement.

Senior Notes Issuance

On February 8, 2021, AMC Networks issued, and certain of AMC Networks’ subsidiaries (hereinafter, the “Guarantors”) guaranteed, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.25% senior notes due February 15, 2029 (the “4.25% Notes due 2029”) in a registered public offering and received net proceeds of $982.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses. The Company used such proceeds to redeem (i) the remaining $400 million principal amount of the Company’s 4.75% senior notes due 2022 and (ii) $600 million principal amount of the Company’s 5.00% senior notes due 2024 on February 26, 2021 (the "Redemption Date"). The 4.75% senior notes due 2022 were redeemed at a redemption price of 100.000% of the principal amount of such notes and the 5.00% senior notes due 2024 were redeemed at a redemption price of 102.500% of the principal amount of such notes, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

As described above, the Credit Agreement provides the Initial Borrowers with senior secured credit facilities consisting of (a) a $675 million Term Loan A (the "Term Loan A Facility") and (b) a $500 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility" and, together with the Term Loan A Facility, the "Credit Facility"). Under Amendment No. 1, the maturity dates of the Term Loan A Facility and the Revolving Facility were extended to February 8, 2026.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of the Initial Borrowers may be either (a) a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Base Rate"), or (b) a Eurodollar rate plus an additional rate ranging from 1.25% to 2.25% per annum (determined based on a cash flow ratio) (the "Eurodollar Rate").

The Credit Agreement requires the Initial Borrowers to pay a commitment fee of between 0.25% and 0.50% (determined based on a cash flow ratio) in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Revolving Facility. The Initial Borrowers also are required to pay customary letter of credit fees, as well as fronting fees, to banks that issue letters of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

All obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Initial Borrowers' existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries in accordance with the Credit Agreement. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain assets of the Initial Borrowers and certain of their subsidiaries (collectively, the "Loan Parties").

The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to the Loan Parties. These include restrictions on the Loan Parties' ability to incur indebtedness, make investments, place liens on assets, dispose of assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on and to repurchase its common stock. The Credit Agreement also requires the Initial Borrowers to comply with the following financial covenants: (i) a maximum ratio of net debt to annual operating cash flow (each defined in the Credit Agreement) of 5.25:1 from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 and decreasing to 5.00:1 on and after January 1, 2022, subject to increase (not to exceed 6.00:1) if AMC Networks consummates any leveraging acquisition; and (ii) a minimum ratio of annual operating cash flow to annual total interest expense (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 2.50:1.

The Revolving Facility was not drawn upon at December 31, 2020. The total undrawn revolver commitment is available to be drawn for our general corporate purposes.

AMC Networks was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2020.

Senior Notes

General terms

The senior notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the guarantors, in accordance with the related indenture. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. The indentures governing each of the senior notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants applicable to AMC Networks and its restricted subsidiaries including restrictions on their ability to incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain assets sales, make investments in entities that are not restricted subsidiaries, create liens on their assets, enter into certain affiliate transactions and make certain restricted payments, including restrictions on AMC Networks' ability to pay dividends on, or repurchase, its common stock.

4.75% Notes due 2022

On December 17, 2012, AMC Networks issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% senior notes, net of an issuance discount of $10.5 million, due December 15, 2022 (the "4.75% Notes due 2022"). AMC Networks used the net proceeds of this offering to repay the outstanding amount under its term loan B facility of approximately $587.6 million, with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes. The 4.75% Notes due 2022 were issued pursuant to an indenture, and first supplemental indenture, each dated as of December 17, 2012.

The 4.75% Notes due 2022 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100.00% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption).

In March 2020 the Company redeemed $200 million principal amount of the outstanding $600 million principal amount of its 4.75% Notes due 2022. In connection with the redemption, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $2.9 million representing the redemption premium and the write-off of a portion of the unamortized discount and deferred financing costs. As discussed above, subsequent to December 31, 2020, on February 26, 2021, the Company redeemed the remaining $400 million principal amount of its 4.75% Notes due 2022.

5.00% Notes due 2024

On March 30, 2016, the Company issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior notes due 2024 (the "5.00% Notes due 2024"), net of an issuance discount of $17.5 million. AMC Networks used $703 million of the net proceeds of this offering to make a cash tender ("Tender Offer") for its outstanding 7.75% Notes due 2021 (the "7.75% Notes"). In addition, $45.6 million of the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.00% Notes due 2024 was used for the redemption of the 7.75% Notes not tendered. The remaining proceeds are for general corporate purposes. The 5.00% Notes due 2024 were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of March 30, 2016.

The 5.00% Notes due 2024 may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 1, 2020, at a redemption price equal to 102.5% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption), declining annually to 100% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption) beginning on April 1, 2022. As discussed above, subsequent to December 31, 2020, on February 26, 2021, the Company redeemed $600 million principal amount of its 5.00% Notes due 2024.

4.75% Notes due 2025

On July 28, 2017, AMC Networks issued, and certain of AMC Networks' subsidiaries (hereinafter, the "Guarantors") guaranteed $800 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due August 1, 2025 (the "4.75% Notes due 2025") in a registered public offering. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were issued net of a $14.0 million underwriting discount. AMC Networks used approximately $400 million of the net proceeds to repay loans under AMC Networks' Term Loan A Facility and to pay fees and expenses related to the issuance. The remaining proceeds are for general corporate purposes. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 30, 2016, as amended by the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 2017.

The 4.75% Notes due 2025 may be redeemed, at AMC Networks' option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after August 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 102.375% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption), declining annually to 100% of the principal amount thereof (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of such redemption) beginning on August 1, 2023.

In addition to the optional redemption of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 described above, at any time prior to August 1, 2020, AMC Networks may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 at a redemption price equal to 104.750% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, using the net proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Finally, at any time prior to August 1, 2021, AMC Networks may redeem the 4.75% Notes due 2025, at its option in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed plus the "Applicable Premium" calculated as described in the Second Supplemental Indenture at the rate of T+50 basis points, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.

Other Debt

As a result of the acquisition of Levity, the Company has credit facilities totaling $3 million. The facilities bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate plus 1% and mature on March 23, 2021. There were no outstanding borrowings on either credit facility as of December 31, 2020.

Summary of Debt Maturities

Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	75,000
2022	475,000
2023	525,000
2024	1,000,000
2025	800,000

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain related to RLJE Warrants	$ (2,618)	$ 301	$ 41,927
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain related to RLJE Warrants			30,200
Other Contract [Member] \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain related to RLJE Warrants	0	$ 0	$ 42,092
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 100,000

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited) (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 780,275	$ 654,015	$ 646,291	$ 734,375	$ 785,204	$ 718,597	$ 772,299	$ 784,221	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
Operating expenses	(698,880)	(514,538)	(597,489)	(561,405)	(743,485)	(550,159)	(602,042)	(539,358)	(2,372,312)	(2,435,044)	(2,245,020)
Operating income	81,395	139,477	48,802	172,970	41,719	168,438	170,257	244,863	442,644	625,277	726,909
Net income including noncontrolling interests	98,232	67,996	17,234	73,526	348	123,226	133,985	150,157	256,988	407,716	463,967
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	$ 94,711	$ 61,640	$ 14,961	$ 68,667	$ (8,577)	$ 116,923	$ 128,743	$ 143,397	$ 239,979	$ 380,486	$ 446,187
Net income (loss) per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.15	$ 1.18	$ 0.29	$ 1.24	$ (0.15)	$ 2.09	$ 2.28	$ 2.53	$ 4.70	$ 6.77	$ 7.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.09	$ 1.17	$ 0.28	$ 1.22	$ (0.15)	$ 2.07	$ 2.25	$ 2.48	$ 4.64	$ 6.67	$ 7.57

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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- Definition

Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise.

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+ Details

Cash Flows (Summary Of Non-Cash Activities And Other Supplemental Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Finance lease additions	$ 14,255	$ 0	$ 0
Treasury stock not yet settled	0	0	985
Exercise of RLJE Warrants	0	0	20,086
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,689	6,270	5,081
Cash interest paid	131,167	151,501	147,710
Income taxes paid, net	$ 99,852	$ 139,994	$ 138,433

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

The activity reflected within redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented below.


(In thousands)	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
December 31, 2018	$	299,558
Net earnings	22,320
Distributions	(12,120)
Other	(307)
December 31, 2019	309,451
Net earnings	15,878
Distributions	(14,782)
Other	5,102
December 31, 2020	$	315,649

Leases (Summary of Lease Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 146,522	$ 170,056
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization
Finance lease assets	$ 13,179	$ 15,713
Total lease assets	$ 159,701	$ 185,769
Liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent
Current operating lease liabilities	$ 28,813	$ 30,171
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent
Current finance lease liabilities	$ 3,622	$ 3,788
Total current lease liabilities	$ 32,435	$ 33,959
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	$ 166,452	$ 193,570
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent	amcx:OperatingAndFinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities	$ 27,872	$ 17,477
Total noncurrent lease liabilities	194,324	211,047
Total lease liabilities	$ 226,759	$ 245,006

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	4.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Effect of foreign operations	2.00%	2.00%	0.00%
Effect of rate change on deferred taxes	0.00%	0.00%	(2.00%)
Excess tax deficiencies related to share-based compensation	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Changes in the valuation allowance	10.00%	(4.00%)	3.00%
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	(1.00%)	0.00%	0.00%
Deferral of investment tax credit benefit	(1.00%)	(2.00%)	0.00%
Other	0.00%	(2.00%)	2.00%
Effective income tax rate	36.00%	16.00%	25.00%

Program Rights and Obligations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Film, Disclosures [Abstract]

Programs Rights and Obligations

Program Rights and Obligations

Program Rights

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The new guidance impacts the Company as follows:

•Allows for the classification of acquired/licensed program rights as long-term assets. Previously, the Company reported a portion of these rights in current assets. Advances for live programming rights made prior to the live event and acquired/licensed program rights with license terms of less than one year continue to be reported in current assets.

•Aligns the capitalization of production costs for episodic television programs with the capitalization of production costs for theatrical content. Previously, theatrical content production costs could be fully capitalized while episodic television production costs were generally limited to the amount of contracted revenues.

•Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows:

◦Individual program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are directly attributable to the specific film or television title (e.g., theatrical revenues, significant in-show advertising on the Company’s programming networks or specific content licensing revenues).

◦Group program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are not directly attributable to a specific film or television title (e.g., library of program rights for purpose of the Company’s programming networks or subscription revenue for AMC Networks Streaming Services).

The determination of the predominant monetization strategy is made at commencement of production and is based on the means by which the Company derives third-party revenues from use of the programming. The classification of program rights as individual or group only changes if there is a significant change to the title’s monetization strategy relative to its initial assessment.

Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows:


	December 31, 2020
(In thousands)	Predominantly Monetized Individually		Predominantly Monetized as a Group		Total
Owned original program rights, net:
Completed	$	203,388	$	12,808	$	216,196
In-production and in-development	228,713		19,258		247,971
Total owned original program rights, net	$	432,101	$	32,066	$	464,167

Licensed program rights, net:
Licensed film and acquired series	$	8,261	$	551,878	$	560,139
Licensed originals	201,992		—		201,992
Advances and content versioning costs	—		56,313		56,313
Total licensed program rights, net	210,253		608,191		818,444
Program rights, net	$	642,354	$	640,257	$	1,282,611

Current portion of program rights, net					$	13,480
Program rights, net (long-term)					1,269,131
					$	1,282,611

Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In thousands)	Predominantly Monetized Individually		Predominantly Monetized as a Group		Total

Owned original program rights	$	349,078	$	61,108	$	410,186
Licensed program rights	94,534		419,166		513,700
Program rights amortization	$	443,612	$	480,274	$	923,886

The Company estimates amortization within the next three years will be approximately 88% and 93% of unamortized owned original programming costs and unamortized licensed program costs, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The Company expects to amortize approximately $115.1 million of unamortized owned original programming costs during the next twelve months. Program rights write-offs of $108.3 million, $40.9 million and $50.5 million were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Program Rights Obligations

Amounts payable subsequent to December 31, 2020 related to program rights obligations included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	259,449
2022	103,986
2023	49,529
2024	26,233
2025	1,931
Thereafter	832
	$	441,960

Leases (Summary of Lease Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease costs	$ 31,785	$ 33,184
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of leased assets	2,299	2,472
Interest on lease liabilities	2,617	2,513
Short term lease costs	240	3,309
Variable lease costs	1,487	1,068
Total net lease costs	$ 38,428	$ 42,546

Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 107,494	$ 191,214
Marketable securities	62,442	4,448
Foreign currency derivatives	667	1,884
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,403	1,966
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,515	1,888
Level I [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	107,494	191,214
Marketable securities	62,442	4,448
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Level I [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level I [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level II [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	667	1,884
Level II [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	2,403	1,966
Level II [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	3,515	1,888
Level III [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign currency derivatives	0	0
Level III [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level III [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Certain subsidiaries of the Company lease office space and equipment under long-term non-cancelable lease agreements which expire at various dates through 2034. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet, instead the lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements entered into, we combine lease and non-lease components. Some leases include options to extend the lease term or terminate the lease prior to the end of the lease term. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.

The leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals plus certain other costs or credits. Some leases include rental payments based on a percentage of revenue over contractual levels or based on an index or rate. Our lease agreements do not include any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

The following table summarizes the leases included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	2020		2019
Assets
Operating	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	146,522	$	170,056
Finance	Property and equipment, net	13,179		15,713
Total lease assets		$	159,701	$	185,769
Liabilities
Current:
Operating	Current portion of lease obligations	$	28,813	$	30,171
Finance	Current portion of lease obligations	3,622		3,788
		32,435		33,959
Noncurrent:
Operating	Lease obligations	166,452		193,570
Finance	Lease obligations	27,872		17,477
		194,324		211,047

Total lease liabilities		$	226,759	$	245,006

As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. Upon transition to ASC Topic 842, the Company used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for all operating leases that commenced prior to that date.

The following table summarizes the lease costs included in the consolidated statement of income:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2020		2019
Operating lease costs	SG&A expenses	$	31,785	$	33,184
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of leased assets	Depreciation and amortization	2,299		2,472
Interest on lease liabilities	Net interest expense	2,617		2,513
Short term lease costs	SG&A expenses	240		3,309
Variable lease costs	SG&A expenses	1,487		1,068
Total net lease costs		$	38,428	$	42,546

For the year ended December 31, 2020, impairment charges were recorded related to certain operating lease right-of-use assets at the AMCNI business. See Note 9 for additional details regarding the impairment test of long-lived assets.

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities for operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020:


(In thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases		Total
2021	$	37,253	$	5,974	$	43,227
2022	35,218		6,002		41,220
2023	34,621		6,031		40,652
2024	32,745		6,061		38,806
2025	28,622		6,091		34,713
Thereafter	61,745		10,667		72,412
Total lease payments	230,204		40,826		271,030
Less: Interest	34,939		9,332		44,271
Present value of lease liabilities	$	195,265	$	31,494	$	226,759

The following table summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases:


	December 31, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases	6.8
Finance leases	8.1
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.7	%
Finance leases	8.1	%

The following table summarizes the supplemental cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities:


	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	31,871	$	26,758

Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	3,261	$	5,115

Leases

The following table summarizes the leases included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	2020		2019
Assets
Operating	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	146,522	$	170,056
Finance	Property and equipment, net	13,179		15,713
Total lease assets		$	159,701	$	185,769
Liabilities
Current:
Operating	Current portion of lease obligations	$	28,813	$	30,171
Finance	Current portion of lease obligations	3,622		3,788
		32,435		33,959
Noncurrent:
Operating	Lease obligations	166,452		193,570
Finance	Lease obligations	27,872		17,477
		194,324		211,047

Total lease liabilities		$	226,759	$	245,006

The following table summarizes the lease costs included in the consolidated statement of income:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2020		2019
Operating lease costs	SG&A expenses	$	31,785	$	33,184
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of leased assets	Depreciation and amortization	2,299		2,472
Interest on lease liabilities	Net interest expense	2,617		2,513
Short term lease costs	SG&A expenses	240		3,309
Variable lease costs	SG&A expenses	1,487		1,068
Total net lease costs		$	38,428	$	42,546

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities for operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020:


(In thousands)	Operating Leases		Finance Leases		Total
2021	$	37,253	$	5,974	$	43,227
2022	35,218		6,002		41,220
2023	34,621		6,031		40,652
2024	32,745		6,061		38,806
2025	28,622		6,091		34,713
Thereafter	61,745		10,667		72,412
Total lease payments	230,204		40,826		271,030
Less: Interest	34,939		9,332		44,271
Present value of lease liabilities	$	195,265	$	31,494	$	226,759

The following table summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases:


	December 31, 2020
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases	6.8
Finance leases	8.1
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.7	%
Finance leases	8.1	%

The following table summarizes the supplemental cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities:


	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	31,871	$	26,758

Financing cash flows from finance leases	$	3,261	$	5,115

Leases (Summary of Supplemental Cash Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 31,871	$ 26,758
Financing cash flows from finance leases	$ 3,261	$ 5,115

Investments	12 Months Ended
Investments	Dec. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Equity Method Investments Equity method investments were $69.5 million and $69.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies publicly traded investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The changes in fair value between measurement dates are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. In April 2020, one of our investments with a cost of $25.0 million, previously classified as a non-marketable equity security, became a publicly traded company. Accordingly, the investment then became classified within marketable equity securities. During 2019, the Company purchased an additional interest in one of its marketable equity securities of $3.5 million. Investments in marketable equity securities were $62.4 million at December 31, 2020 and $4.4 million at December 31, 2019, and are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. In December 2020, the Company sold a portion of one of its marketable securities, resulting in a realized gain of $37.4 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income. For the year ended December 31, 2020, unrealized gains on marketable equity securities were $45.4 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income. Non-marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as non-marketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires non-marketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company applies this measurement alternative to its non-marketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, the Company estimates the fair values of its non-marketable equity securities based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Investments in non-marketable equity securities were $35.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $61.8 million at December 31, 2019 and are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized impairment charges of $20.0 million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the partial write-down of certain non-marketable equity securities, included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income. Additionally, in September 2020, an observable price change occurred with respect to one of the Company's non-marketable equity securities, resulting in an unrealized gain of $14.9 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Employee related costs	$ 98,661	$ 89,753
Participations and residuals	106,785	70,682
Interest	29,345	29,767
Other accrued expenses	85,214	61,012
Total accrued liabilities	$ 320,005	$ 251,214

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) segment customer	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments \| segment									2
Revenues, net	$ 780,275	$ 654,015	$ 646,291	$ 734,375	$ 785,204	$ 718,597	$ 772,299	$ 784,221	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
SVOD Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									$ 176,700	$ 95,300	$ 20,200
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Revenue Benchmark [Member] \| Customer One [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of customers \| customer									1
Concentration risk, percentage										10.00%	11.00%

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 segment network
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments \| segment	2
Number of national programming networks \| network	5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows:


(In thousands)	National Networks		International and Other		Total
December 31, 2018	$	238,431	$	559,606	$	798,037
Impairment charge	—		(97,996)		(97,996)
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		(2,414)		(2,414)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,328)		—		(1,328)
Foreign currency translation	—		5,681		5,681
December 31, 2019	237,103		464,877		701,980
Impairment charge	—		(25,062)		(25,062)

Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,343)		—		(1,343)
Foreign currency translation	—		10,832		10,832
December 31, 2020	$	235,760	$	450,647	$	686,407

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020						Estimated Useful Lives
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	624,699	$	(330,350)	$	294,349	6 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(26,028)		20,254		11 years
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	116,526		(40,357)		76,169		3 to 20 years

Total amortizable intangible assets	787,507		(396,735)		390,772
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	807,407	$	(396,735)	$	410,672

(In thousands)	December 31, 2019
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	616,197	$	(232,193)	$	384,004
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(21,820)		24,462
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	115,873		(19,708)		96,165

Total amortizable intangible assets	778,352		(273,721)		504,631
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	798,252	$	(273,721)	$	524,531

Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020						Estimated Useful Lives
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	624,699	$	(330,350)	$	294,349	6 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(26,028)		20,254		11 years
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	116,526		(40,357)		76,169		3 to 20 years

Total amortizable intangible assets	787,507		(396,735)		390,772
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	807,407	$	(396,735)	$	410,672

(In thousands)	December 31, 2019
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	616,197	$	(232,193)	$	384,004
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(21,820)		24,462
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	115,873		(19,708)		96,165

Total amortizable intangible assets	778,352		(273,721)		504,631
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	798,252	$	(273,721)	$	524,531

Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	38,074
2022	38,027
2023	37,951
2024	37,882
2025	36,039

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 52,908	$ 64,133	$ 60,979
Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs	$ 28,900
Weighted-average remaining period	1 year 8 months 12 days
Excess tax deficiencies (benefits)	$ 8,400	(100)	2,000
Expense related to long-term incentive awards outstanding	$ 13,900	$ 0	$ 1,300
Maximum [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Minimum [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	200.00%
2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	0.00%
2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member] \| Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	100.00%
Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Common Class A [Member] \| 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grant	12,000,000
Number of share awards available for future grant	8,190,943
Common Class A [Member] \| 2016 Employee Stock Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
Common Class A [Member] \| 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grant	665,000
Number of share awards available for future grant	266,810
Common Class A [Member] \| 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020	2019	2018
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	51,016	56,205	58,066
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	—	14	15
Restricted stock units	717	818	866
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	51,733	57,037	58,947

Schedule of Stock by Class


	Shares Outstanding
(In thousands)	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2017	49,601	11,484
Share repurchases	(5,386)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	534	—
Balance at December 31, 2018	44,749	11,484
Share repurchases	(1,302)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	631	—
Balance at December 31, 2019	44,078	11,484
Share repurchases	(14,785)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	682	—
Balance at December 31, 2020	29,975	11,484

*Reflects common stock activity in connection with restricted stock units and stock options granted to employees, as well as in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligations for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted stock units.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

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+ Details

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans (Stock Option Award Activity) (Details) - Parent Company [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning balance, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 48.26	$ 48.26
Exercised, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)		0
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 48.26	$ 48.26	$ 48.26
Weighted average contractual term (in years)	5 years 9 months 14 days	6 years 9 months 14 days	7 years 9 months 14 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,979
Options exercisable, weighted average exercise price per share	$ 48.26
Options exercisable, weighted average contractual term (in years)	5 years 9 months 14 days
Options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 0
Options expected to vest in the future, weighted average exercise price per share	$ 0
Options expected to vest in the future, weighted average contractual term (in years)	0 years
Options expected to vest in the future, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, number of shares under option	202,961	298,923
Exercised, number of shares under option	0	(95,962)
Ending balance, number of shares under option	202,961	202,961	298,923
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options exercisable, number of shares under option	202,961
Options expected to vest in the future, number of shares under option	0

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Liabilities	$ 2,403	$ 1,966
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Liabilities	1,084	687
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Assets	300	891
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Assets	367	993
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Liabilities	$ 2,431	$ 1,202

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 309,451	$ 299,558
Net earnings	15,878	22,320
Distributions	(14,782)	(12,120)
Other		(307)
Other	5,102
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 315,649	$ 309,451

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2020 legalMatter	Aug. 15, 2017 plaintiff
New York Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs \| plaintiff			2
California Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number Of Legal Matters \| legalMatter		7
Threatened Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Claims for damages	$ 20,000,000
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Claims for damages	$ 280,000,000

Long-term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

The Company's long-term debt consists of:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term Loan A Facility	$	675,000	$	731,250
Senior Notes:
4.75% Notes due December 2022	400,000		600,000
5.00% Notes due April 2024	1,000,000		1,000,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	800,000		800,000

Total long-term debt	2,875,000		3,131,250
Unamortized discount	(18,337)		(24,351)
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(7,356)		(10,670)
Long-term debt, net	2,849,307		3,096,229
Current portion of long-term debt	75,000		56,250
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	$	2,774,307	$	3,039,979

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

Total amounts payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	75,000
2022	475,000
2023	525,000
2024	1,000,000
2025	800,000

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

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+ Details

Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Cover - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 19, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-35106
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Entity Registrant Name	AMC Networks Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001514991
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-5403694
Entity Address, Address Line One	11 Penn Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10001
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	324-8500
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	AMCX
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 902
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,975,350
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,484,408

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:


(In thousands)	For the three months ended,
2020:	March 31, 2020		June 30, 2020		September 30, 2020		December 31, 2020		2020
Revenues, net	$	734,375	$	646,291	$	654,015	$	780,275	$	2,814,956
Operating expenses	(561,405)		(597,489)		(514,538)		(698,880)		(2,372,312)
Operating income	$	172,970	$	48,802	$	139,477	$	81,395	$	442,644
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	73,526	$	17,234	$	67,996	$	98,232	$	256,988
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$	68,667	$	14,961	$	61,640	$	94,711	$	239,979

Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic	$	1.24	$	0.29	$	1.18	$	2.15	$	4.70
Diluted	$	1.22	$	0.28	$	1.17	$	2.09	$	4.64


(In thousands)	For the three months ended,
2019:	March 31, 2019		June 30, 2019		September 30, 2019		December 31, 2019		2019
Revenues, net	$	784,221	$	772,299	$	718,597	785,204		$	3,060,321
Operating expenses	(539,358)		(602,042)		(550,159)		(743,485)		(2,435,044)
Operating income	$	244,863	$	170,257	$	168,438	$	41,719	$	625,277
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$	150,157	$	133,985	$	123,226	$	348	$	407,716
Net income (loss) attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$	143,397	$	128,743	$	116,923	$	(8,577)	$	380,486

Net income (loss) per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic	$	2.53	$	2.28	$	2.09	$	(0.15)	$	6.77
Diluted	$	2.48	$	2.25	$	2.07	$	(0.15)	$	6.67

Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rate Risk

To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to limit the exposure against the risk of rising interest rates. The Company does not enter into interest rate swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes and it has only entered into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that it believes are creditworthy counterparties. The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its interest rate swap contracts and to the extent possible diversifies its swap contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.

The Company's risk management objective and strategy with respect to interest rate swap contracts is to protect the Company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a portion of its outstanding debt. The Company is meeting its objective by hedging the risk of changes in its cash flows (interest payments) attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged (the "hedged risk"), on an amount of the Company's debt principal equal to the then-outstanding swap notional. The forecasted interest payments are deemed to be probable of occurring.

The Company assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, hedge effectiveness based on the overall changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts. Hedge effectiveness of the interest rate swap contracts is based on a hypothetical derivative methodology. Any ineffective portion of an interest rate swap contract which is designated as a hedging instrument is recorded in current-period earnings. Changes in fair value of interest rate swap contracts not designated as hedging instruments are also recognized in earnings and included in interest expense.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $100.0 million that are designated as cash flow hedges. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts mature in December 2021.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain trade receivables and accounts payable (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency.

To manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, the Company may enter into foreign currency contracts from time to time with financial institutions to limit the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not enter into foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes.

In certain circumstances, the Company enters into contracts that are settled in currencies other than the functional or local currencies of the contracting parties. Accordingly, these contracts consist of the underlying operational contract and an embedded foreign currency derivative element. Hedge accounting is not applied to the embedded foreign currency derivative element and changes in their fair values are included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income.

Other Derivatives

During 2018, the Company exercised RLJE Warrants. In addition, the interest on the RLJE Term Loans to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock (prior to the acquisition) is an embedded derivative. Both the RLJE Warrants and the embedded derivative for the future interest to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock were remeasured at the end of each period with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of $30.2 million related to the RLJE Warrants which is included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statement of income.

The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:


(In thousands)		December 31,
	Balance Sheet Location	2020		2019
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	2,403	$	1,966
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Assets:
Foreign currency derivatives	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	300	$	891
Foreign currency derivatives	Other assets	367		993


Liabilities:
Foreign currency derivatives	Accrued liabilities	$	1,084	$	687
Foreign currency derivatives	Other liabilities	2,431		1,202

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:


(In thousands)	Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in OCI				Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings	Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (a)
	Years Ended December 31,					Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019			2020		2019
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(2,411)	$	(1,609)	Interest expense	$	1,974	$	295

(a)There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of the hedging relationship or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:


(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Years Ended December 31,
		2020		2019		2018

Interest rate swap contracts	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	(1,444)
Foreign currency derivatives	Miscellaneous, net	(2,618)		301		1,279
Other derivatives	Miscellaneous, net	—		—		42,092
Total		$	(2,618)	$	301	$	41,927

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)					1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2021	Feb. 08, 2021	Jul. 28, 2017	Dec. 17, 2012	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt						$ 6,000,000	$ 1,521,000	$ 289,000
Long-term debt						2,875,000,000	3,131,250,000
Issuance discount						18,337,000	24,351,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt						2,908,000	0	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility borrowing capacity						$ 500,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 500,000,000
Term-A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, covenant, cash flow ratio						5.25
Minimum ratio of annual operating cash flow to annual total interest expense						2.50
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage						0.25%
Debt instrument, covenant, cash flow ratio						5.00
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						0.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						1.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage						0.50%
Debt instrument, covenant, cash flow ratio						6.00
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						1.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						2.25%
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$ 675,000,000			$ 675,000,000	731,250,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Secured Debt [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of outstanding amount under loan facility			400,000,000
Term-A Facility [Member] \| Secured Debt [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		675,000,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						4.75%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			800,000,000		$ 600,000,000
Debt, interest rate						4.75%
Long-term debt						$ 800,000,000	800,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)						104.75%
Redemption of notes					$ 200,000,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses			$ 14,000,000.0
Redemption percentage (up to)						35.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price (as a percentage)						102.375%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price (as a percentage)						100.00%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] \| US Treasury (UST) Interest Rate [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						0.50%
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						5.00%
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount									$ 1,000,000,000.0
Debt, interest rate						5.00%
Long-term debt						$ 1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Issuance discount									17,500,000
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate	5.00%
Redemption of principal amount	$ 600,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)	102.50%
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price (as a percentage)						102.50%
5.00% Senior Notes Due April 2024 [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price (as a percentage)						100.00%
7.75% Senior Notes [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						7.75%
Debt extinguishment including principal interest and fees									703,000,000
Debt proceeds used in redemption									$ 45,600,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						4.75%
4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				$ 600,000,000
Debt, interest rate						4.75%
Long-term debt						$ 400,000,000	$ 600,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)						100.00%
Issuance discount				10,500,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt						$ 2,900,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due December 2022 [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate	4.75%
Redemption of principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Redemption price (as a percentage)	100.00%
Term-B Facility [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of outstanding amount under loan facility				$ 587,600,000
Other Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						3.50%
Credit facility borrowing capacity						$ 3,000,000
Outstanding borrowings on lines of credit						$ 0
Other Debt [Member] \| Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, interest rate						1.00%
4.25% Senior Notes Due 2029 [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 1,000,000,000.0
Debt, interest rate		4.25%
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		$ 982,300,000

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2014
Levity [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, right to put (as a percentage)	50.00%
New Video (BBC AMERICA) [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Controlling interest (as a percentage)		49.90%
New Video (BBC AMERICA) [Member] \| Unnamed Subsidiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		50.10%

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 11,234	$ 5,733
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 261,082	$ 347,302
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	45,000,000	45,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock (in shares)	34,593,000	19,808,000
Common Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	64,568,000	63,886,000
Common stock, shares, outstanding (in shares)	29,975,000	44,078,000
Common Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	11,484,000	11,484,000
Common stock, shares, outstanding (in shares)	11,484,000	11,484,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 256,988	$ 407,716	$ 463,967
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	104,606	101,098	91,281
Impairment charges	122,227	106,603	4,486
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	52,908	64,133	60,979
Non-cash restructuring and other related charges	5,359	14,098	7,440
Amortization and write-off of program rights	923,886	974,835	961,134
Amortization of deferred carriage fees	28,231	21,587	17,342
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss	3,099	(16,325)	2,057
Unrealized (gain) on derivative contracts, net	0	0	(43,476)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	8,005	8,007	7,715
Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,908	0	0
Bad debt (recoveries) expense	(2,843)	12,641	7,399
Deferred income taxes	23,159	(38,916)	33,367
Gains on investments	(97,617)	0	0
Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable	20,000	20,206	0
Other, net	(594)	(2,832)	5,311
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)	63,337	(43,345)	(52,106)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	64,060	(142,303)	(2,789)
Program rights and obligations, net	(850,013)	(969,900)	(978,763)
Income taxes payable	6,703	1,219	(17,006)
Deferred revenue	7,202	8,667	(6,392)
Deferred carriage fees, net	(8,833)	(15,033)	(4,250)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities	15,958	(28,408)	48,851
Net cash provided by operating activities	748,736	483,748	606,547
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	(46,595)	(91,604)	(89,802)
Return of capital from investees	1,872	5,380	4,088
Investments in and loans to investees	(5,440)	(3,483)	(90,081)
Principal payments received on loans to investees	5,000	0	0
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired	0	0	(84,389)
Proceeds from sale of investments	10,000	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(35,163)	(89,707)	(260,184)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	6,000	1,521	289
Principal payments on long-term debt	(262,250)	(22,988)	0
Deemed repurchase of restricted stock units	(15,967)	(23,018)	(16,836)
Purchase of treasury stock	(356,701)	(70,598)	(283,143)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	0	4,630	4,317
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	(3,261)	(5,115)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations			(4,938)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(15,819)	(15,558)	(14,296)
Net cash used in financing activities	(647,998)	(131,126)	(314,607)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations	65,575	262,915	31,756
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	6,781	(1,631)	(35,653)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	816,170	554,886	558,783
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 888,526	$ 816,170	$ 554,886

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consists of the following:


(In thousands)	December 31,				Estimated Useful Lives
	2020		2019
Program, service and test equipment	$	251,925	$	296,680	5 years
Satellite equipment	41,228		46,871		Term of lease
Furniture and fixtures	21,024		29,811		3 to 8 years
Transmission equipment	30,539		76,604		5 years
Leasehold improvements	172,411		181,088		Term of lease
Property and equipment	517,127		631,054
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(261,082)		(347,302)
Property and equipment, net	$	256,045	$	283,752

Summary of Finance Leases

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under finance leases were as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31,
	2020		2019
Satellite equipment	$	41,228	$	46,871
Less accumulated amortization	(28,049)		(31,158)
	$	13,179	$	15,713

The following table summarizes the lease costs included in the consolidated statement of income:


		December 31,
(In thousands)	Income Statement Location	2020		2019
Operating lease costs	SG&A expenses	$	31,785	$	33,184
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of leased assets	Depreciation and amortization	2,299		2,472
Interest on lease liabilities	Net interest expense	2,617		2,513
Short term lease costs	SG&A expenses	240		3,309
Variable lease costs	SG&A expenses	1,487		1,068
Total net lease costs		$	38,428	$	42,546

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Equity And Long-Term Incentive Plans

Equity and Long-Term Incentive Plans

On June 8, 2016, the Company's shareholders approved the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Plan (the "2016 Employee Stock Plan") and the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Executive Cash Incentive Plan (the "2016 Cash Incentive Plan"). On June 5, 2012, the Company's shareholders approved the AMC Networks Inc. 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "2011 Non-Employee Director Plan").

Equity Plans

On June 11, 2020, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated 2016 Employee Stock Plan (the "2016 Employee Stock Plan"). The 2016 Employee Stock Plan provides for the grants of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards (collectively, "awards"). Under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, the Company may grant awards for up to 12,000,000 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Equity-based awards granted under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The terms and conditions of awards granted under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("Compensation Committee") and may include terms or conditions based upon performance criteria.

Awards issued to employees under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan will settle in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash. As of December 31, 2020, there are 8,190,943 share awards available for future grant under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan. For the purpose of calculating the remaining shares available for issuance under the 2016 Employee Stock Plan, awards containing performance criteria are excluded based on the maximum potential performance target that can be achieved.

On June 11, 2020, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "2011 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan"). Under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, the Company is authorized to grant non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards. The Company may grant awards for up to 665,000 shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments). Stock options under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant. The terms and conditions of awards granted under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by the Compensation Committee. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable award agreement, stock options granted under this plan will be fully vested and exercisable, and restricted stock units granted under this plan will be fully vested, upon the date of grant and will settle in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (either from treasury or with newly issued shares), or, at the option of the Compensation Committee, in cash, on the first business day after ninety days from the date the director's service on the Board of Directors ceases or, if earlier, upon the

director's death. As of December 31, 2020, there are 266,810 shares available for future grant under the 2011 Non-Employee Director Plan.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Number of Performance Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2018	881,477	2,384,767	$	57.49
Granted	371,673	582,282	$	61.69
Released/Vested	(410,865)	(519,531)	$	60.74
Canceled/Forfeited	(81,854)	(77,617)	$	55.85
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2019	760,431	2,369,901	$	57.89
Granted	824,946	335,472	$	25.78
Released/Vested	(322,458)	(858,101)	$	61.18
Canceled/Forfeited	(260,382)	(369,650)	$	48.57
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2020	1,002,537	1,477,622	$	43.79

All restricted stock units granted vest ratably over a three or four year period.

The following table summarizes activity relating to Non-employee Directors who held AMC Networks restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Number of Restricted Stock Units	Weighted Average Fair Value Per Stock Unit at Date of Grant
Vested award balance, December 31, 2018	219,656	$	54.40
Granted	34,678	$	54.42
Released/Vested	(4,566)	$	55.90
Vested award balance, December 31, 2019	249,768	$	54.38
Granted	54,535	$	28.33
Released/Vested	(43,938)	$	51.24
Vested award balance, December 31, 2020	260,365	$	49.45

Stock Option Award Activity

The following table summarizes activity relating to employees of the Company who held unvested AMC Networks stock options for the year ended December 31, 2020:


	Shares Under Option	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(a)
	Time Vesting Options
Balance, December 31, 2018	298,923	$	48.26	7.79	$	1,979
Exercised	(95,962)	—
Balance, December 31, 2019	202,961	$	48.26	6.79	$	—
Exercised	—	—
Balance, December 31, 2020	202,961	$	48.26	5.79	$	—
Options exercisable at December 31, 2020	202,961	$	48.26	5.79	$	—
Options expected to vest in the future	—	$	—	—	$	—

Share-based Compensation Expense

The Company recorded share-based compensation expense of $52.9 million, $64.1 million and $61.0 million, reduced for forfeitures, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience. To the extent actual results of forfeitures differ from those estimates, such amounts are recorded as an adjustment in the period the estimates are revised.

Share-based compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2020, there was $28.9 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to Company employees who held unvested AMC Networks restricted stock units and options. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 1.70 years. There were no costs related to share-based compensation that were capitalized.

The Company receives income tax deductions related to restricted stock units, stock options or other equity awards granted to its employees by the Company. The Company uses the 'with-and-without' approach to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits and deficiencies.

Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits and deficiencies are classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for options exercised and restricted shares issued, in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock compensation costs for such awards. Excess tax deficiencies are realized deficiencies from tax deductions being less than the deferred tax asset. Excess tax deficiencies of $8.4 million were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020. Excess tax benefits of $0.1 million were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019 and excess tax deficiencies of $2.0 million were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Long-Term Incentive Plans

Under the terms of the 2016 Cash Incentive Plan, the Company is authorized to grant a cash or equity based award to certain employees. The terms and conditions of such awards are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, may include the achievement of certain performance criteria and may extend for a period not to exceed ten years. During 2020, the Company granted long-term incentive cash awards. During 2016 through 2019, the Company granted long-term incentive awards in the form of PRSUs.

In connection with the long-term incentive awards outstanding, the Company recorded expense of $13.9 million, $0.0 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 respectively.

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. 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 of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("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 useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.

Reclassifications

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

Revenue Recognition

The Company primarily earns revenue from (i) the distribution of its programming services, through distributors and directly to consumers, and licensing of its programming and other content, (ii) advertising, and (iii) other services. Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer. The Company’s revenue recognition policies associated with each major source of revenue from contracts with customers are described in Note 3 Revenue Recognition.

Technical and Operating Expenses

Costs of revenues, including but not limited to programming expense, primarily consisting of amortization or write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery costs, such as transmission, encryption, hosting and formatting are classified as technical and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Advertising and Distribution Expenses

Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Advertising costs were $246.9 million, $180.3 million and $196.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Marketing, distribution and general and administrative costs related to the exploitation of owned original programming are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Share-based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award using a straight-line amortization method, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which vest 100%, and are expensed, at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Foreign Currency

The reporting currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of most of the Company's international subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances for which settlement is anticipated in the foreseeable future, are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign currency equity balances are translated at historical rates. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.

The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.

Accounts Receivable, Trade

The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable using a forward looking expected loss model by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as length of time individual receivables are past due, historical collection experience, and the economic and competitive environment. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $267.5 million and $273.0 million, respectively, of accounts receivable contractually due in excess of one-year, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Program Rights

Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line or accelerated basis, based on the expected exploitation strategy of the rights, over a period not to exceed the respective license periods.

Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs, qualifying for capitalization as program rights are amortized to technical and operating expense over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue, or ultimate revenue (individual-film-forecast-computation method). Projected attributable revenue is based on previously generated revenues for similar content in established markets, primarily consisting of distribution and advertising revenues, and projected program usage. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into account historical usage of similar content. Projected attributable revenue can change based upon programming market acceptance, levels of distribution and advertising revenue and decisions regarding planned program usage. These calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding revenue and planned usage. Accordingly, the Company periodically reviews revenue estimates and planned usage and revises its assumptions if necessary, which could impact the timing of amortization expense or result in a write-down to fair value. Any capitalized development costs for programs that the Company determines will not be produced are written off.

The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on several factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, the useful life is updated, which generally results in a write-off of the unamortized cost to technical and operating expense in the consolidated statements of income. See Note 6 for further discussion regarding program rights write-offs.

•Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows:

Investments

Investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) with readily determinable fair values are accounted for at fair value. The Company applies the measurement alternative to fair value for equity securities without readily determinable far values, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. All gains and losses related to equity securities are recorded in earnings as a component of miscellaneous, net, in the consolidated statements of income.

Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary are equity method investments. Significant influence typically exists if the Company has a 20% to 50% ownership interest in a venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, the Company records its proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. The Company applies the cumulative earnings approach for determining the cash flow presentation of cash distributions received from equity method investees. Distributions received are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions exceed the Company's portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the equity method investment, in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. See Note 7 for further discussion regarding investments.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment under finance leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under finance leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of income.

Amortizable intangible assets established in connection with business combinations primarily consist of affiliate and customer relationships, advertiser relationships and trade names. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.

The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property and equipment, and amortizable intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but instead are tested annually for impairment and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.

The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity may choose to perform the qualitative assessment on none, some or all of its reporting units or an entity may bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to step one of the quantitative impairment test. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative impairment test calculates any goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. See Note 9 for further discussion regarding goodwill impairment.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets established in connection with business combinations consist of trademarks. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Deferred Carriage Fees

Deferred carriage fees, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, represent amounts principally paid to multichannel video programming distributors to obtain additional subscribers and/or guarantee carriage of certain programming services and are amortized as a reduction of revenue over the period of the related affiliation arrangement (up to 10 years).

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial InstrumentsThe Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings.

Leases

LeasesThe Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The new standard did not materially impact our consolidated net income or cash flows.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and estimates with regard to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference for its investment in partnerships and uses the deferral method to recognize the income tax benefit from

investment tax credits. Global low taxed intangible income (“GILTI”) tax is treated as a period expense. Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.

Commitments and Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated. See Note 16 for further discussion regarding commitments and contingencies.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit RiskFinancial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of their initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for contributions, distributions and the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or redemption value.

Net Income per Share

The consolidated statements of income present basic and diluted net income per share ("EPS"). Basic EPS is based upon net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effects of AMC Networks outstanding equity-based awards.

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020	2019	2018
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	51,016	56,205	58,066
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	—	14	15
Restricted stock units	717	818	866
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	51,733	57,037	58,947

Common Stock of AMC Networks

Each holder of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock has one vote per share while holders of AMC Networks Class B Common Stock have ten votes per share. AMC Networks Class B shares can be converted to AMC Networks Class A Common Stock at any time with a conversion ratio of one AMC Networks Class A common share for one AMC Networks Class B common share. The AMC Networks Class A stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors. AMC Networks Class B stockholders have the right to elect the remaining members of the Company's Board of Directors. In addition, AMC Networks Class B stockholders are parties to an agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these AMC Networks Class B stockholders to be cast as a block.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recenty Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changed the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that would generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $2.0 million, after taxes, for the cumulative-effect of the adoption.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The standard changed the disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The standard amended prior guidance to align the accounting for costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs must be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line item in the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The standard aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the standard modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis. See Note 6 for further information.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 - Income Taxes. These changes are effective for the first quarter of 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption and does not expect it to have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Employee related costs	$	98,661	$	89,753
Participations and residuals	106,785		70,682
Interest	29,345		29,767
Other accrued expenses	85,214		61,012
Total accrued liabilities	$	320,005	$	251,214

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit PlansCertain employees of the Company participate in the AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan"), a qualified defined contribution plan, and the AMC Networks Excess Savings Plan (the "Excess Savings Plan"), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Under the 401(k) Plan, participating Company employees may contribute into their plan accounts a percentage of their eligible pay on a before-tax basis as well as a percentage of their eligible pay on an after-tax basis. The Company makes matching contributions on behalf of participating employees in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) Plan. In addition to the matching contribution, the Company may make a discretionary year-end contribution to employee 401(k) Plan and Excess Savings Plan accounts, subject to certain conditions. Total expense related to all benefit plans was $9.3 million, $8.3 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company does not provide postretirement benefits for any of its employees.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for retirement benefits.

+ References

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+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows:


(In thousands)	National Networks		International and Other		Total
December 31, 2018	$	238,431	$	559,606	$	798,037
Impairment charge	—		(97,996)		(97,996)
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		(2,414)		(2,414)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,328)		—		(1,328)
Foreign currency translation	—		5,681		5,681
December 31, 2019	237,103		464,877		701,980
Impairment charge	—		(25,062)		(25,062)

Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(1,343)		—		(1,343)
Foreign currency translation	—		10,832		10,832
December 31, 2020	$	235,760	$	450,647	$	686,407

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the accumulated impairment charges totaled $123.1 million and $98.0 million, respectively.

The reduction of $1.3 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for the National Networks is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the

Company's tax returns.

Impairment Test of Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of December 1, or more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The annual goodwill impairment test allows for the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of a reporting unit is, more likely than not, less than its carrying value, the quantitative impairment test is required. In accordance with Accounting Standards Update 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, the Company recognizes goodwill impairment as the difference between the carrying amount of a reporting unit and its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

In addition to the annual impairment test, the Company is required to regularly assess whether a triggering event has occurred which would require an interim impairment test. As a result of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company qualitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that goodwill and long-lived assets were impaired as of June 30, 2020. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on each of its reporting units. Further, the Company assessed the current forecasts (including significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and enterprise specific discount rates) and the amount of excess fair value over carrying value for each of its reporting units in the 2019 impairment test. In connection with the preparation of the second quarter financial information, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred with respect to its AMCNI reporting unit, which required an interim impairment test to be performed as of June 30, 2020. As such, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for its AMCNI reporting unit. The fair value was determined using a combination of an income approach, using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, and a market comparables approach. The DCF model includes significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and enterprise specific discount rates. Additionally, the market comparables approach is determined using guideline company financial multiples. Given the uncertainty in determining assumptions underlying the DCF approach, actual results may differ from those used in the valuations.

Based on the valuations performed, in response to current and expected trends across the International television broadcasting markets, the fair value of the Company's AMCNI reporting unit declined below its carrying amount. As a result, in June 2020, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $25.1 million related to the AMCNI reporting unit, included in impairment charges in the consolidated income statement.

As of December 1, 2020, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for all of its reporting units. The fair values were determined using a combination of an income approach, using a discounted cash flow model (DCF), and a market comparables approach. The DCF model includes significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and enterprise specific discount rates. Additionally, the market comparables approach is determined using guideline company financial multiples. Given the uncertainty in determining assumptions underlying the DCF approach, actual results may differ from those used in the valuations. No additional impairment charges were required for any of the Company's reporting units.

The determination of fair value of the Company's reporting units represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. Changes in significant judgments and estimates could significantly impact the concluded fair value of the reporting unit or the valuation of intangible assets. Changes to assumptions that would decrease the fair value of the reporting unit would result in corresponding increases to the impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit.

The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020						Estimated Useful Lives
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	624,699	$	(330,350)	$	294,349	6 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(26,028)		20,254		11 years
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	116,526		(40,357)		76,169		3 to 20 years

Total amortizable intangible assets	787,507		(396,735)		390,772
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	807,407	$	(396,735)	$	410,672

(In thousands)	December 31, 2019
	Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net
Amortizable intangible assets:
Affiliate and customer relationships	$	616,197	$	(232,193)	$	384,004
Advertiser relationships	46,282		(21,820)		24,462
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets	115,873		(19,708)		96,165

Total amortizable intangible assets	778,352		(273,721)		504,631
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	19,900		—		19,900
Total intangible assets	$	798,252	$	(273,721)	$	524,531

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $42.2 million, $46.2 million and $43.0 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	38,074
2022	38,027
2023	37,951
2024	37,882
2025	36,039

Impairment Test of Long-Lived Assets

In June 2020, given the continuing and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the Company revised its outlook for the AMCNI business, resulting in lower expected future cash flows. As a result, the Company determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment of long-lived assets existed and the Company performed a recoverability test of the long-lived asset groups within the AMCNI business. Based on the recoverability tests performed, the Company determined that certain long-lived assets were not recoverable and recognized an impairment charge of $97.1 million related primarily to certain identifiable intangible assets, as well as property and equipment, and operating lease right-of-use assets, which is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statement of income. Fair values used to determine the impairment charges were determined using an income approach, using a discounted cash flow model (DCF). The DCF model includes significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and

enterprise specific discount rates. Given the uncertainty in determining assumptions underlying the DCF approach, actual results may differ from those used in the valuations.

Impairment Test of Identifiable Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Based on the Company's 2020 annual impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, no impairment charge was required. The Company's indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to SundanceTV trademarks, which were valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting estimated royalty revenue over projected revenues covered by the trademarks. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations for the Company's identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company applied a hypothetical 20% decrease to the estimated fair value of the identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets. This hypothetical decrease in estimated fair value would not result in an impairment.

Significant judgments inherent in estimating the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets include the selection of appropriate discount and royalty rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following components:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Domestic	$	437,039	$	529,451	$	587,346
Foreign	(34,660)		(43,265)		32,927
Total	$	402,379	$	486,186	$	620,273

Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following components:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Current expense:
Federal	$	86,977	$	81,459	$	80,360
State	17,733		12,657		13,663
Foreign	23,845		24,608		25,001
	128,555		118,724		119,024
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal	(2,979)		(2,216)		34,636
State	(405)		(98)		3,627
Foreign	26,543		(36,602)		(4,896)
	23,159		(38,916)		33,367
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	(6,323)		(1,338)		3,915
Income tax expense	$	145,391	$	78,470	$	156,306

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	21	%	21	%	21	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	4		2		2
Effect of foreign operations	2		2		—
Effect of rate changes on deferred taxes (a)	—		—		(2)
Excess tax deficiencies related to share-based compensation	2		—		—
Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)		(1)		(1)
Changes in the valuation allowance (b)	10		(4)		3

Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	(1)		—		—
Deferral of investment tax credit benefit (c)	(1)		(2)		—
Other	—		(2)		2
Effective income tax rate	36	%	16	%	25	%

(a) The benefits related to effects of rate changes in the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily relate to the one-time rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities that resulted from the extension of certain television production cost deductions included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (enacted February 9, 2018) and return to provision adjustments.

(b) In the year ended December 31, 2020, the increase in valuation allowance relates primarily to a change in judgement and a change in local tax law related to the utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. In the year ended December 31, 2019, the decrease in valuation allowance relates primarily to the expected utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards resulting from the reorganization of intellectual property amongst the Company’s international subsidiaries. In the year ended December 31, 2018, the increase in valuation allowance relates primarily to a change in judgement related to U.S. foreign tax credits.

(c) In the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the deferral of investment tax credit benefit relates to the income tax benefit recognized from investment tax credits recorded using the deferral method of accounting.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of deferred tax assets or liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31,
	2020		2019
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$	98,631	$	103,407
Compensation and benefit plans	22,562		27,835
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,832		428
Fixed assets and intangible assets	42,550		37,893
Accrued interest expense	5,599		7,202
Other liabilities	16,682		27,276
Deferred tax asset	187,856		204,041
Valuation allowance	(96,199)		(59,584)
Net deferred tax asset	91,657		144,457
Prepaid liabilities	(538)		(530)
Fixed assets and intangible assets	(84,005)		(93,300)
Investments in partnerships	(77,619)		(105,062)
Other assets	(36,458)		(30,931)
Deferred tax liability	(198,620)		(229,823)
Total net deferred tax liability	$	(106,963)	$	(85,366)

At December 31, 2020, the Company had investment tax credit carry forwards of approximately $38.8 million, expiring on various dates from 2031 through 2035 and foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $31.0 million, expiring on various dates from 2020 through 2030, which have been reduced by a valuation allowance of $31.0 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. The Company had net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $411.3 million, related primarily to federal and state net operating losses acquired as a result of the purchase of the outstanding shares of RLJE of approximately $113.1 million and to net operating loss carryforwards of our foreign subsidiaries. The deferred tax asset related to the federal and state net operating loss carryforward of approximately $23.4 million has expiration dates ranging from 2022 through 2038 and has been reduced by a valuation allowance of approximately $7.8 million that was recorded through goodwill as part of purchase accounting. Although the foreign net operating loss carry forward periods range from 5 years to unlimited, the related deferred tax assets of approximately $43.0 million for these carry forwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of approximately $40.8 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. The remainder of the valuation allowance at December 31, 2020 relates primarily to deferred tax assets attributable to temporary differences of certain foreign subsidiaries for which it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, $1.3 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).

At December 31, 2020, the liability for uncertain tax positions was $9.7 million, excluding the related accrued interest liability of $2.7 million and deferred tax assets of $2.1 million. All of such unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the Company's income tax expense and effective tax rate.

A reconciliation of the beginning to ending amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions (excluding related accrued interest and deferred tax benefit) is as follows:


(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	18,588
Increases related to current year tax positions	173
Increases related to prior year tax positions	1,999

Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(988)
Decreases due to settlements/payments	(10,087)

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	9,685

Interest expense (net of the related deferred tax benefit) of $0.6 million was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 and is included in income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the liability for uncertain tax positions and related accrued interest noted above are included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company is currently being audited by the State and City of New York and various other states or jurisdictions, with most of the periods under examination relating to tax years 2013 and forward.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
Operating Expenses
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)	1,401,591	1,506,985	1,445,949
Selling, general and administrative	708,820	679,444	657,457
Depreciation and amortization	104,606	101,098	91,281
Impairment charges	122,227	106,603	4,486
Restructuring and other related charges	35,068	40,914	45,847
Total operating expenses	2,372,312	2,435,044	2,245,020
Operating income	442,644	625,277	726,909
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(138,610)	(157,798)	(154,993)
Interest income	30,032	24,707	19,180
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,908)	0	0
Miscellaneous, net	71,221	(6,000)	29,177
Total other income (expense)	(40,265)	(139,091)	(106,636)
Income from operations before income taxes	402,379	486,186	620,273
Income tax expense	(145,391)	(78,470)	(156,306)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	256,988	407,716	463,967
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,009)	(27,230)	(17,780)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 239,979	$ 380,486	$ 446,187
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.70	$ 6.77	$ 7.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4.64	$ 6.67	$ 7.57
Weighted average common shares
Basic (in shares)	51,016	56,205	58,066
Diluted (in shares)	51,733	57,037	58,947

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognition period	1 year
Distribution [Member] \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognition period	1 year
Advertising [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Payment terms	30 days
Advertising [Member] \| Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognition period	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Distribution [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Payment terms	30 days
Maximum [Member] \| Distribution [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Payment terms	45 days

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 5,733	$ 10,788	$ 9,691
Provision for (Recovery of) Bad Debt	(2,843)	12,641	7,399
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges, Net		(17,696)	(6,302)
Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges, Net	8,344
Balance at End of Period	$ 11,234	$ 5,733	$ 10,788

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 38,074
2022	38,027
2023	37,951
2024	37,882
2025	$ 36,039

Property and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 62.4	$ 54.9	$ 48.3

Fair Value Measurement

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

•Level I—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

•Level II—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

•Level III—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:


(In thousands)	Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
At December 31, 2020:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	107,494	$	—	$	—	$	107,494
Marketable securities	62,442		—		—		62,442
Foreign currency derivatives	—		667		—		667
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	—		2,403		—		2,403
Foreign currency derivatives	—		3,515		—		3,515

At December 31, 2019:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	191,214	$	—	$	—	$	191,214
Marketable securities	4,448		—		—		4,448
Foreign currency derivatives	—		1,884		—		1,884
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	—		1,966		—		1,966
Foreign currency derivatives	—		1,888		—		1,888

The Company's cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.

The Company's interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency derivatives are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy and their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

At December 31, 2020, the Company does not have any other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III.

Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting and impairment testing. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy.

Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes

The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are summarized as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Term Loan A Facility	$	669,878	$	665,719
4.75% Notes due December 2022	398,230		400,500
5.00% Notes due April 2024	991,074		1,015,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	790,125		826,160

	$	2,849,307	$	2,907,379


(In thousands)	December 31, 2019
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Term Loan A facility	$	723,560	$	724,303
4.75% Notes due December 2022	595,813		605,250
5.00% Notes due April 2024	988,609		1,020,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	788,247		803,000

	$	3,096,229	$	3,152,553

Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Impairment Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 25,100	$ 122,227	$ 106,603	$ 4,486
Impairment charge		25,062	97,996
impairments of intangibles and property and equipment associated with the sale of a subsidiary		97,100	8,600
AMCNI Reporting Unit [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charges			4,500
Impairment charge		$ 25,100	$ 98,000

Cash Flows

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Cash Flows

During 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Continuing Operations:
Finance lease additions	$	14,255	$	—	$	—
Treasury stock not yet settled	—		—		985
Exercise of RLJE Warrants	—		—		20,086
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	5,689		6,270		5,081
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid	131,167		151,501		147,710
Income taxes paid, net	99,852		139,994		138,433

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

Technical and Operating Expenses

Advertising and Distribution Expenses

Share-Based Compensation

Foreign Currency

Transactions denominated in currencies other than subsidiaries' functional currencies are recorded based on exchange rates at the time such transactions arise. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized foreign currency transaction gains and losses based upon period-end exchange rates. The Company also records realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. The Company recognized realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of $(4.0) million, $11.1 million and $(6.8) million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which are included in miscellaneous, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Accounts Receivable, Trade

Program Rights

Investments

Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Deferred Carriage Fees

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company's derivative financial instruments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet based on their fair values. The Company's embedded derivative financial instruments which are clearly and closely related to the host contracts are not accounted for on a stand-alone basis. Changes in the fair values are reported in earnings or other comprehensive income depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are designated and accounted for as either a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge). For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in earnings and included in interest expense, for interest rate swap contracts and miscellaneous, net, for foreign currency and other derivative contracts. For derivatives designated as effective cash flow hedges, changes in fair values are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in fair values related to fair value hedges as well as the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged item of a fair value hedge are also recognized in earnings. See Note 13 for a further discussion of the Company's derivative financial instruments.

Leases

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The new standard did not materially impact our consolidated net income or cash flows. See Note 14 for further discussion regarding leases.

Income Taxes

Commitments and Contingencies

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. Cash is invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. As of December 31, 2020, two customers accounted for 18% and 10%, respectively, of the combined balances of consolidated accounts receivable, trade and receivables due in excess of one-year (included in other assets). As of December 31, 2019, two customers accounted for 16% and 10%, respectively, of the combined balances of consolidated accounts receivable, trade and receivables due in excess of one-year.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interest with redemption features, such as put options, that are not solely within the Company's control are considered redeemable noncontrolling interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are considered to be temporary equity and are reported in the mezzanine section between total liabilities and stockholders' equity in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the greater of their initial carrying amount, increased or decreased for contributions, distributions and the noncontrolling interest's share of net income or loss, or redemption value.

Net Income per Share

The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020	2019	2018
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	51,016	56,205	58,066
Effect of dilution:
Stock options	—	14	15
Restricted stock units	717	818	866
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	51,733	57,037	58,947

Approximately 0.3 million, 1.3 million and 1.0 million restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since a performance condition for these awards had not been met in each of the respective periods. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 0.3 million and 0.6 million, respectively, of restricted stock units and stock options have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive.

Common Stock of AMC Networks

Stock Repurchase Program

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 14.8 million shares of its Class A common stock at an average purchase price of $23.91 per share (inclusive of the results of the modified "Dutch auction" tender offer discussed below). As of December 31, 2020, the Company has $135.3 million available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

On September 16, 2020, the Company commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $250 million in value of shares of its Class A Common Stock, plus up to an additional 2% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, at a price not greater than $26.50 nor less than $22.50 per share. The Tender Offer expired on October 14, 2020. On October 21, 2020, the Company accepted for purchase 10.8 million shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price of $23.20 per share, for an aggregate cost of $250.6 million. The cost of these shares, and the fees relating to the Tender Offer, are classified in Treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet.


	Shares Outstanding
(In thousands)	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2017	49,601	11,484
Share repurchases	(5,386)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	534	—
Balance at December 31, 2018	44,749	11,484
Share repurchases	(1,302)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	631	—
Balance at December 31, 2019	44,078	11,484
Share repurchases	(14,785)	—
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*	682	—
Balance at December 31, 2020	29,975	11,484

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 665,781
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	32,647	$ (7,881)	$ (42,442)
Income tax benefit	114	364	45
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	32,761	(7,517)	(42,397)
Ending balance	616,805	665,781
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(166,203)	(159,920)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	33,084	(6,272)
Income tax benefit	11	(11)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	33,095	(6,283)
Ending balance	(133,108)	(166,203)	(159,920)
Gain (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,508)	(274)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	(437)	(1,609)
Income tax benefit	103	375
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(334)	(1,234)
Ending balance	(1,842)	(1,508)	(274)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(167,711)	(160,194)
Ending balance	$ (134,950)	$ (167,711)	$ (160,194)

- Definition

Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.

+ References + Details

Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
Impairment Charges	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]
Impairment Charges	Impairment Charges In 2020, as a result of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company qualitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that goodwill and long-lived assets were impaired as of June 30, 2020. As a result of that assessment, the Company incurred impairment charges of $122.2 million, consisting of $25.1 million related to goodwill impairment and $97.1 million primarily related to certain identifiable intangible assets, as well as property and equipment, and operating lease right-of-use assets, all of which were associated with the AMCNI reporting unit. In 2019, the Company incurred impairment charges of $106.6 million, consisting of $98.0 million related to goodwill impairment associated with the AMCNI reporting unit, and $8.6 million related to impairments of intangibles and property and equipment associated with the sale of a subsidiary. In connection with the preparation of the 2019 fourth quarter financial information, the Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test and concluded that the estimated fair value of the AMCNI reporting unit declined to less than its carrying amount. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $98.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting a partial write-down of the goodwill associated with the AMCNI reporting unit. In 2018, AMCNI recognized a $4.5 million charge, primarily related to program rights, in connection with the disposition of a business.

Revenue Recognition (Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)	$ 1,121,834	$ 1,081,070
Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)	7,283	9,830
Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)	9,964	942
Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)	63,921	$ 71,048
Revenue recognized relating to the contract liability	$ 47,200

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current expense:
Federal	$ 86,977	$ 81,459	$ 80,360
State	17,733	12,657	13,663
Foreign	23,845	24,608	25,001
Current expense (benefit)	128,555	118,724	119,024
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal	(2,979)	(2,216)	34,636
State	(405)	(98)	3,627
Foreign	26,543	(36,602)	(4,896)
Deferred expense (benefit)	23,159	(38,916)	33,367
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	(6,323)	(1,338)	3,915
Income tax expense	$ 145,391	$ 78,470	$ 156,306

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following components:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Domestic	$	437,039	$	529,451	$	587,346
Foreign	(34,660)		(43,265)		32,927
Total	$	402,379	$	486,186	$	620,273

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense attributable to continuing operations consists of the following components:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Current expense:
Federal	$	86,977	$	81,459	$	80,360
State	17,733		12,657		13,663
Foreign	23,845		24,608		25,001
	128,555		118,724		119,024
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal	(2,979)		(2,216)		34,636
State	(405)		(98)		3,627
Foreign	26,543		(36,602)		(4,896)
	23,159		(38,916)		33,367
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest	(6,323)		(1,338)		3,915
Income tax expense	$	145,391	$	78,470	$	156,306

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	21	%	21	%	21	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	4		2		2
Effect of foreign operations	2		2		—
Effect of rate changes on deferred taxes (a)	—		—		(2)
Excess tax deficiencies related to share-based compensation	2		—		—
Nontaxable income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1)		(1)		(1)
Changes in the valuation allowance (b)	10		(4)		3

Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits	(1)		—		—
Deferral of investment tax credit benefit (c)	(1)		(2)		—
Other	—		(2)		2
Effective income tax rate	36	%	16	%	25	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of deferred tax assets or liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31,
	2020		2019
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards	$	98,631	$	103,407
Compensation and benefit plans	22,562		27,835
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,832		428
Fixed assets and intangible assets	42,550		37,893
Accrued interest expense	5,599		7,202
Other liabilities	16,682		27,276
Deferred tax asset	187,856		204,041
Valuation allowance	(96,199)		(59,584)
Net deferred tax asset	91,657		144,457
Prepaid liabilities	(538)		(530)
Fixed assets and intangible assets	(84,005)		(93,300)
Investments in partnerships	(77,619)		(105,062)
Other assets	(36,458)		(30,931)
Deferred tax liability	(198,620)		(229,823)
Total net deferred tax liability	$	(106,963)	$	(85,366)

Schedule Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the beginning to ending amount of the liability for uncertain tax positions (excluding related accrued interest and deferred tax benefit) is as follows:


(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	18,588
Increases related to current year tax positions	173
Increases related to prior year tax positions	1,999

Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(988)
Decreases due to settlements/payments	(10,087)

Balance at December 31, 2020	$	9,685

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table details the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2020
	Currency Translation Adjustment		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning Balance	$	(166,203)	$	(1,508)	$	(167,711)


Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	33,084		(437)		32,647
Income tax expense	11		103		114
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	33,095		(334)		32,761

Ending Balance	$	(133,108)	$	(1,842)	$	(134,950)


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	Currency Translation Adjustment		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning Balance	$	(159,920)	$	(274)	(160,194)


Net current-period other comprehensive (loss), before income taxes	(6,272)		(1,609)		(7,881)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(11)		375		364
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss), net of income taxes	(6,283)		(1,234)		(7,517)

Ending Balance	$	(166,203)	$	(1,508)	$	(167,711)

Amounts reclassified to net earnings for gains and losses on cash flow hedges designated as hedging instruments are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aggregate voting power	80.00%
Net revenues from related parties	$ 4.8	$ 4.8	$ 5.6
Selling, general administrative charges from related parties	$ 0.5	$ 1.0	$ 1.6
Affiliated Entity [Member] \| Director [Member] \| 605, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Common Class A [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percent of common stock owned by related party	4.00%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Stock by Class) (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Oct. 21, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Common Class A [Member]

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Beginning Balance (in shares)

44,078

44,749

49,601

Share repurchases

(10,800)

(14,785)

(1,302)

(5,386)

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*

^[1]

682

631

534

Ending Balance (in shares)

29,975

44,078

44,749

Common Class B [Member]

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

Beginning Balance (in shares)

11,484

Share repurchases

Employee and non-employee director stock transactions*

^[1]

Ending Balance (in shares)

11,484

[1]

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions On June 30, 2011, Cablevision spun off the Company (the "Distribution") and the Company became an independent public company. At the time of the Distribution, both Cablevision and AMC Networks were controlled by Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his immediate family and certain family related entities (collectively the "Dolan Family"). Members of the Dolan Family, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan Family, collectively beneficially own all of the Company's outstanding Class B Common Stock and own approximately 4% of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately 80% of the aggregate voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. ("MSGS"), Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. ("MSGE"), and MSG Networks Inc. ("MSG Networks"). From time to time the Company enters into arrangements with 605, LLC. James L. Dolan, the Chairman and a director of the Company, and his spouse, Kristin A. Dolan, a director of the Company, own 50% of 605, LLC. Kristin A. Dolan is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of 605, LLC. 605, LLC provides audience measurement and data analytics services to the Company and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business. The Company provides services to and receives services from MSGS, MSGE, and MSG Networks. Revenues, net The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $4.8 million, $4.8 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Selling, General and Administrative Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to a transition services agreement and for other transactions with its related parties amounted to $0.5 million, $1.0 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. AMC Networks has an arrangement with the Dolan Family Office, LLC ("DFO"), MSGS, MSGE and MSG Networks providing for the sharing of certain expenses associated with executive office space which are available to Charles F. Dolan (the Chairman Emeritus and a director of the Company and a director of MSGS, MSGE and MSG Networks), James L. Dolan (the Non-Executive Chairman and a director of the Company and a director of MSGS, MSGE and MSG Networks), and the DFO which is controlled by Charles F. Dolan. The Company's share of initial set-up costs and office expenses was not material.

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2019	$ 18,588
Increases related to current year tax positions	173
Increases related to prior year tax positions	1,999
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(988)
Decreases due to settlements/payments	(10,087)
Balance at December 31, 2020	$ 9,685

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Parent [Member]	Parent [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Common Class A [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member] Common Stock [Member]
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017												627	115
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 12,619	$ 191,303	$ 766,725	$ 16,030	$ (709,440)	$ (114,386)	$ (3,411)	$ 134,944	$ 12,619	$ 29,001
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	$ 446,187			446,187					446,187
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,756										2,756
Distribution to noncontrolling member	(2,847)										(2,847)
Other comprehensive income	(44,133)						(42,397)		(42,397)		(1,736)
Settlement of treasury stock	995		995						995
Other comprehensive income	(42,397)
Noncontrolling interests acquired	1,354										1,354
Treasury stock not yet settled and other	(985)		(985)						(985)
Share-based compensation expense	60,979		60,979						60,979
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,317		4,317						4,317
Treasury stock acquired	(283,143)					(283,143)			(283,143)
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(16,836)		(16,842)						(16,836)			$ 6
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018												633	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	345,208		239,767	1,228,942		(992,583)	(160,194)		316,680		28,528
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	380,486			380,486					380,486
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 4,911										4,911
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Distribution to noncontrolling member	$ (3,438)										(3,438)
Other comprehensive income	(7,365)						(7,517)		(7,517)		152
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests changes	(4,429)										(4,429)
Settlement of treasury stock	985		985						985
Other comprehensive income	(7,517)
Share-based compensation expense	64,133		64,133						64,133
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,630		4,630						4,630
Treasury stock acquired	(70,598)					(70,598)			(70,598)
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(23,018)		(23,024)						(23,018)			$ 6
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019												639	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	691,505	$ (1,956)	286,491	1,609,428	$ (1,956)	(1,063,181)	(167,711)		665,781	$ (1,956)	25,724
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	239,979			239,979					239,979
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,131										1,131
Distribution to noncontrolling member	(1,037)										(1,037)
Other comprehensive income	33,239						32,761		32,761		478
Other comprehensive income	32,761
Share-based compensation expense	52,908		52,908						52,908
Treasury stock acquired	(356,701)					(356,701)			(356,701)
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(15,967)		(15,974)						(15,967)			$ 7
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020												646	115
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 643,101		$ 323,425	$ 1,847,451		$ (1,419,882)	$ (134,950)		$ 616,805		$ 26,296

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Employee related costs	$	98,661	$	89,753
Participations and residuals	106,785		70,682
Interest	29,345		29,767
Other accrued expenses	85,214		61,012
Total accrued liabilities	$	320,005	$	251,214

Segment Information (Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net		$ 780,275	$ 654,015	$ 646,291	$ 734,375	$ 785,204	$ 718,597	$ 772,299	$ 784,221	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
Operating income		$ 81,395	$ 139,477	$ 48,802	$ 172,970	$ 41,719	$ 168,438	$ 170,257	$ 244,863	442,644	625,277	726,909
Share-based compensation expense										52,908	64,133	60,979
Depreciation and amortization										104,606	101,098	91,281
Impairment charges	$ 25,100									122,227	106,603	4,486
Restructuring and other related charges										35,068	40,914	45,847
Cloud computing amortization										200
Majority-owned equity investees AOI										8,958	5,965	3,043
Adjusted operating income										766,611	943,990	932,545
Capital expenditures										46,595	91,604	89,802
Operating Segments [Member] \| National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										2,096,169	2,369,044	2,413,325
Operating income										656,425	804,422	825,770
Share-based compensation expense										42,536	52,977	48,621
Depreciation and amortization										40,539	32,674	33,728
Impairment charges										0	0	0
Restructuring and other related charges										20,553	13,453	17,160
Cloud computing amortization										0
Majority-owned equity investees AOI										0	0	0
Adjusted operating income										760,053	903,526	925,279
Capital expenditures										11,007	36,199	16,316
Operating Segments [Member] \| International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										746,527	734,143	598,306
Operating income										(224,228)	(170,039)	(93,326)
Share-based compensation expense										10,372	11,156	12,358
Depreciation and amortization										64,067	68,424	57,553
Impairment charges										122,227	106,603	4,486
Restructuring and other related charges										14,515	28,084	35,189
Cloud computing amortization										200
Majority-owned equity investees AOI										8,958	5,965	3,043
Adjusted operating income										(3,889)	50,193	19,303
Capital expenditures										35,588	55,405	73,486
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										(27,740)	(42,866)	(39,702)
Operating income										10,447	(9,106)	(5,535)
Share-based compensation expense										0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization										0	0	0
Impairment charges										0	0	0
Restructuring and other related charges										0	(623)	(6,502)
Cloud computing amortization										0
Majority-owned equity investees AOI										0	0	0
Adjusted operating income										10,447	(9,729)	(12,037)
Capital expenditures										0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										(22,617)	(32,762)	(33,600)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										(5,123)	(10,104)	(6,102)
Advertising [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										875,816	993,833	1,036,079
Advertising [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member] \| National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										802,332	904,253	944,675
Advertising [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member] \| International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										74,338	89,659	91,404
Advertising [Member] \| Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										(854)	(79)	0
Distribution and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										1,939,140	2,066,488	1,935,850
Distribution and Other [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member] \| National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										1,293,837	1,464,791	1,468,650
Distribution and Other [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member] \| International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										672,189	644,484	506,902
Distribution and Other [Member] \| Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net										$ (26,886)	$ (42,787)	$ (39,702)

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure


(In thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Provision for (Recovery of) Bad Debt		Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges, Net		Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	5,733	$	(2,843)	$	8,344	$	11,234
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	10,788	$	12,641	$	(17,696)	$	5,733
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9,691	$	7,399	$	(6,302)	$	10,788

Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Total expense related to all benefit plans	$ 9.3	$ 8.3	$ 5.9

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments Not Designated) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	$ (2,618)	$ 301	$ 41,927
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives			30,200
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Expense [Member]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	0	0	(1,444)
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	(2,618)	301	1,279
Other Contract [Member] \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0	$ 42,092

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis


(In thousands)	Level I		Level II		Level III		Total
At December 31, 2020:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	107,494	$	—	$	—	$	107,494
Marketable securities	62,442		—		—		62,442
Foreign currency derivatives	—		667		—		667
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	—		2,403		—		2,403
Foreign currency derivatives	—		3,515		—		3,515

At December 31, 2019:
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	191,214	$	—	$	—	$	191,214
Marketable securities	4,448		—		—		4,448
Foreign currency derivatives	—		1,884		—		1,884
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	—		1,966		—		1,966
Foreign currency derivatives	—		1,888		—		1,888

Carrying Values And Fair Values Of The Company's Financial Instruments

The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are summarized as follows:


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Term Loan A Facility	$	669,878	$	665,719
4.75% Notes due December 2022	398,230		400,500
5.00% Notes due April 2024	991,074		1,015,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	790,125		826,160

	$	2,849,307	$	2,907,379


(In thousands)	December 31, 2019
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Debt instruments:
Term Loan A facility	$	723,560	$	724,303
4.75% Notes due December 2022	595,813		605,250
5.00% Notes due April 2024	988,609		1,020,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025	788,247		803,000

	$	3,096,229	$	3,152,553

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 75,000
2022	475,000
2023	525,000
2024	1,000,000
2025	$ 800,000

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset credit carry forwards	$ 38,800
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	31,000
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)	(31,000)
Federal and state net operating loss carryforward	23,400
Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax	1,300
Liability for uncertain tax positions	9,700
Accrued interest liability	2,700
Deferred tax asset, uncertain tax position	2,100
Interest expense (net of related deferred tax benefit)	600
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)	(7,800)
Net operating loss carry forwards	411,300
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset credit carry forwards	43,000
Valuation allowance increase (decrease)	(40,800)
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 113,100

Program Rights and Obligations (Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Completed	$ 203,388
In-production and in-development	228,713
Total owned original program rights, net	432,101
Licensed film and acquired series	8,261
Licensed originals	201,992
Advances and content versioning costs	0
Total licensed program rights, net	210,253
Program rights, net	642,354
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Completed	12,808
In-production and in-development	19,258
Total owned original program rights, net	32,066
Licensed film and acquired series	551,878
Licensed originals	0
Advances and content versioning costs	56,313
Total licensed program rights, net	608,191
Program rights, net	640,257
Total
Completed	216,196
In-production and in-development	247,971
Total owned original program rights, net	464,167
Licensed film and acquired series	560,139
Licensed originals	201,992
Advances and content versioning costs	56,313
Total licensed program rights, net	818,444
Program rights, net	1,282,611
Current portion of program rights, net	13,480
Program rights, net (long-term)	$ 1,269,131

Commitments and Contingencies (Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule) (Details)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2020

USD ($)

^[1]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Total purchase obligations

$ 1,011,886

Purchase obligations, year 1

290,915

Purchase obligations, years 2-3

222,694

Purchase obligations, years 4-5

118,277

Purchase obligations, more than 5 years

$ 380,000

[1]	Purchase obligations consist primarily of program rights obligations, participations, residuals, and transmission and marketing commitments.

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Costs

The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
National Networks	$	20,553	$	13,453	$	17,160
International and Other	14,515		28,084		35,189
Inter-segment Eliminations	—		(623)		(6,502)
Total restructuring and other related charges	$	35,068	$	40,914	$	45,847

The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized for the three years:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
Restructuring charges	$	35,068	$	27,897	$	45,847
Other related charges	—		13,017		—
Total restructuring and other related charges	$	35,068	$	40,914	$	45,847

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost

The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring and other related costs:


(In thousands)	Severance and Employee-Related Costs		Other Exit Costs		Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	33,774	$	1,415	$	35,189
Charges	26,132		1,765		27,897
Other	(612)		(1,480)		(2,092)
Cash payments	(31,897)		(414)		(32,311)
Non-cash adjustments	—		(1,081)		(1,081)
Currency translation	10		16		26
Balance at December 31, 2019	27,407		221		27,628
Charges	30,752		4,316		35,068

Cash payments	(31,545)		(191)		(31,736)
Non-cash adjustments	(1,043)		(4,316)		(5,359)
Currency translation	—		1		1
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	25,571	$	31	$	25,602

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table details the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2020
	Currency Translation Adjustment		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning Balance	$	(166,203)	$	(1,508)	$	(167,711)


Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	33,084		(437)		32,647
Income tax expense	11		103		114
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	33,095		(334)		32,761

Ending Balance	$	(133,108)	$	(1,842)	$	(134,950)


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	Currency Translation Adjustment		Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning Balance	$	(159,920)	$	(274)	(160,194)


Net current-period other comprehensive (loss), before income taxes	(6,272)		(1,609)		(7,881)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(11)		375		364
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss), net of income taxes	(6,283)		(1,234)		(7,517)

Ending Balance	$	(166,203)	$	(1,508)	$	(167,711)

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges		$ 35,068	$ 40,914	$ 45,847
Restructuring charges		35,068	27,897	45,847
Accrued restructuring and other related costs		25,600
Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges		21,200
Restructuring charges		30,752	26,132	$ 36,000
Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member] \| Management Changes [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		26,000
Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member] \| Owned Subscription Streaming Services Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			1,900
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges		13,900
Restructuring charges	$ 9,900	4,316	1,765
Other Restructuring [Member] \| AMC Networks SVOD Organizational Changes [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges			$ 13,000
National Networks [Member] \| Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges		11,800
National Networks [Member] \| Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member] \| Management Changes [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		13,500
International And Other [Member] \| Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other related charges		9,400
International And Other [Member] \| Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member] \| Management Changes [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 12,500

Segment Information (Summary of Inter-segment Eliminations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 780,275	$ 654,015	$ 646,291	$ 734,375	$ 785,204	$ 718,597	$ 772,299	$ 784,221	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									(27,740)	(42,866)	(39,702)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| National Networks [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									(22,617)	(32,762)	(33,600)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] \| International And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									$ (5,123)	$ (10,104)	$ (6,102)

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer ("transaction price"). To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing the most likely amount to which the Company expects to be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company’s anticipated performance and all information that is reasonably available. Amounts collected on behalf of others (including taxes), where the Company is an agent, are excluded from revenue.

When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from a customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying a practical expedient in the guidance, the Company does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when the Company performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less.

Contracts with customers may contain multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price considering available information such as market conditions and internal pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.

The Company primarily earns revenue from (i) the distribution of its programming services, through distributors and directly to consumers, and licensing of its programming and other content, (ii) advertising, and (iii) other services. The Company’s revenue recognition policies summarizing the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty associated with each major source of revenue from contracts with customers are described below.

Distribution

The majority of the Company’s distribution revenues relate to sales-based and usage-based royalties which are recognized on the later of (i) when the subsequent sale or usage occurs and (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-based or usage-based royalty has been allocated has been satisfied or partially satisfied. Occasionally, the Company incurs costs to obtain a distribution contract and these costs are amortized over the period of the related distribution contract as a reduction of revenue.

Subscription fee revenue: Subscription fees are earned from cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"), platforms operated by telecommunications providers and virtual multichannel video programming distributors (collectively "distributors"), for the rights to use the Company's network programming under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements." The Company's performance obligation under affiliation agreements is a license of functional intellectual property that is satisfied as the Company provides its programming over the term of the agreement. The transaction price is represented by subscription fees that are generally based upon (i) contractual rates applied to the number of the distributor's subscribers who receive or can receive our programming ("rate-per-subscriber"), or (ii) fixed contractual monthly fees ("fixed fee").

For rate-per-subscriber agreements, the Company applies the sales-based or usage-based royalty guidance, and accordingly, recognizes revenue in the period of the distributor’s usage, based on the subscription fee earned during the period.

Fixed fee affiliation agreements are generally billed in monthly installments, and such amounts may vary over the term of the contract. In cases where the invoice amount corresponds directly with the value to the affiliate of the performance to-date, the Company recognizes revenue based on the invoiced amount. In cases where changes in fees during the contract term do not correspond directly to the value of the performance to-date (for example, if the fees vary over the contract term due to a significant financing or credit risk component), the Company recognizes the total amount of fixed transaction price over the contract period using a time-based (e.g., straight-line) measure of progress.

Certain of the Company’s fixed fee affiliation agreements contain guaranteed minimum fees that are recoupable during the term of the agreement, and variable fees based on rates-per-subscriber after the guaranteed minimum is recouped. The Company recognizes revenue for the fixed consideration over the minimum guarantee period and recognizes variable fees only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.

Subscription revenue from our streaming services Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and AMC+ (collectively, AMC Networks Streaming Services) is recognized as the streaming services are provided to customers.

Content licensing revenue: The Company licenses its original programming content to certain distributors, including under streaming, pay-per-view ("PPV") and electronic sell-through ("EST") arrangements. Under these arrangements, our performance obligation is a license to functional intellectual property that provides the distributor the right to use our programming as it exists at a point in time. The satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligation, and related recognition of revenue, occurs when the content is delivered to the licensee and the license period has begun. The Company’s performance obligation in a content license arrangement pertains to each distinct unit of content, which is generally each season of an episodic series or a film. The Company typically delivers all episodes of a season for a series concurrently and the licensee’s rights to exploit the content is the same across all of the episodes.

For streaming arrangements, the Company adjusts the transaction price for the time value of money in cases where license fees are paid over several years. Streaming licensing revenue is recognized at the later of the beginning of the license period, or when we provide the programming to the distributor. The Company recognizes a contract asset for the difference between the revenue recognized and the amount we are permitted to invoice.

For PPV and EST license fee arrangements, the Company applies the sales-based or usage-based royalty guidance and recognizes revenue in the period of end-customer purchases, based on the fees earned during the period.

The Company also licenses trademarks, logos, brands, derivative character copyrights, etc. under multi-year arrangements. Under these arrangements, the Company may receive a non-refundable minimum guarantee that is recoupable against a volume-based royalty throughout the term of the agreement. The performance obligation is a license of symbolic intellectual property that provides the customer with a right to access the intellectual property. The Company adjusts the transaction price for the time value of money in cases where license fees are paid over several years. The Company recognizes revenue for the minimum guarantee on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, and recognizes variable fees only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.

The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of customer. Generally, payment terms are 30-45 days after revenue is earned. In certain limited circumstances, agreements with customers have payment terms in excess of one-year after satisfaction of the performance obligation.

Advertising

The Company generates revenues from the sale of advertising time on its networks. In such arrangements, the Company generally promises to air a certain number of commercials (spots) and to generate guaranteed viewer ratings for an audience demographic (impressions) over a period that generally does not exceed one year. The promise to deliver impressions by airing spots represents the Company’s performance obligation. Advertising revenues are recognized as commercials are aired, to the extent that guaranteed viewer ratings are achieved. A contract liability is recognized to the extent the guaranteed viewer ratings are not met, and is subsequently recognized as revenue either when the Company provides the required additional advertising or the guarantee obligation contractually expires, which is generally within one year. Generally, payment terms are 30 days after revenue is earned.

Other

The Company earns revenue from production and transmission services and live entertainment venues. Such services are recognized as revenue as the services are performed.

Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations

The guidance requires disclosure of the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of December 31, 2020. However, the guidance does not apply to sales-based or usage-based

royalty arrangements and also provides certain practical expedients that allow companies to omit this disclosure requirement for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed and (iii) variable consideration related to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation.

As of December 31, 2020, other than contracts for which the Company has applied the practical expedients, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was not material to our consolidated revenues.

Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.

For certain types of contracts with customers, the Company may recognize revenue in advance of the contractual right to invoice the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to contract assets. Once the Company has an unconditional right to consideration under a contract, the contract assets are reclassified to account receivables.

When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the products or services is transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. The primary source of the Company’s contract liabilities relates to advertising sales arrangements and content licensing arrangements. As noted above, the Company’s programming networks generally guarantee viewer ratings for its programming. If these guaranteed viewer ratings are not met, the Company is required to provide additional advertising units to the advertiser. For these types of arrangements, a portion of the related revenue is deferred if the guaranteed ratings are not met, representing a contract liability, and is subsequently recognized either when the Company provides the required additional advertising time or the guarantee obligation contractually expires. In certain content licensing arrangements, payment may be received in advance of a distributor's ability to exhibit a program. Such payments are recorded as a contract liability and subsequently recognized when the program becomes available for exhibition.

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.


(In thousands)	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Balances from contracts with customers:
Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)	$	1,081,070	$	1,121,834
Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)	9,830		7,283
Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)	942		9,964
Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)	71,048		63,921

(a)Revenue recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2019 was $47.2 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of revenue from contract with customer to transfer good or service and to transfer nonfinancial asset. Includes, but is not limited to, disaggregation of revenue, credit loss recognized from contract with customer, judgment and change in judgment related to contract with customer, and asset recognized from cost incurred to obtain or fulfill contract with customer. Excludes insurance and lease contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=49130388

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130551-203045

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130556-203045

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130550-203045

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130558-203045

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 606
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121604090&loc=SL49130554-203045

+ Details

Program Rights and Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Film, Disclosures [Abstract]

Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy

Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows:


	December 31, 2020
(In thousands)	Predominantly Monetized Individually		Predominantly Monetized as a Group		Total
Owned original program rights, net:
Completed	$	203,388	$	12,808	$	216,196
In-production and in-development	228,713		19,258		247,971
Total owned original program rights, net	$	432,101	$	32,066	$	464,167

Licensed program rights, net:
Licensed film and acquired series	$	8,261	$	551,878	$	560,139
Licensed originals	201,992		—		201,992
Advances and content versioning costs	—		56,313		56,313
Total licensed program rights, net	210,253		608,191		818,444
Program rights, net	$	642,354	$	640,257	$	1,282,611

Current portion of program rights, net					$	13,480
Program rights, net (long-term)					1,269,131
					$	1,282,611

Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights

Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows:


	Year Ended December 31, 2020
(In thousands)	Predominantly Monetized Individually		Predominantly Monetized as a Group		Total

Owned original program rights	$	349,078	$	61,108	$	410,186
Licensed program rights	94,534		419,166		513,700
Program rights amortization	$	443,612	$	480,274	$	923,886

Schedule of Amounts Payable for Program Rights Obligations

Amounts payable subsequent to December 31, 2020 related to program rights obligations included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:


(In thousands)
Years Ending December 31,
2021	$	259,449
2022	103,986
2023	49,529
2024	26,233
2025	1,931
Thereafter	832
	$	441,960

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Equity method investments	$ 69.5	$ 69.5	$ 69.5	$ 69.1
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments in marketable equity securities	62.4	62.4	62.4	4.4
Purchase of additional interest in marketable equity securities				3.5
Realized gain (loss) on marketable securities	37.4
Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities		45.4
Investments in non-marketable equity securities	$ 35.8	35.8	35.8	61.8
Impairment related to partial write-down of equity method investment			$ 20.0	$ 20.2
Unrealized gain		$ 14.9
Reclassified from Non-marketable Security to Marketable Security [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments in marketable equity securities					$ 25.0

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Summary of Accrued Restructuring and Other Related Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued restructuring costs, beginning balance		$ 27,628	$ 35,189
Charges		35,068	27,897	$ 45,847
Other			(2,092)
Cash payments		(31,736)	(32,311)
Non-cash adjustments		(5,359)	(1,081)
Currency translation		1	26
Accrued restructuring costs, ending balance	$ 35,189	25,602	27,628	35,189
Severance and Other Personnel Related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued restructuring costs, beginning balance		27,407	33,774
Charges		30,752	26,132	36,000
Other			(612)
Cash payments		(31,545)	(31,897)
Non-cash adjustments		(1,043)	0
Currency translation		0	10
Accrued restructuring costs, ending balance	33,774	25,571	27,407	33,774
Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued restructuring costs, beginning balance		221	1,415
Charges	9,900	4,316	1,765
Other			(1,480)
Cash payments		(191)	(414)
Non-cash adjustments		(4,316)	(1,081)
Currency translation		1	16
Accrued restructuring costs, ending balance	$ 1,415	$ 31	$ 221	$ 1,415

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: National Networks and International and Other. These operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately.

The Company generally allocates corporate overhead costs within operating expenses to the Company's two operating segments based upon their proportionate estimated usage of services, including such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology) as well as sales support functions and creative and production services.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure. The Company defines AOI as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, cloud computing amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges and including the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority-owned equity method investees. The Company has presented a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to operating income, (the closest GAAP measure), below.


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2020
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	802,332	$	74,338	$	(854)	$	875,816
Distribution and other	1,293,837		672,189		(26,886)		1,939,140
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,096,169	$	746,527	$	(27,740)	$	2,814,956
Operating income (loss)	$	656,425	$	(224,228)	$	10,447	$	442,644
Share-based compensation expense	42,536		10,372		—		52,908
Depreciation and amortization	40,539		64,067		—		104,606
Impairment charges	—		122,227		—		122,227
Restructuring and other related charges	20,553		14,515		—		35,068
Cloud computing amortization	—		200		—		200
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		8,958		—		8,958
Adjusted operating income	$	760,053	$	(3,889)	$	10,447	$	766,611
Capital expenditures	$	11,007	$	35,588	$	—	$	46,595


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	904,253	$	89,659	$	(79)	$	993,833
Distribution and other	1,464,791		644,484		(42,787)		2,066,488
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,369,044	$	734,143	$	(42,866)	$	3,060,321
Operating income (loss)	$	804,422	$	(170,039)	$	(9,106)	$	625,277
Share-based compensation expense	52,977		11,156		—		64,133
Depreciation and amortization	32,674		68,424		—		101,098
Impairment charges	—		106,603		—		106,603
Restructuring and other related charges	13,453		28,084		(623)		40,914
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		5,965		—		5,965
Adjusted operating income	$	903,526	$	50,193	$	(9,729)	$	943,990
Capital expenditures	$	36,199	$	55,405	$	—	$	91,604


(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	National Networks		International and Other		Inter-segment eliminations		Consolidated
Revenues, net
Advertising	$	944,675	$	91,404	$	—	$	1,036,079
Distribution and other	1,468,650		506,902		(39,702)		1,935,850
Consolidated revenues, net	$	2,413,325	$	598,306	$	(39,702)	$	2,971,929
Operating income (loss)	$	825,770	$	(93,326)	$	(5,535)	$	726,909
Share-based compensation expense	48,621		12,358		—		60,979
Depreciation and amortization	33,728		57,553		—		91,281
Impairment charges	—		4,486		—		4,486
Restructuring and other related charges	17,160		35,189		(6,502)		45,847
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	—		3,043		—		3,043
Adjusted operating income	$	925,279	$	19,303	$	(12,037)	$	932,545
Capital expenditures	$	16,316	$	73,486	$	—	$	89,802

Distribution revenues, included in the International and Other segment, include revenues related to AMC Networks Streaming Services of approximately $176.7 million, $95.3 million and $20.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


(In thousands)	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Inter-segment revenues
National Networks	$	(22,617)	$	(32,762)	$	(33,600)
International and Other	(5,123)		(10,104)		(6,102)
	$	(27,740)	$	(42,866)	$	(39,702)

For the year ended December 31, 2020, no one customer accounted for 10% of consolidated revenues, net. One customer within the National Networks segment accounted for approximately 10% and 11% of consolidated revenues, net for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The table below summarizes revenue based on customer location:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
Revenue
United States	$	2,267,754	$	2,511,686	$	2,389,624
Europe	385,787		382,888		394,235
Other	161,415		165,747		188,070
	$	2,814,956	$	3,060,321	$	2,971,929

The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019
Property and equipment, net
United States	$	239,387	$	244,175
Europe	15,938		25,925
Other	720		13,652
	$	256,045	$	283,752

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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+ Details

Segment Information (Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 780,275	$ 654,015	$ 646,291	$ 734,375	$ 785,204	$ 718,597	$ 772,299	$ 784,221	$ 2,814,956	$ 3,060,321	$ 2,971,929
North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									2,267,754	2,511,686	2,389,624
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									385,787	382,888	394,235
Other Geographic Locations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net									$ 161,415	$ 165,747	$ 188,070

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Restructuring and Other Related Charges

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Other Related Charges

The Company recorded restructuring and other related charges of $35.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. On November 18, 2020, the Company commenced a restructuring plan (the “2020 Plan”) designed to streamline the Company’s operations through a reduction of its domestic workforce. The 2020 Plan is intended to improve the organizational design of the Company through the elimination of certain roles and centralization of certain functional areas of the Company. Restructuring and other related charges associated with the 2020 Plan, recorded in 2020, were primarily for severance and other personnel costs of $21.2 million, of which $11.8 million was attributable to the National Networks segment and $9.4 million was attributable to the International and Other segment. Additional restructuring and other related charges for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $13.9 million, which related to costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories, as well as severance and other personnel related costs associated with previously disclosed restructuring activities.

Restructuring and other related charges of $40.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to the management restructuring, which commenced in the third quarter of 2019, and the AMC Networks Streaming Services organization restructuring, which commenced in the second quarter of 2019. In connection with each of these restructuring initiatives, a number of roles were eliminated to address redundancy at the management level and improve the effectiveness of management while reducing the cost structure of the Company.

In connection with restructuring initiative related to the management team, the Company incurred restructuring charges for severance and other personnel related costs of $26.0 million, of which $13.5 million was attributable to the National Networks segment and $12.5 million was attributable to the International and Other segment.

In connection with the AMC Networks Streaming Services restructuring, management made certain organization changes within the owned subscription streaming services businesses. The restructuring combined the owned subscription streaming services under one management team. As a result, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $1.9 million related to severance and other personnel related costs.

In connection with the organization changes in the AMC Networks Streaming Services business, the Company implemented changes to its strategy for owned subscription streaming services, including programming that will no longer be made available. As a result, the Company incurred other charges of $13.0 million related to the write-off of programming associated with the reorganization and change in strategy.

During the 2018, management commenced a restructuring initiative designed to reduce the cost structure of the Company. The restructuring was intended to improve the organizational design of the Company through the elimination of certain roles, a reduction in the grade of certain roles, an increase in the span of responsibilities of certain senior managers, and the re-alignment of certain senior leaders to new or additional responsibilities. This restructuring resulted in a $36.0 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily related to severance. Additionally, AMCNI completed a portfolio rationalization review that resulted in the termination of distribution in certain territories, resulting in a $9.9 million charge.

The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
National Networks	$	20,553	$	13,453	$	17,160
International and Other	14,515		28,084		35,189
Inter-segment Eliminations	—		(623)		(6,502)
Total restructuring and other related charges	$	35,068	$	40,914	$	45,847

The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized for the three years:


	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2020		2019		2018
Restructuring charges	$	35,068	$	27,897	$	45,847
Other related charges	—		13,017		—
Total restructuring and other related charges	$	35,068	$	40,914	$	45,847

The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring and other related costs:


(In thousands)	Severance and Employee-Related Costs		Other Exit Costs		Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	33,774	$	1,415	$	35,189
Charges	26,132		1,765		27,897
Other	(612)		(1,480)		(2,092)
Cash payments	(31,897)		(414)		(32,311)
Non-cash adjustments	—		(1,081)		(1,081)
Currency translation	10		16		26
Balance at December 31, 2019	27,407		221		27,628
Charges	30,752		4,316		35,068

Cash payments	(31,545)		(191)		(31,736)
Non-cash adjustments	(1,043)		(4,316)		(5,359)
Currency translation	—		1		1
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	25,571	$	31	$	25,602

Accrued restructuring and other related costs of $25.6 million are included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020.

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Derivative Instruments Included In Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:


(In thousands)		December 31,
	Balance Sheet Location	2020		2019
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts	Accrued liabilities	$	2,403	$	1,966
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Assets:
Foreign currency derivatives	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	300	$	891
Foreign currency derivatives	Other assets	367		993


Liabilities:
Foreign currency derivatives	Accrued liabilities	$	1,084	$	687
Foreign currency derivatives	Other liabilities	2,431		1,202

Schedule Of Gains And Losses Related To Derivative Instruments

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:


(In thousands)	Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in OCI				Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings	Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings (a)
	Years Ended December 31,					Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019			2020		2019
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate swap contracts	$	(2,411)	$	(1,609)	Interest expense	$	1,974	$	295

Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

The amount of the gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:


(In thousands)	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
		Years Ended December 31,
		2020		2019		2018

Interest rate swap contracts	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	(1,444)
Foreign currency derivatives	Miscellaneous, net	(2,618)		301		1,279
Other derivatives	Miscellaneous, net	—		—		42,092
Total		$	(2,618)	$	301	$	41,927

Income Taxes (Schedule of Earnings Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 437,039	$ 529,451	$ 587,346
Foreign	(34,660)	(43,265)	32,927
Income from operations before income taxes	$ 402,379	$ 486,186	$ 620,273

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations, including income (loss) from equity method investments, before deduction of income tax expense (benefit), and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 10
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+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Summary Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 787,507	$ 778,352
Accumulated Amortization	(396,735)	(273,721)
Net	390,772	504,631
Trademarks	19,900	19,900
Total intangible assets, Gross	807,407	798,252
Total intangible assets, Net	410,672	524,531
Affiliate and customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	624,699	616,197
Accumulated Amortization	(330,350)	(232,193)
Net	$ 294,349	384,004
Affiliate and customer relationships [Member] \| Pending Litigation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	6 years
Affiliate and customer relationships [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	25 years
Advertiser relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 46,282	46,282
Accumulated Amortization	(26,028)	(21,820)
Net	$ 20,254	24,462
Estimated Useful Lives	11 years
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 116,526	115,873
Accumulated Amortization	(40,357)	(19,708)
Net	$ 76,169	$ 96,165
Trade names [Member] \| Pending Litigation [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Trade names [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years

Leases (Summary of Maturity of Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Leases
2021	$ 37,253
2022	35,218
2023	34,621
2024	32,745
2025	28,622
Thereafter	61,745
Total lease payments	230,204
Less: Interest	34,939
Present value of lease liabilities	195,265
Finance Leases
2021	5,974
2022	6,002
2023	6,031
2024	6,061
2025	6,091
Thereafter	10,667
Total lease payments	40,826
Less: Interest	9,332
Present value of lease liabilities	31,494
Total
2021	43,227
2022	41,220
2023	40,652
2024	38,806
2025	34,713
Thereafter	72,412
Total lease payments	271,030
Less: Interest	44,271
Total lease liabilities	$ 226,759	$ 245,006

Property and Equipment (Schedule of Capital Leased Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under finance leases	$ 13,179	$ 15,713
Satellite Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Satellite equipment	41,228	46,871
Less accumulated amortization	(28,049)	(31,158)
Gross amount of equipment and related accumulated amortization recorded under finance leases	$ 13,179	$ 15,713