Notice & Proxy Statement
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

(Rule 14a-101)

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO.     )

Filed by the Registrant þ    Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:

¨      Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨      Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

þ      Definitive Proxy Statement

¨      Definitive Additional Materials

¨      Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

AMC Networks Inc.

(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         

(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

þ

 

No fee required.

¨

 

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

(1)

 

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(2)

 

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(3)

 

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

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Total fee paid:

 

¨

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

¨

 

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

 

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LOGO

Notice of Annual Meeting and

Proxy Statement

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend our annual meeting of stockholders, which is being held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019.

2014 was a year of notable success for AMC Networks Inc. We delivered strong financial performance and significantly expanded our global business with the acquisition of Chellomedia. The Company successfully developed outstanding original programming and significantly increased ratings at each of our networks, which included the following achievements:

 

   

AMC continued to be a top 10 cable network in primetime with The Walking Dead setting new viewership records

 

   

WE tv had its best year ever attaining double digit growth across all demos

 

   

SundanceTV had another strong year with acclaimed and award-winning programs

 

   

IFC had its best year ever with growth across all demos and day parts

 

   

IFC Films had the most successful year in its history

We continued to engage with our stockholders throughout the year on a range of topics including the Company’s board, governance and executive compensation practices. This year we are nominating David E. Van Zandt to the Board as a new independent Class A Director, who brings significant and valuable leadership and management experience as the President of The New School and the Dean of Northwestern University School of Law. We remain focused on executing our strategy and are well positioned to capitalize on future opportunities to maintain strong growth.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting, where you will have an opportunity to ask questions and to meet your directors and executives.

 

Sincerely yours,

LOGO

Charles F. Dolan

Executive Chairman

April 30, 2015


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NOTICE OF 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

To the Stockholders of

AMC Networks Inc.

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AMC Networks Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019 on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

  1. Election of Directors.

 

  2. Ratification of appointment of independent registered public accounting firm.

 

  3. An advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

 

  4. Conduct such other business properly brought before the meeting.

Only stockholders of record on April 13, 2015 may vote at the meeting.

The Company is pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow issuers to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders on the Internet. We believe these rules allow us to provide you with the information you need while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the impact of the Company’s annual meeting on the environment.

Your vote is important. We urge you to vote as soon as possible by telephone, over the Internet or by mailing a proxy card. If you choose to vote by mail, please sign and return the proxy card in the envelope provided.

ADMISSION TICKET REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

An admission ticket is required if you wish to attend the annual meeting in person. You can obtain and print your admission ticket at www.proxyvote.com or call 1-866-232-3037. You will need the 16-digit control number which can be found on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, voter instruction form and proxy card. For more details, see General Information, “How do I attend the 2015 Annual Meeting in person? What do I need to bring?” of the Proxy Statement.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

Anne G. Kelly

Senior Vice President and Secretary

New York, New York

April 30, 2015


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page

BOARD AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

  1   

Corporate Governance Guidelines

  1   

Executive Sessions of Non-Management and Independent Board Members

  1   

Engagement with our Stockholders

  2   

Communicating with Our Directors

  2   

Code of Conduct and Ethics

  2   

Director Independence

  2   

Board Meetings

  3   

Director Nomination

  3   

Director Selection

  3   

Board Leadership Structure

  4   

Risk Management Oversight

  4   

Director Compensation

  4   

Board Committees

  6   

PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

  9   

Directors Elected by Class A Common Stockholders

  9   

Directors Elected by Class B Common Stockholders

  11   

PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

  15   

AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

  16   

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

  17   

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

  19   

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  19   

Business Highlights

  19   

2014 Key Compensation Decisions

  22   

“Say on Pay”

  22   

Engagement with Our Stockholders

  22   

Philosophy and Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program

  23   

Elements of the Company’s Compensation Program

  24   


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  Page

COMPENSATION IN 2014

  25   

COMPENSATION DECISION PROCESS AND COMPENSATION POLICIES

  31   

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

  37   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

  38   

Summary Compensation Table

  38   

Employment Agreements

  43   

Termination and Severance

  50   

Equity Compensation Plan Information

  54   

PROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

  55   

OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

  56   

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION POLICY

  58   

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

  62   

STOCK OWNERSHIP TABLE

  63   

GENERAL INFORMATION

  74   

OTHER MATTERS

  78   


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LOGO

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JUNE 9, 2015

 

 

BOARD AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

In this proxy statement, the words “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “AMC Networks” refer to AMC Networks Inc., a Delaware corporation. “AMC Networks Inc.” refers to AMC Networks Inc. individually as a separate entity. We refer to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as the “SEC” and The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC as “NASDAQ.” This proxy statement is first being sent to stockholders on April 30, 2015.

AMC Networks Inc. is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. Our Class A Common Stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “AMCX.” As a result, we are generally subject to NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards. Our Board of Directors oversees the business of AMC Networks and monitors the performance of management.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The board of directors of AMC Networks (the “Board of Directors” or “Board”) has adopted our Corporate Governance Guidelines. These guidelines set forth our practices and policies with respect to Board composition and selection, Board meetings, executive sessions of the Board, Board committees, the expectations we have of our directors, selection of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, management succession, Board and executive compensation, and Board self-evaluation requirements. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines may be viewed at our corporate website at http://investors.amcnetworks.com. A copy may be obtained by writing to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Executive Sessions of Non-Management and Independent Board Members

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our non-management directors may meet in executive sessions with no members of management present. The non-management directors may specify the procedure to designate the director who may preside at any such executive session. Non-management directors who are not independent under the rules of NASDAQ may participate in these executive sessions, but directors who are independent under the rules of NASDAQ must meet separately in regularly scheduled executive sessions at least twice each year.


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Engagement with our Stockholders

The Company values feedback from its stockholders and regularly engages with stockholders to keep informed on the evolving perspectives of the investor community. We engage with our stockholders on various matters, including corporate governance, executive compensation and Company performance. These stockholder dialogues, focused on governance and compensation matters, are a component of the Compensation Committee’s review of our executive compensation program.

Communicating with Our Directors

Our Board has adopted policies designed to allow stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with our directors. Any interested party that wishes to communicate directly with the Board or any director or the non-management directors as a group should send communications in writing to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001. Any person, whether or not an employee, who has a concern with respect to our accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing issues or other matters, may, in a confidential or anonymous manner, communicate those concerns to our Audit Committee by contacting The Network, Inc., which has been designated to act as a confidential contact organization for these purposes, at 1-888-217-8076.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

Our Board has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees. A portion of this Code of Conduct and Ethics also serves as a code of conduct and ethics for our senior financial officers, including our principal accounting officer and controller. Among other things, our Code of Conduct and Ethics covers conflicts of interest, disclosure responsibilities, legal compliance, reporting and compliance under the Code of Conduct and Ethics, confidentiality, corporate opportunities, fair dealing, protection and proper use of Company assets, and equal employment opportunity and harassment. The full text of the code is available on our website at http://investor.amcnetworks.com. In addition, a copy may be obtained by writing to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Director Independence

Our Board has elected for the Company to be treated as a “controlled company” under NASDAQ’s corporate governance rules, and, as a result, the Company is not required to comply with the corporate governance rules of NASDAQ requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors, (ii) an independent compensation committee and (iii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee. Our Board of Directors has elected not to comply with the NASDAQ requirement for a majority of independent directors on our board and an independent corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company. We do comply with the requirement for an independent compensation committee. Our Board elected not to comply with the requirement for a majority of independent directors on our Board because of our stockholder voting structure. Under the terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock have the right to elect up to 75% of the members of our Board and there is no requirement that any of those directors be independent or be chosen independently.

Our Board has determined that each of the following non-employee directors is “independent” within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ and the SEC: Messrs. Neil M. Ashe, Jonathan F. Miller, Dr. Leonard Tow, Carl E. Vogel and Robert C. Wright. In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. David E. Van Zandt, a director nominee, upon his election, would be “independent” within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ and the SEC. In making the determination as to the independence of each director, the Board considered all relationships between that director and the Company and its affiliates. The Board noted that with respect to Dr. Leonard Tow, the Board considered Dr. Tow’s service as an outside director of Cablevision Systems

 

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Corporation (“Cablevision”), but determined it was not material and that Dr. Tow was independent. With the addition of Mr. Van Zandt as an independent Class A Director, the Board will be comprised of 36% independent directors, well above the required 25% pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation.

Board Meetings

The Board met six times between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. During that time, each of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and, as applicable, the committees of the Board on which he or she served during such time, with the exceptions of Mr. Thomas C. Dolan and Ms. Marianne Dolan Weber. We also encourage our directors to attend annual meetings of stockholders and believe that attendance at annual meetings is just as important as attendance at meetings of the Board. With the exception of Messrs. Neil M. Ashe, Thomas C. Dolan and Ms. Marianne Dolan Weber, all of the directors attended the 2014 annual meeting.

Director Nomination

As permitted under NASDAQ rules, we do not have a nominating committee and believe it is appropriate not to have one because of our stockholder voting structure. Under the terms of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the holders of our Class B Common Stock currently have the right to elect up to 75% of the members of our Board. We believe that creating a committee consisting solely of independent directors charged with responsibility for recommending nominees for election as directors would be inconsistent with the vested rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide a mechanism for the selection of nominees for election as directors by the holders of our Class A Common Stock (“Class A Directors”) and by the holders of our Class B Common Stock (“Class B Directors”). The holders of our Class A Common Stock are currently entitled to elect 25% of the members of our Board. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, nominees for election as Class A Directors shall be recommended to the Board by the Class A Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of our Class A Common Stock. Nominees for election as Class B Directors shall be recommended to our Board by the Class B Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of the Class B Common Stock.

Director Selection

Our directors have not set specific, minimum qualifications that nominees must meet in order for them to be nominated for election to the Board, but rather believe that each nominee should be evaluated based on his or her individual merits, taking into account, among other matters, the factors set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines under “Board Composition” and “Selection of Directors.” Those factors include:

 

   

The desire to have a Board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of viewpoints, opinions, background and experience and contacts relevant to our business;

 

   

Personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community;

 

   

Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; and

 

   

The fit of the individual’s skill and personality with those of other directors and potential directors in building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of our Company.

The Class A Directors will evaluate possible candidates to recommend to the Board for nomination as Class A Directors and suggest individuals for the Board to explore in more depth. The Board also considers nominees for Class A Directors recommended by holders of our Class A Common Stock. Nominees recommended by stockholders are given appropriate consideration in the same manner as other nominees.

 

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Stockholders who wish to submit nominees for consideration by the Board for election at our 2016 annual meeting of stockholders may do so by submitting in writing such nominees’ names, in compliance with the procedures and along with other information required by the Company’s By-laws. See Other Matters, “Stockholder Proposals for 2016 Annual Meeting.”

The Class B Directors will consult from time to time with one or more of the holders of Class B Common Stock to assure that all Class B Director nominees recommended to the Board are individuals who will make a meaningful contribution as Board members and will be individuals likely to receive the approving vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock. The Class B Directors do not intend to consider unsolicited suggestions of nominees by holders of our Class A Common Stock. We believe that this is appropriate in light of the voting provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which vest exclusively in the holders of our Class B Common Stock the right to elect our Class B Directors.

Board Leadership Structure

Our Board has chosen to separate the roles of Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that this is the optimal leadership structure as it recognizes both Mr. Charles F. Dolan’s senior executive role with the Company as well as his leadership position on the Company’s Board while the Company is also able to benefit from the experience of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joshua W. Sapan, with responsibility for day-to-day management of the Company.

Risk Management Oversight

The oversight of risk management is an important Board responsibility. The Audit Committee takes the lead on behalf of the Board in monitoring risk management. The Audit Committee discusses the process by which senior management of the Company and the relevant departments of the Company assess and manage the Company’s exposure to risk and discusses the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. AMC Networks believes that its executive compensation program, with its emphasis on long-term performance, its close connection to Company-wide and divisional performance and its significant equity components, is designed to align the executives’ compensation with the Company’s long-term strategy and growth and, as a result, does not encourage excessive risk taking. Our Compensation Committee has considered the issue of the Company’s exposure to risk in establishing and implementing our executive compensation programs.

Director Compensation

The Compensation Committee is responsible for periodically reviewing and approving changes, which it deems appropriate, to the compensation of the non-employee Directors. In October 2014, the Committee engaged an independent compensation consultant, Pay Governance LLC, to review the existing Director compensation program as the program had last been evaluated at the time the Company had become a public company in July 2011. As a result of this review, the Committee approved a new compensation program for non-employee Directors which became effective on January 1, 2015. This program is intended to bring the compensation of the non-employee Directors in line with market practice and is expected to remain in place for approximately three years.

 

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The following table describes the components of the non-employee Director compensation program in effect during 2014 and the new compensation program that became effective January 1, 2015:

 

*Compensation Element    2014 Compensation Program    2015 Compensation Program

Annual Retainer

  

$50,000

  

$70,000

Annual Equity Retainer**

  

$110,000 in restricted stock units that vest on the date of grant and settle 90 days after service on the Board ceases

  

$135,000 in restricted stock units that vest on the date of grant and settle 90 days after service on the Board ceases

Annual Committee Retainer Fees

  

$5,000

  

$7,500

Chair Fee

  

$10,000 for the Audit Committee $10,000 for the Compensation Committee

  

$20,000 for the Audit Committee $20,000 for the Compensation Committee

 

* Includes any non-standing committee of the Board that may be established from time to time. A director who is a Company employee receives no additional compensation for serving as a director.

** Each director annual grant of restricted stock units is determined by dividing the value of the annual equity retainer by the twenty trading day average closing price on the day prior to the annual stockholders’ meeting.

Director Compensation Table

The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by each of our non-employee directors from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for service as directors.

 

Name

  Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)(1)
    Stock
Awards
($)(2)(3)
    Option
Awards
($)(4)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
    All Other
Compensation
(5)
    Total ($)  

Neil M. Ashe

    64,000        110,262                             174,262   

Jonathan F. Miller

    75,000        110,262                             185,262   

Alan D. Schwartz

    62,000        110,262                             172,262   

Leonard Tow

    110,000        110,262                             220,262   

Carl E. Vogel

    108,000        110,262                             218,262   

Robert C. Wright

    60,000        110,262                             170,262   

William J. Bell

    62,000        110,262                             172,262   

James L. Dolan

    60,000        110,262                             170,262   

Kristin A. Dolan

    60,000        110,262                             170,262   

Patrick F. Dolan

    60,000        110,262                             170,262   

Thomas C. Dolan

    56,000        110,262                             166,262   

Brian G. Sweeney

    62,000        110,262                             172,262   

Marianne Dolan Weber

    58,000        110,262                             168,262   

 

 

(1)

These amounts represent base fees, meeting fees and committee fees earned. The amounts reported do not include the Company’s reimbursements of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by each non-employee director in attending Board and Committee meetings.

 

(2)

This column reflects the fair market value of 1,818 restricted stock units granted to each non-employee director on June 10, 2014 based on the closing stock price of $60.65 on that date as calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718.

 

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(3)

For each non-employee director, the aggregate number of restricted stock units held as of December 31, 2014 is as follows: Mr. Neil M. Ashe, 9,794 units; Mr. Jonathan F. Miller, 3,466 units; Mr. Alan D. Schwartz, 9,794 units; Dr. Leonard Tow, 9,794 units; Mr. Carl E. Vogel, 3,490 units; Mr. Robert C. Wright, 9,794 units; Mr. William J. Bell, 9,794 units; Mr. James L. Dolan, 9,794 units; Ms. Kristin A. Dolan, 9,794 units; Mr. Patrick F. Dolan, 9,794 units; Mr. Thomas C. Dolan, 9,794 units; Mr. Brian G. Sweeney, 9,794 units and Ms. Marianne Dolan Weber, 9,794 units.

 

(4)

No stock options were awarded between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 in connection with the directors’ service to the Company.

 

(5)

The Company encouraged its directors to attend certain events relating to its business at the Company’s expense to gain a better understanding of the Company’s business and products. The value of these benefits is not included in the table as permitted by SEC rules because the aggregate amount of perquisites did not exceed $10,000 for any director.

Board Committees

Our Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.

Audit Committee

Committee Members: Mr. Vogel (Chair), Dr. Tow and Mr. Miller

Meetings in 2014: 4

The primary purposes and responsibilities of our Audit Committee are to:

 

    Assist the Board (i) in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, (ii) in its oversight of our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) in assessing our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, and (iv) in assessing the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm;

 

    Appoint, retain or terminate the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and to pre-approve, or to adopt appropriate procedures to pre-approve, all audit and non-audit services, if any, to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

    Review the appointment and replacement of the head of our internal audit department;

 

    Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees or any provider of accounting- related services of concerns regarding questionable accounting and auditing matters and review of submissions and treatment of any such complaints;

 

    Review and approve related party transactions that are required to be disclosed under SEC rules, other than those submitted for approval by a committee of independent directors under the Company’s Related Party Transaction Approval Policy;

 

    Conduct and review with the Board an annual performance evaluation of the Audit Committee;

 

    Prepare any report of the Audit Committee required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for inclusion in our annual proxy statement;

 

    Review and reassess the Audit Committee charter at least annually; and

 

    Report to the Board on a regular basis.

The text of our Audit Committee charter is available on our website at http://investors.amcnetworks.com/governance.cfm. A copy may be obtained by writing to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

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As discussed above, our Board has determined that each member of our Audit Committee is “independent” within the meaning of the rules of both NASDAQ and the SEC, and that each has not participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company or any current subsidiary of the Company at any time during the past three years and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. Our Board has also determined that each of Mr. Miller, Dr. Tow and Mr. Vogel is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the SEC.

Our Board has established a procedure whereby complaints or concerns with respect to accounting, internal controls, auditing and other matters may be submitted to the Audit Committee. This procedure is described under Corporate Governance, “Communicating with Our Directors.”

Compensation Committee

Committee Members: Dr. Tow (Chair) and Mr. Vogel

Meetings in 2014: 9

The primary purposes of our Compensation Committee are to:

 

    Establish our general compensation philosophy and, in consultation with management, oversee the development and implementation of compensation programs;

 

    Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Executive Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), evaluate their performance in light of these goals and objectives and determine and approve their compensation based upon that evaluation;

 

    Make recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of our executive officers (other than the Executive Chairman and the CEO) who are required to file reports with the SEC under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (together with the Executive Chairman and the CEO, the “Senior Employees”);

 

    Approve any new equity compensation plan or material changes to an existing plan;

 

    Oversee the activities of the committee or committees administering our retirement and benefit plans;

 

    In consultation with management, oversee regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters;

 

    Determine and approve any severance or similar termination payments to be made to Senior Employees (current or former);

 

    Determine the components and amount of Board compensation and review such determinations from time to time in relation to other similarly situated companies;

 

    Prepare any reports of the Compensation Committee to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement;

 

    Conduct and review with the Board an annual performance evaluation of the Compensation Committee; and

 

    Report to the Board on a regular basis, but not less than annually.

The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, delegate a portion of its duties and responsibilities to one or more subcommittees of the Compensation Committee. For example, the Compensation Committee may delegate the approval of certain transactions to a subcommittee consisting solely of members of the Compensation Committee who are (i) “non-employee directors” for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, and (ii) “outside directors” for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as in effect

 

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from time to time. The text of our Compensation Committee charter is available on our website at http://investors.amcnetworks.com/governance.cfm. A copy may be obtained by writing to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the Executive Chairman and CEO, evaluates their performance in light of those goals and objectives and determines and approves the compensation levels for the Executive Chairman and CEO based on this evaluation. In determining the long-term incentive component compensation for the Executive Chairman and CEO, the Compensation Committee considers, among other factors, the Company’s performance, the value of similar incentive awards to executives in similar positions at comparable companies and the awards given to the Executive Chairman and to the CEO in past years.

As discussed above, our Board has determined that each member of our Compensation Committee is “independent” under the rules of NASDAQ.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Dr. Tow and Mr. Vogel served as members of the Compensation Committee during 2014. None of them are a current or former officer or employee of the Company.

Independent Committee

Committee Members: Mr. Ashe and Dr. Tow

Meetings in 2014: 1

In addition to standing committees, pursuant to the Company’s Related Party Transaction Approval Policy, in 2011, the Board established an independent committee (the “Independent Committee”). The Independent Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving or taking such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person,” as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Item 404”), on the other hand, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Similarly, the Independent Committee oversees approval of all transactions and arrangements between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision and its subsidiaries or MSG and its subsidiaries, on the other hand, to the extent involving amounts in excess of the dollar threshold set forth in Item 404. In light of Dr. Tow serving as a director of Cablevision, we have had, from time to time, our Audit Committee (with Dr. Tow recusing himself) review and approve certain material agreements between the Company and Cablevision. See “Related Party Transaction Approval Policy.”

Executive Committee

Our Amended By-Laws permit us to form an Executive Committee of the Board which would have the power to exercise all of the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company, except as limited by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our Board has not formed an Executive Committee, although it could do so in the future.

 

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board has nominated fourteen director candidates named below. Of the fourteen nominees for director, five are to be elected by the Class A stockholders and nine are to be elected by the Class B stockholders. All fourteen director candidates, except for David E. Van Zandt and Alan D. Schwartz, were elected by the respective Class A and Class B stockholders at the previous annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders held on June 10, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Meeting”). Mr. Alan D. Schwartz was elected by the Class A stockholders at the 2014 Annual Meeting, but after further consideration by the Board and upon the recommendation by the Class B Directors, is now being nominated for election by the Class B stockholders at this annual meeting. Mr. Van Zandt is being recommended for election to the Board by the Class A Directors as a new independent Class A Director nominee.

All candidates are hereby nominated for a term to expire at the 2016 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.

The Company representatives appointed by the Board (the persons named in the proxy card, or, if applicable, their substitutes) will vote your shares as you instruct. If you sign your proxy card and return it without indicating how you would like to vote your shares, your shares will be voted to elect each of the director nominees below, as applicable based on whether you are a holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock.

If a nominee for election as a director by the Class A stockholders becomes unavailable before the election, the Company representatives named in the Class A proxy card would be authorized to vote for a replacement nominee for election as a director by the Class A stockholders if the Board names one. If a Class B director nominee becomes unavailable before the election, the persons named in the Class B proxy card would be authorized to vote for a replacement Class B director nominee if the Board names one.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the following candidates:

Directors Elected By Class A Common Stockholders

JONATHAN F. MILLER

Age: 58

Director since October, 2013

Mr. Miller is a partner in Advancit Capital, a private investment firm. He was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of News Corporation’s digital media group and News Corporation’s Chief Digital Officer from April 2009 until October 2012. Mr. Miller had previously been a founding partner of Velocity Interactive Group, an investment firm focusing on digital media and the consumer Internet, from its inception in February 2007 until April 2009. Prior to founding Velocity Interactive Group, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer of AOL LLC (“AOL”) from August 2002 to December 2006. Prior to joining AOL, Mr. Miller served as Chief Executive Officer and President of USA Information and Services, of USA Interactive, a predecessor to IAC/InterActiveCorp. Mr. Miller also served as a director of Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc. and as a director of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Mr. Miller is currently a member of the Board of Directors of TripAdvisor, Inc., Shutterstock, Inc., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, RTL Group SA and Interpublic Group. Mr. Miller also serves as a non-profit Director/Trustee for the BBC Global News, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Paley Center for the Media and is a member of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Key Skills & Qualifications In light of Mr. Miller’s extensive knowledge of the media industry acquired through his high level executive roles at News Corporation, AOL and USA Networks Information as well as management experience, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class A stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

 

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LEONARD TOW

Age: 86

Director since June, 2011

Dr. Tow is Chief Executive Officer of New Century Holdings LLC, an outdoor advertising company, since January 2005. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Communications Company from 1990 to September 2004. Dr. Tow is also a director of Cablevision and was a director of Citizens Communications Company from 1989 to 2004. Dr. Tow also serves as Chairman of the Tow Foundation, a trustee of the Brooklyn College Foundation, a trustee of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and a member of the board of the Lincoln Center Theater.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Dr. Tow’s experience as a founder and chief executive officer of a major cable television company, his experience as the chief executive officer of a private company, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class A stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

DAVID E. VAN ZANDT

Age: 62

Director nominee

Mr. Van Zandt is the President of The New School. Mr. Van Zandt is also the special general counsel and an adviser for Artal Group S.A., a European-based family controlled and funded private equity firm, and The Invus Group, LLC, a U.S.-based worldwide family controlled and funded private equity firm. From 1995 through 2010, he served as the Dean of Northwestern University School of Law. Mr. Van Zandt joined the faculty of Northwestern University School of Law in 1985. After graduating from law school, Mr. Van Zandt clerked for Judge Pierre N. Leval, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (now on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit) and for Harry Blackmun, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States and then joined the law firm, Davis Polk and Wardwell. Mr. Van Zandt was an officer and director of the American Law Deans Association from 1998-2010, a director of AMR Research, Inc. from 1998-2008 and a director of the American Bar Foundation from 1995-2008. Mr. Van Zandt is a trustee for the Citizens Budget Commission. He is also a member of the Steering Committee of the Association for a Better New York and is on the education advisory board for The Vistria Group.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Van Zandt’s significant and valuable leadership and management experience as the chief executive officer of The New School and as the Dean of Northwestern University School of Law and the extensive experience he has gained in strategic planning, risk management and governance by serving in those roles, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class A stockholders, has concluded that he should be elected to the Board.

CARL E. VOGEL

Age: 57

Director since June, 2013

Mr. Vogel serves as a senior advisor of Dish Network Corporation and as an industry advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., an alternative asset management firm focusing on media and communications. In addition, he serves as an Executive Chairman of Imagine Communications (formerly Harris Broadcasting), a Gores Group portfolio company. Mr. Vogel is also the President and sole stockholder of Bulldog Capital, Inc., a private investment firm. He formerly served as a senior advisor and operating partner with The Gores Group, a private equity firm from November 2011 to October 2014. From February 2008 until March 2009, Mr. Vogel served as Vice Chairman of DISH Network Corporation (formerly Echostar Communications Corporation, a satellite-delivered digital television services provider) and Echostar Corp. (a developer of set-top

 

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boxes and other electronic technology). Mr. Vogel was the President of EchoStar Communications Corporation from September 2006 and Vice Chairman from June 2005 until February 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Vogel was President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Charter Communications, a broadband service provider. Mr. Vogel also served on the board of directors of NextWave Wireless Inc. He is director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc., DISH Network Corporation, Sirius/XM Corporation, Shaw Communications, Inc. and Universal Electronics Inc. Mr. Vogel also is a director of several private companies and not-for-profit organizations.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Vogel’s extensive knowledge of the media industry acquired through his high level executive roles at DISH and Charter Communications Inc. as well as his accounting experience acquired through his work as a certified public accountant and his role as a chief executive and senior finance executive of public companies, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class A stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

ROBERT C. WRIGHT

Age: 72

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Wright is Senior Adviser of THL Investment Capital since 2008. He served as Vice Chairman of General Electric Company and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of NBC and NBC Universal from 1986 to 2007. Mr. Wright is also a director of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and Mission Product, LLC. Mr. Wright has served on the boards of General Electric Company, NBC Universal, RAND Corporation and EMI Group Global Inc,. He is a trustee of the New York Presbyterian Hospital and co-founder of Autism Speaks.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Wright’s extensive business leadership and management experience at a major television network and leading media and entertainment company and his service as a director of other public companies, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class A stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

Directors Elected By Class B Common Stockholders

WILLIAM J. BELL

Age: 75

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Bell is Consultant to Cablevision since 2005 and has held various positions at Cablevision and its predecessor since 1979, including as its Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer until 2004.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Bell’s experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1979, including as its former Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

CHARLES F. DOLAN

Age: 88

Director since March, 2011

Mr. Charles F. Dolan is Executive Chairman of the Company since June 2011. Chairman of Cablevision since 1985. Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision from 1985 to October 1995. Founded and acted as the General Partner of Cablevision’s predecessor from 1973 to 1985. Established Manhattan Cable Television in 1961 and Home Box Office in 1971. He serves as a director of Cablevision and The Madison Square Garden Company (“MSG”). Charles F. Dolan is the father of James L. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber, and the father-in-law of Kristin A. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney.

 

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Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Dolan’s experience as founder, his service as Chairman of Cablevision and, previously, as the Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision and its predecessors, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

JAMES L. DOLAN

Age: 59

Director since March, 2011

Mr. James L. Dolan is Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision since October 1995. President of Cablevision from June 1998 to April 2014. Executive Chairman of MSG since July 2009. Chairman of MSG since October 1999. Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from September 1992 to October 1995. Vice President of Cablevision from 1987 to September 1992. He serves as a director of Cablevision and MSG. Mr. Dolan was director of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. from June 2011 to February 2013. Mr. James L. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the spouse of Kristin A. Dolan, the brother of Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and Marianne Dolan Weber and the brother-in-law of Brian G. Sweeney.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Dolan’s experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1979, including as its Chief Executive Officer since 1995, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

KRISTIN A. DOLAN

Age: 49

Director since June, 2011

Ms. Kristin A. Dolan is Chief Operating Officer of Cablevision since April 2014. President, Optimum Services of Cablevision from April 2013 to April 2014. Senior Executive Vice President of Product Management and Marketing of Cablevision from November 2011 to April 2013. Senior Vice President of Cablevision from 2003 to 2011. She serves as a director of Cablevision and MSG. Ms. Kristin A. Dolan is the daughter-in-law of Charles F. Dolan, the spouse of James L. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Brian G. Sweeney and Marianne Dolan Weber.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Ms. Dolan’s experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1990, as well as the knowledge and experience she has gained and contributions she has made during her tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that she should be reelected to the Board.

PATRICK F. DOLAN

Age: 63

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Patrick F. Dolan is President of News 12 Networks, a subsidiary of Cablevision, since February 2002. Vice President of News 12 Networks from September 1995 to February 2002. News Director of News 12 Long Island, a subsidiary of Cablevision, from December 1991 to September 1995. He serves as a director of Cablevision. Mr. Patrick F. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the brother of James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and Marianne Dolan Weber and the brother-in-law of Kristin A. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Dolan’s experience as a member of Cablevision’s founding family and in various positions with Cablevision since 1989, as well as the knowledge and experience he has

 

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gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

THOMAS C. DOLAN

Age: 62

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Thomas C. Dolan is Executive Vice President-Strategy and Development, Office of the Chairman of Cablevision since September 2008. Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from October 2001 until April 2005. Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from February 1996 to October 2001. Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from July 1994 to February 1996. General Manager of the Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from November 1991 to July 1994. System Manager of Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from August 1987 to October 1991. He serves as a director of Cablevision and MSG. Mr. Thomas C. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the brother of James L. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan and Marianne Dolan Weber and the brother- in-law of Kristin A. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Dolan’s experience as a member of Cablevision’s founding family and in various positions with Cablevision since 1987, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings — Other Legal Matters” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of a lawsuit filed by Mr. Dolan against Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (“RMH”) and Cablevision.

ALAN D. SCHWARTZ

Age: 65

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Schwartz is Executive Chairman of Guggenheim Partners, LLC since 2009. Consultant for Rothschild Inc. from 2008 to 2009. President of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from 2007 to 2008; Chief Executive Officer of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from January 2008 to March 2008; President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. from 2001 to 2008; and Co-President of Bear Stearns & Co. from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Schwartz is also a director of MSG and Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc. He is a trustee of Duke University and a member of the boards of the Robin Hood Foundation, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, St. Vincent’s Services for Children and NYU Medical Center.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Schwartz’s experience as an investment banker, his experience as a senior executive of other businesses and his service as a director of other public companies and charitable institutions, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

BRIAN G. SWEENEY

Age: 50

Director since June, 2011

Mr. Brian G. Sweeney is President and Chief Financial Officer of Cablevision since March 2015. President of Cablevision from April 2014 to March 2015. Senior Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff of Cablevision from January 2013 to April 2014. Senior Vice President — eMedia of Cablevision from January 2000 to December 2012. He serves as a director of Cablevision and MSG. Mr. Sweeney is the son-in-law of Charles F. Dolan and the brother-in-law of James L. Dolan, Kristin A. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan and Marianne Dolan Weber.

 

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Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Mr. Sweeney’s experience in various positions with Cablevision since 1993, as well as the knowledge and experience he has gained and contributions he has made during his tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that he should be reelected to the Board.

MARIANNE DOLAN WEBER

Age: 57

Director since June, 2011

Ms. Marianne Dolan Weber was Chairman of The Dolan Family Foundation from September 1999 through December 2011 and Chairman of The Dolan Children’s Foundation from September 1999 through December 2011. President of The Dolan Family Foundation from 1986 to September 1999. President of The Dolan Children’s Foundation from 1997 to September 1999. Manager of Dolan Family Office, LLC from 1997 through December 2011. She serves as a director of Cablevision. She served as a director of MSG from February 2010 to December 2014. Marianne Dolan Weber is the daughter of Charles F. Dolan, the sister of James L. Dolan, Patrick F. Dolan and Thomas C. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Kristin A. Dolan and Brian G. Sweeney.

Key Skills & Qualifications  In light of Ms. Dolan Weber’s experience as a member of Cablevision’s founding family and as Chairman of the Dolan Family Foundation and the Dolan Children’s Foundation, as well as the knowledge and experience she has gained and contributions she has made during her tenure as a director of the Company and Cablevision, our Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of the directors elected by the Class B stockholders, has concluded that she should be reelected to the Board.

 

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PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee, comprised of independent members of the Board, has appointed KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as our independent registered public accounting firm (the “independent auditors”) with respect to our operations for 2015. KPMG will audit our financial statements for 2015. Representatives of KPMG will be present at the annual meeting to answer appropriate questions and to make a statement if they desire.

We are asking our stockholders to ratify the selection of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our organizational documents, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG to our stockholders for ratification because we believe it is a matter of good corporate practice. In the event that our stockholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered a recommendation to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may in its discretion select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. Approval of this proposal requires the favorable vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a single class. In accordance with our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Class A Common Stock will have one vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock will have ten votes per share.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS

The following table provides information about fees for services rendered by KPMG, our independent registered public accounting firm, in 2014 and 2013:

 

          2014                   2013 (4)          

Audit fees (1)

  $2,672,047      $1,448,447   

Audit-related fees (2)

  $751,181      $1,695,000   

Tax fees (3)

  $334,119      $63,700   

All other fees

         

 

 

(1)

Audit fees billed to and incurred by the Company consist of (i) services for work arising from the Company’s financial statement audit, including the integrated audit of internal control over financial reporting, (ii) statutory and separate Company audits of the financial statements of certain Company subsidiaries, and (iii) reviews of the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for quarterly periods. In 2014, the Company’s audit fees increased due to the Company’s expansion of its international business with the acquisition of Chellomedia.

 

(2)

Audit-related fees billed to the Company consisted principally of services relating to due diligence in connection with acquisitions, employee benefit plan audits, and solely for 2014, certain agree upon procedures.

 

(3)

Tax fees billed to the Company consisted of fees for advisory services relating to state and federal tax matters and compliance services.

 

(4)

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of the Chellomedia international business from Liberty Global, Liberty Global retained KPMG to audit the financial statements of Chellomedia Group (a combination of certain programming and content distribution subsidiaries and assets owned by Liberty Global), which we filed with the SEC to comply with applicable securities laws. Under the Chellomedia acquisition agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse Liberty Global for the fees and expenses of KPMG in connection with that audit, which fees and expenses amounted to $1,984,000.

The Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy requires that the Audit Committee pre-approve audit and non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate its pre-approval authority to the Chairman provided that any such services are subsequently ratified by the entire Audit Committee. All of the services for which fees were disclosed under “Audit-related fees” and “Tax fees” in the table above were pre-approved under the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy.

 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the Company’s financial reporting, internal controls, and audit functions. Three independent Class A Directors comprise the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee has no material relationship with the Company under the Board’s independence standards and each is independent and financially literate under the listing standards of NASDAQ and under the SEC’s standards relating to independence of audit committees. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that all of our Audit Committee members: Messrs. Vogel, Miller and Dr. Tow, satisfy the financial expertise requirements of NASDAQ and have the requisite experience to be designated an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined by rules of the SEC. Management of the Company is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s accounting and financial reporting principles and internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The Company has a full-time Internal Audit department that reports to the Audit Committee and management. This department is responsible for objectively reviewing and evaluating the adequacy, effectiveness and quality of the Company’s system of internal control.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, is responsible for auditing the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and expressing an opinion on the conformity of the consolidated financial statements to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and KPMG. The Audit Committee also has discussed with KPMG the matters required to be discussed under the applicable requirements of the PCAOB. Finally, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures from KPMG in accordance with the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding KPMG’s independence, and has discussed with KPMG, its independence.

As part of its responsibilities for oversight of the risk management process, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s risk assessment and risk management framework, including discussions of individual risk areas as well as a summary of the overall process.

The Audit Committee has discussed with the Company’s Internal Audit department and KPMG the overall scope of and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee meets with the Senior Vice President, Internal Audit and SOX, and representatives of KPMG, in regular and executive sessions, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting and compliance programs.

The Audit Committee is also responsible for the approval of audit fees, and the Committee reviewed and pre-approved all fees paid to KPMG. These fees are described under “Audit Committee Matters”. The Audit Committee also considered whether KPMG’s provision of non-audit services to the Company was compatible with the independence of the independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee has adopted a formal policy for pre-approval of audit, audit-related and non-audit services, which is briefly described under “Audit Committee Matters.” The Audit Committee concluded that KPMG is independent from the Company and its management.

 

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Based upon the reports, review and discussions described in this report, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC. The Audit Committee has also retained KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year 2015. The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of KPMG to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accountants is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and have recommended that stockholders ratify the appointment of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year 2015.

Members of the Audit Committee

Carl E. Vogel (Chair)

Leonard Tow

Jonathan F. Miller

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

AMC Networks’ executive compensation program emphasizes alignment of pay and performance through annual and long-term incentive programs that provide performance-based incentives for our management team that are tied to key financial measures that we believe drive stockholder value and reward sustained achievement of our key financial goals.

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides a discussion of our compensation philosophy and 2014 program for the following named executive officers (“NEOs” or “Named Executive Officers”):

 

Charles F. Dolan

Executive Chairman

Joshua W. Sapan

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Edward A. Carroll

Chief Operating Officer

Sean S. Sullivan

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

James G. Gallagher

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business Highlights

Our Business

AMC Networks owns and operates several of cable television’s most recognized brands, delivering high quality content to audiences and a valuable platform to distributors and advertisers. Since our founding in 1980, we have been a pioneer in the cable television programming industry, having created or developed some of the industry’s leading programming networks, with a focus on programming of original productions.

2014 Business Highlights

LOGO

 

 

(1) 

The Company defines AOCF, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, and restructuring expense or credit and the litigation settlement gain recorded in connection with the settlement of DISH. Because it is based on operating income (loss), AOCF also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items.

 

(2) 

Free Cash is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (continuing operations) less capital expenditures (continuing operations). Net cash provided by operating activities excludes net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations.

 

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During 2014, we significantly expanded our global business with the acquisition of Chellomedia. The acquisition provides AMC Networks with television channels that are distributed to more than 390 million subscribers in over 130 countries and span a wide range of programming genres, most notably movie and entertainment networks. In addition, we expanded our domestic business by entering into a joint-venture agreement with BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc. acquiring a 49.9% controlling interest in the cable channel BBC AMERICA, home of drama series Doctor Who and Orphan Black.

During 2014, the Company continued to perform well and we remain well positioned to capitalize on future opportunities. In determining compensation for 2014, the Compensation Committee considered the strong growth the Company achieved in 2014.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

 

(3) 

Comparative results were affected by the Chellomedia and BBC AMERICA acquisitions in 2014.

 

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The Company continued to increase our investment in original programming and other content that fits our core business and brand portfolios, aimed at further driving ratings growth and increasing viewership at our networks. In recent years, including in 2014, we have successfully developed outstanding original programming and increased ratings at each of our networks. This allowed us to grow our advertising revenues, position ourselves well for further growth in advertising revenues. In 2014, the Company again had one of the highest rates of ad revenue growth in all of cable television, with advertising revenue, representing approximately 38% of our 2014 total net revenues.

The Company also continued to expand its distribution of content through new and existing platforms and expand its relationships with our affiliates and other partners, leading to growth in our distribution revenues.

In 2014, the Company’s businesses achieved notable successes.

 

 

LOGO

 

In 2014, AMC continued to be a top 10 cable network in primetime ranking 8th among adults 18-49 and rising to 7th among adults 25-54. AMC’s The Walking Dead again set new viewership records and the series continues to be the #1 show on all of television among adults 18-49.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

WE tv had its best year ever attaining double digit growth among women 25-54 and adults 25-54, with a strong core of unscripted shows including franchise series Braxton Family Values and Mary Mary.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

SundanceTV, which transitioned to an ad-supported network in 2013, had another strong year with acclaimed and award-winning scripted programming including Rectify, The Red Road and The Honorable Woman. SundanceTV ranked as the third fastest growing entertainment network in primetime among all households.

 

 

 

 

LOGO

 

 

IFC had its best year ever with growth across all demos and day parts, most notably a 17% increase in total viewers in prime, with popular shows including Portlandia and The Spoils of Babylon.

 

 

 

LOGO

 

IFC Films had its most successful year in its history. Its critically acclaimed film Boyhood was recognized with some of the industry’s highest honors. Boyhood was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards (winning Best Motion Picture-Drama) and six Academy Awards, including Best Picture (winning Best Supporting Actress). In addition, its label Sundance Selects had one of its best years, with its widely acclaimed Two Days, One Night and its documentary releases, Dirty Wars and Finding Vivian Maier, all receiving Academy Award nominations.

 

The Committee believes that the efforts and leadership of our senior management team, including our NEOs, are, and will continue to be critical to the Company’s accomplishments.

 

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2014 Key Compensation Decisions

Taking into consideration the Company’s strong 2014 performance and the significant expansion of its international business, the Committee made the following key compensation decisions:

 

Topic Action Committee Rationale

CEO

Employment

Agreement

Entered into a new employment agreement with the Company’s President and CEO, Mr. Sapan, which included the grant of a special equity award

In light of Mr. Sapan’s extensive experience and standing within the industry, the Committee determined that it was critical for the Company to retain Mr. Sapan’s services for a significant future period of time to best enable the Company to execute on its long-term strategic goal to further develop its domestic business and expand its international operations (see page     ).

Executive

Compensation

Peer Group

Updated the Company’s peer group to align with the Company’s significant expansion of its international operations

The Committee determined to revise its Peer Group used to assess competitiveness of executive compensation levels relative to market to reflect the enhanced role and responsibility of the Company’s executive officers as a result of the increased complexity of the business both geographically and in content (page     )

Funding of

Annual Incentive

Bonus Pool

Approved the NEOs 2014 annual incentive bonus payouts at approximately 124%

To reflect the Company’s strong performance and notable year of success, the Committee approved the payout of the NEOs’ annual incentive bonuses based on the Company’s performance, which is calculated based on the weighted average of each business unit performance against pre-established financial targets, at 124% of target

“Say on Pay”

In accordance with a 2012 vote by stockholders on frequency, the Company is submitting an advisory vote on executive compensation to stockholders every three years, including in 2015 (see “Proposal 3 – Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation). Stockholders last voted on executive compensation in 2012, when more than 95% of votes of holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, voting together as a single class, approved the proposal. The Compensation Committee considered the affirmative outcome of this vote for compensation and has continued to apply the same principles when making compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers.

Engagement with Our Stockholders

The Company values feedback from its stockholders and regularly engages with stockholders to keep informed on the evolving perspectives of the investor community. We engage with our stockholders on various matters, including corporate governance, executive compensation and Company performance. These stockholder dialogues, focused on governance and compensation matters, are an important component of the Compensation Committee’s review of our executive compensation program.

 

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Philosophy and Objectives of Our Executive Compensation Program

The Company is a media business comprised of dynamic and powerful brands. In support of its business objectives, the Company places great importance on its ability to attract, retain, motivate and reward experienced executive officers. The Company strives to do so by developing executive compensation policies and programs that are consistent with, explicitly linked to, and supportive of, the strategic objectives of growing the Company’s businesses and maximizing stockholder value.

The Compensation Committee sets executive compensation, and seeks to offer both short and long-term incentive compensation programs that will provide competitive compensation, drive performance and encourage executive retention, guided by the following principles:

 

   

The majority of compensation for the Company’s executive officers should be at risk and contingent on Company performance;

 

   

Incentive compensation of the Company’s executive officers should be weighted more heavily on long-term rather than short-term accomplishments and results;

 

   

Equity-based compensation should be used to align the interests of our executive officers with our stockholders’ interests; and

 

   

The overall executive compensation program should be competitive, equitable and structured so as to ensure the Company’s ability to attract, retain, motivate and reward the talented executives who are essential to the Company’s continuing success. Total target compensation, rather than individual compensation elements, is the Compensation Committee’s focus in providing competitive compensation opportunities.

The primary elements of executive compensation are base salary, an annual cash performance bonus and long-term incentive awards in the form of restricted stock units and cash performance awards that typically cliff vest in three years. We target the elements of our compensation so that at least 70% of total target compensation for our NEOs consists of an annual performance-based cash bonus and long- term incentive awards. In this way, a significant portion of the value ultimately realized by the executive depends upon the Company’s performance and can be considered at-risk compensation.

 

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Elements of the Company’s Compensation Program

Our executive compensation program is designed to provide a mix of fixed and variable incentive awards, including short-and long-term incentives:

2014 NEO Total Direct Compensation Program Structure

 

Component

  Primary Metric Performance Period

Base Salary

 

•    Based on level and merit

N/A

Annual

Cash

Incentives

 

•    Combination of weighted average of all business units operating performance, including revenue and AOCF and individual’s performance

One year
       

Long-Term

Incentive

Awards

Cash Performance Awards

•    60%: CEO/Chairman

•    50%: Other NEOs

•    AOCF

•    Net revenue

•    Free cash flow

Three years

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

•    40%: CEO/Chairman

•    50%: Other NEOs

•    AOCF

Three years

2014 CEO Annual Pay Mix*

LOGO

 

 

* 

Excludes one time awards.

 

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A significant percentage of total compensation is allocated to incentive compensation in accordance with the Compensation Committee’s philosophy as described above. The Compensation Committee reviews historical Company compensation, other information provided by the Committee’s independent compensation consultant and other factors, such as experience, performance and length of service to determine the level and mix of compensation for executive officers, by position and grade level, that the Compensation Committee has deemed appropriate. The allocation between cash and equity compensation and short and long-term compensation is designed to provide a combination of fixed and at-risk compensation that is related to the achievement of the Company’s short-term and long-term objectives. Generally, the performance metrics for the Company’s incentive compensation have been based on the Company’s “AOCF,” net revenues and free cash flow. The Company considers these performance measures to be key measures of the Company’s operating performance. It believes that successful performance against these measures promotes the creation of long-term stockholder value. At the time of grant of an award, the performance measures used may contemplate certain potential future adjustments and exclusions.

COMPENSATION IN 2014

Employment Agreements

We have written employment agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. We enter into employment agreements with our senior executives when the Compensation Committee determines that it is appropriate to attract or retain an executive or where an existing employment agreement is consistent with our practices with respect to other similarly situated executives. As discussed in greater detail below under Executive Compensation Tables, “Employment Agreements,” much of the NEOs’ compensation is covered by employment agreements, which, in the case of Mr. Dolan was entered into in connection with the Distribution and approved by Cablevision’s compensation committee and, in the case of Messrs. Carroll, Gallagher and Sullivan, were entered into in 2013.

The Committee believes that entering into fixed term employment contracts with our senior executives provides management stability and helps ensure that the Company has the continuity to achieve its strategic objectives. The Compensation Committee further believes that the entertainment industry standard practice is for executives to have employment agreements. Each of the NEOs has demonstrated strong performance and willingness to take on greater responsibilities as the Company grows and their multi-year agreements are designed to ensure their continued contributions to the Company.

During his tenure as CEO, Mr. Sapan has done an outstanding job in transforming the Company into a major media entertainment company and creating significant stockholder value since the Company became a public company. Mr. Sapan has been instrumental in the Company’s growth. Under his leadership, the Company’s market capitalization has risen from $2.2 billion to $5.5 billion and it has experienced significant revenue growth, increasing from $1.18 billion in 2011 to $2.18 billion in 2014. Mr. Sapan’s efforts have also led to a significant expansion of the international distribution of the Company’s programming. In light of Mr. Sapan’s significant experience and stature within the media industry, the Compensation Committee determined that retaining his long-term service was in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders providing the Company with certainty and stability. On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Sapan which replaced his prior employment agreement. In connection with Mr. Sapan’s new employment agreement, Mr. Sapan’s total compensation package was increased, reflecting the strong desire of the Company to retain the long-term services of Mr. Sapan due to his extensive experience and success in leading the Company to become a major public company in the media entertainment industry and significantly expanding the scope of the Company’s international business. The Committee believes that Mr. Sapan’s success and his standing within the industry makes him an attractive candidate to other media companies and believes that, if the Company were to lose Mr. Sapan, the cost to recruit someone of equal stature and experience would be very costly and could create instability and risk to the Company. As such, the

 

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Committee determined that it was important to the long-term success of the Company to increase Mr. Sapan’s total compensation so that it is comparable to his peers. For a description of the terms and provisions of the employment agreements, please see “Executive Compensation Tables, Employment Agreements”.

Base Salaries

Base salaries for our executives have been set at levels that are intended to reflect the competitive marketplace in attracting and retaining quality executives. The Compensation Committee currently reviews the salaries of the executive officers at least annually. The Compensation Committee evaluates each executive’s performance and experience and based on their performance and in accordance with the terms of the employment agreements, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may increase base salaries for the executive officers over time. Each of the employment agreements of our NEOs contains a minimum base salary level. For information regarding these minimum base salary levels, please see Executive Compensation Tables, “Employment Agreements” below.

In connection with the Company expanding its international business and the scope of the responsibilities of its executive officers, the Compensation Committee increased the base salaries for Messrs. Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher for 2014 by approximately 5%, 7% and 6%, respectively. For 2014, Mr. Dolan did not receive any base salary increase. In connection with Mr. Sapan’s new amended and restated employment agreement, his base salary was increased by approximately 56%, to $2 million. The annual base salaries paid to the other NEOs in 2014 were as follows: Mr. Dolan — $400,000; Mr. Carroll — $1,150,000; Mr. Sullivan —$700,000; and Mr. Gallagher — $550,000. See footnote 1 to Executive Compensation Tables, “Summary Compensation Table” for a more detailed discussion of the 2014 base salaries.

Annual Cash Incentives

Annual cash incentive awards are designed to link executive compensation directly to the Company’s performance and provide incentives and rewards for excellent business performance during the year.

We have two performance-based annual incentive programs:

 

   

Amended and Restated 2011 Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”). Annual incentive program for all NEOs that the Compensation Committee determines may be covered by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The CIP was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders held on June 5, 2012 and is administered by the Compensation Committee. See “Tax Deductibility of Compensation,” below.

 

   

Annual performance incentive program (“Annual Incentive Program”). Annual incentive program for all other members of management.

NEO Annual Incentive Award Target Setting

Each annual cash incentive award-eligible employee is assigned a target annual incentive award equal to a percentage of that employee’s annual base salary. For 2014, target bonuses were set as a percentage of the base salary earned during 2014.

The target annual cash incentive awards are determined based upon the applicable employee’s position, grade level, responsibilities, and historical and expected future contributions to the Company. In addition, each of the employment agreements of Messrs. Dolan, Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher contains a target annual incentive award level. For information regarding these target annual incentive award levels, see Executive Compensation Tables, “Employment Agreements,” below. The Compensation Committee currently reviews the target bonus levels of the executive officers, and going forward intends to do so at least annually. The

 

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Compensation Committee evaluates each such executive’s performance and experience, and based on their performance and in accordance with the terms of the employment agreements, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may set target annual incentive award levels for the executive officers. Target bonuses for 2014 (expressed as a percentage of annual base salary) were as follows: Mr. Dolan — 175%; Mr. Sapan — 200%; Mr. Carroll — 125%; Mr. Sullivan — 75%; and Mr. Gallagher — 60%.

2014 CIP Performance Metrics

The payment of the 2014 annual cash incentive awards under the CIP is conditioned upon the satisfaction of one or more performance objectives established by the Compensation Committee. The performance metrics were designed to achieve tax deductibility under Code Section 162(m). Upon achievement of the performance objective(s), each NEO would be eligible to receive payment of an incentive bonus equal to the lesser of $10 million or two times the executive’s target annual incentive award, subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. In general, under the CIP, regardless of whether the Company achieves, exceeds or fails to achieve its target performance objective(s), the Compensation Committee has the discretion only to decrease annual incentive awards if the Company wishes to preserve the Code Section 162(m) deduction. Performance objectives are subject to various adjustments for acquisitions and dispositions and investments in new business ventures not contemplated when the performance objections are formulated.

In order for the NEOs to be eligible to receive an annual cash incentive award for the year ended December 31, 2014, the AOCF of the business units for the year ended December 31, 2014 needed to exceed $472 million.

2014 CIP Awards

On March 6, 2015, the Compensation Committee certified the awards as achieved by virtue of the AOCF of the business units for the year ended December 31, 2014 equaling approximately $571 million.4

The Compensation Committee applied negative discretion under the CIP to bring payouts generally in line with the payouts the NEOs would have received if they had been participants in the Annual Incentive Program. Each of our NEOs holds a corporate wide position and, as such the amount by which his annual incentive award under the CIP was reduced was determined based on the level of achievement of Company-wide performance metrics under the Annual Incentive Program, as described in more detail below. When applying negative discretion under the Company’s CIP, the Compensation Committee reduced the annual cash bonus payable to Mr. Gallagher to an amount that was $150,000 higher than it otherwise would have been if it had been reduced on the same basis as the annual bonus of the other NEOs. This treatment of the award to Mr. Gallagher was based upon the CEO’s recommendation that the personal performance by Mr. Gallagher warranted a smaller discretionary reduction because of the extraordinary effort and achievement of Mr. Gallagher during 2014 in negotiating and causing the completion of the Company’s acquisition of Chellomedia and the 49% membership interest in the BBC AMERICA channel. On March 13, 2015, the 2014 annual incentive awards were paid by the Company to the NEOs as follows: Mr. Dolan — $864,500; Mr. Sapan — $4,916,441; Mr. Carroll — $1,637,385; Mr. Sullivan — $647,253; and Mr. Gallagher — $556,951.

 

(4) 

AOCF is based upon the AOCF of the Company (see footnote 1 to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis) excluding the cost of the Company’s long-term incentive program that is included as an expense of the Company’s reporting segments. For 2014, “AOCF” was subject to adjustment for the following events: the settlement with DISH Network, the exclusion of charges for long-term incentive expense, acquisitions (including the Chellomedia acquisition) and the VOOM settlement.

 

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2014 Annual Incentive Program Awards

The payment of annual incentive awards under the Annual Incentive Program is conditioned upon the satisfaction of one or more performance objectives established by the Compensation Committee depending upon the applicable eligible employee’s specific business unit. For 2014, under the Annual Incentive Program, these performance objectives related to an assessment of business unit performance against goals, strategies, operating performance and growth initiatives. These performance objectives include specific annual growth targets for revenues, AOCF, and free cash flow for each of the following business units: AMC, WE tv, IFC, SundanceTV, IFC Films and AMC International. In addition, each of the networks is expected to achieve growth in advertising impressions, and targets of viewership of new series and has also additional weighted metrics tailored for its business unit. For individuals who hold corporate-wide positions at the Company, the Annual Incentive Program performance objectives are predominantly based on the weighted average performance of the different business units. Bonuses awarded under the Annual Incentive Program may also be adjusted based on recipients’ individual performances. To the extent the Company exceeds or falls short of the Annual Incentive Program performance objectives, eligible employees may receive payments greater than or less than their target annual incentive award.

Long-term Incentives

Our long-term incentive program in 2014 for all executives consisted of two elements: cash performance awards and restricted stock units. These long-term incentives are awarded to members of management based upon each individual’s grade level. Except for Messrs. Dolan and Sapan, who receive long-term incentive awards comprised of 60% of the value as cash performance awards and 40% of the value in restricted stock units, these long-term incentive awards granted to the other NEOs are comprised of 50% of the value in cash performance awards and 50% of the value as restricted stock units.

We believe that our cash performance awards provide strong incentives for the NEOs to help the Company achieve specific long-term financial objectives. We also believe that restricted stock units provide the NEOs with an incentive to improve the Company’s stock price performance and indicate direct alignment with stockholders’ interests, as well as the potential for a continuing stake in the long-term success of the Company. In addition, because these awards vest in their entirety on the third anniversary of the grant date (i.e., cliff vesting), we believe these awards provide strong incentives for the executives to remain with the Company.

Cash Performance Awards

Our current executive compensation program contemplates annual grants of three-year cash performance awards to executive officers and other members of management to be earned on the basis of long-term performance of the Company relative to pre-established financial goals. The Compensation Committee sets the performance objectives for each award in the first quarter of the year of grant. Each recipient is eligible to receive a target cash performance award, the amount of which depends on the employee’s grade level and employment agreement, if any. To the extent that the Company’s target performance objectives are achieved and the recipient is continuously employed through the payment date, eligible employees may receive payments greater than or less than (or none of) their target cash performance award.

 

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Achievement of 2012 Cash Performance Award Objectives. On February 24, 2015, the Compensation Committee certified the Company’s achievement of performance objectives of average AOCF, average net revenue and average cash flow for the cash performance awards granted in March 2012. In determining the achievement of the performance objectives for the 2012 cash performance awards, AOCF, net revenue and free cash flow were weighted at 50%, 30%, and 20%, respectively. The following table shows actual performance with respect to each of the performance objectives relative to the ranges established in March 2012 and the resulting performance factor used in calculating the aggregate weighted performance payout.

 

             
($000s)   2012-2014
Target
    Financial
Performance
Range5
    Actual
2012-2014
Performance
    Actual
Performance
v. Target
    Weighting     Weighted
Performance
Factor
 
             

AOCF

    $550        $494 - $604        $538        96     50     48.2
             

Net Revenue

    $1,469        $1,321 - $1,616        $1,564        145     30     43.5
             

Free Cash Flow

    $472        $424 - $519        $472        100     20     20.1

Weighted Performance Payout

  

                 

 

111.8

For the 2012 cash performance awards to pay out at 100%, the Company was required to achieve specified targets of average AOCF of $550 million, average net revenues of $1,469 million, and average free cash flow of $472 million for years 2012 through 2014, subject to various adjustments including for certain impacts of the Distribution as well as unanticipated acquisitions and dispositions and investments in new business initiatives and exclude all charges for long-term performance-based compensation.6 For years 2012 through 2014, the Company’s average AOCF equaled $538 million, average net revenue equaled $1,564 million and average free cash flow equaled $472 million. Based upon the Company’s performance, the 2012 cash performance awards paid out at 111.8% of target in March 2015.

2014 Cash Incentive Award Grants.  On March 7, 2014, the Company granted cash performance awards to the NEOs in the following target amounts: Mr. Dolan — $570,000; Mr. Sapan — $7,800,000; Mr. Carroll — $1,500,000; Mr. Sullivan — $800,000; and Mr. Gallagher — $450,000. All 2014 cash performance awards are subject to vesting based on achievement of specified targets of increased AOCF, net revenues and free cash flow (determined by calculating the average of AOCF, net revenues and free cash flow of the Company earned in 2014, 2015 and 2016) and continuous employment through March 7, 2017. These performance targets are intended to measure the Company’s ongoing operating performance and are subject to various adjustments including for acquisitions and dispositions and investments in new business initiatives not contemplated at the time the performance objectives are formulated and exclude all charges for long-term performance-based compensation. In determining achievement of the 2014 performance awards, average AOCF, average net revenues, and average free cash flow are weighted at 50%, 30% and 20%, respectively. These awards provide for a potential payout on a sliding scale such that the actual payment may range from zero (if average AOCF, average net revenues and average free cash flow fail to reach at least 90% of the targets) to 200% (if, for example, average AOCF equals or exceeds 110% of the target, average net revenues equal or exceed 110% of the target, and average free cash flow equals or exceeds 110% of the target).

 

(5) 

These awards provide for a potential payout on a sliding scale such that the actual payment may range from zero (if average AOCF, average net revenues and average free cash flow each fail to reach at least 90% of the targets) to 200% (if, for example, average AOCF equals or exceeds 110% of the target, average net revenues equal or exceed 110% of the target, and average free cash flow equals or exceeds 110% of the target).

(6) 

See footnote 4 above for “AOCF” adjustments. “Free Cash Flow” was subject to the same adjustments as described in footnote 4 above.

 

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Because the targets for the 2014 awards have been derived from the Company’s confidential strategic plan, which is not disclosed publicly for competitive reasons, we do not believe it is appropriate to disclose specific numerical targets. Disclosure of these targets could provide information that could lead to competitive harm. We believe that our strategic plan, and consequently the targets set for the performance awards, is ambitious and reflects desired above-market performance. In determining the threshold levels of performance, the following factors were considered: the Company’s strategic plans and the degree of difficulty in achieving the targets, including a comparison of the strategic plans with analysts’ published projections of our growth as well as the projected growth of some of our competitors. The 2014 performance awards include a sliding scale of payouts based upon the achievement over the next three years of average AOCF, average net revenues and average free cash flow. The Compensation Committee believes that the lowest levels on the sliding scale of the 2014 awards should be achieved, although there can be no assurance this will occur. The Compensation Committee has the authority to amend or waive the performance targets under the 2014 awards and to make interpretations thereof and adjustments thereto subject to the requirements of Code Section 162(m) if applicable to the award.

Restricted Stock Units

Under our executive compensation program, long-term incentive grants of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are made to executive officers and certain other members of management pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2011 Employee Stock Plan (the “Employee Stock Plan”). The RSUs granted to the NEOs also include a performance vesting condition. Under the current executive compensation program, RSU awards will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the attainment of the performance vesting condition, so long as the recipient is continuously employed until such date. One effect of the cliff-vesting of RSUs under our long-term incentive plan is that each of our NEOs maintains significant holdings of Company equity at all times.

On March 7, 2014, the Company granted RSUs to the NEOs in the following amounts: Mr. Dolan — 5,432 RSUs; Mr. Sapan — 74,339 RSUs; Mr. Carroll — 21,444 RSUs; Mr. Sullivan — 11,437 RSUs; and Mr. Gallagher — 6,433 RSUs. All such 2014 RSU awards will vest based on achievement of performance objectives and continued employment through March 7, 2017. The performance condition relating to the RSUs requires the Company to achieve a 1% target rate of growth in AOCF (relative to 2013) in any of the three fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016. This performance requirement was met in 2014.7 Additional information regarding RSUs for the NEOs during 2014 is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below. More information regarding other equity grants for the NEOs appears in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2014 table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below.

Special One Time Special Equity Retention Award for CEO

To provide an additional incentive for Mr. Sapan to agree to extend his tenure and stay through the end of the term of his new employment agreement, the Compensation Committee offered Mr. Sapan the opportunity to earn a one time special equity retention award of 353,756 restricted stock units (the “Special Equity Award”). This Special Equity Award will vest on December 31, 2020, as long as Mr. Sapan is continuously employed until such date and the performance condition is attained or on an earlier change in control (as defined in the award agreement). The performance condition requires the Company to achieve in any of the two fiscal years 2015 and 2016, at least 90% of the AOCF for fiscal year 2013, or in the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 at least 90% of the AOCF for the period April 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. This Company performance requirement was met in 2014.

 

(7) 

See footnote 4 above for “AOCF” adjustments.

 

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COMPENSATION DECISION PROCESS AND COMPENSATION POLICIES

Role of Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee oversees the design and administration of AMC’s compensation and benefits policies and programs. Among its duties, the Compensation Committee is responsible for (1) establishing our general compensation philosophy and, in consultation with management, overseeing the development and implementation of compensation programs; (2) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Company; (3) evaluating the CEO’s and other executive officers’ performance in light of those goals and objectives and determining and approving their compensation levels based upon those evaluations; (4) evaluating the competitiveness of each executive officer’s total compensation package; (4) administering our stockholder approved compensation plans; and (5) overseeing the activities of the committee or committees administering our benefit and retirement plans.

The Committee is supported in its work by the head of the Human Resources Department, his staff and the Committee’s independent executive compensation consultant as described below. Based upon a review of performance and historical compensation, recommendations and information from members of management, and discussions with the compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee determines and approves compensation for the executive officers, which includes making recommendations to the full Board for its approval of compensation for the Company’s executive officers (other than the Executive Chairman and CEO).

The Committee’s charter, which sets out its duties and responsibilities and addresses other matters, can be found on our website at www.amcnetworks.com.

Role of Independent Compensation Consultant

In accordance with its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to engage outside consultants to assist in the performance of its duties and responsibilities. Our Compensation Committee utilizes the services of an independent compensation consultant to assist in determining whether the elements of our executive compensation program are reasonable and consistent with our objectives.

In August 2011, after a full review and selection process, the Compensation Committee engaged Pay Governance LLC (the “Pay Governance”) to serve as its independent compensation consultant. Pay Governance reports directly to our Compensation Committee, and, at the request of the Compensation Committee, Pay Governance meets with members of our management from time to time for purposes of gathering information on management proposals and recommendations to be presented to our Compensation Committee.

The following is a description of the services provided by Pay Governance as the Compensation Committee’s consultant:

 

   

Attended all Compensation Committee meetings;

 

   

Provided information, research and analysis pertaining to the executive compensation program for 2014;

 

   

Regularly updated the Compensation Committee on market trends, changing practices and legislation pertaining to compensation;

 

   

Assisted the Compensation Committee in making pay determinations for the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers;

 

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Advised on the design of the executive compensation program and the competitiveness of individual compensation targets and awards; and

 

   

Provided advice and recommendations that incorporated both market data and Company-specific factors.

During 2014, Pay Governance provided no other services to the Company.

The Compensation Committee believes that Pay Governance’s work did not raise any conflict of interest during 2014. In reaching this conclusion, the Compensation Committee considered the factors set forth in the SEC rules regarding compensation advisor independence. Although such independence rules are not applicable to the Company because it is a controlled company, the Compensation Committee believes that Pay Governance nonetheless satisfies the independence factors provided in such rules.

Role of Management

The Compensation Committee reviews the performance and compensation of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer and, following discussions with Pay Governance and a review of market competitive data, establishes each of their compensation. The management of the Company assists the Compensation Committee and Pay Governance as described above. Within the framework of the compensation programs approved by the Committee and based on management’s review of market competitive positions, management provides to the Compensation Committee, either directly or through the compensation consultant, management’s recommendations on the compensation for executive officers other than the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer. These recommendations are influenced by the CEO’s assessment of each executive officer’s performance, the performance of the individual’s respective business or function and employee retention considerations. The Committee reviews management’s recommendations and approves any compensation changes affecting our executive officers as it determines in its sole discretion.

Tally Sheets

The Compensation Committee has reviewed tally sheets setting forth all components of compensation payable, and the benefits accruing, to the NEOs for 2014, including all cash compensation, perquisites and the current value of outstanding equity-based awards. The Compensation Committee considers the information presented in the tally sheets in determining future compensation.

Benchmarking

To ensure we provide compensation comparable to that offered by other leading companies in our industry, we compare the Company’s executive compensation levels against a relevant peer group of companies. As part of the Compensation Committee’s review of 2014 compensation, Pay Governance assisted the Compensation Committee in: (1) determining a peer group to be used for competitive comparisons; (2) assessing executive compensation in comparison with the peer group and in light of the Company’s performance; and (3) reviewing the Company’s equity and cash-based executive incentive programs, taking into account evolving market trends.

 

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As a result of the Company’s significant expansion of its international operations due to its acquisition of Chellomedia in January 2014, the Committee met with Pay Governance to reassess the peer group to determine whether it was comprised of the appropriate group of comparable companies. On February 6, 2014, the Committee approved changes to the Peer Group for the 2014 performance year to better reflect the Company’s significant growth and the increased responsibilities in multiple geographies for its executive officers and a more complex multi-content business to oversee.

 

2014 Corporate Peer Group

CBS Corporation (New for 2014)

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.

Crown Media Holdings Inc.

SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.

Discovery Communications, Inc.

Starz Corporation (New for 2014)

DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc.

Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp

 

The Committee added two new media entertainment companies, CBS Corporation and Starz Corporation and eliminated Electronic Arts Inc., a developer and distributor of game software. While the Peer Group includes several significantly larger market capitalization companies, the Committee determined that market capitalization should only be one of many factors considered when selecting a peer group. Revenues, lines of business and sources and competition for talent are also important and, thus, CBS Corporation was added and Discovery and SIRIUS remained in the peer group.

This peer group differs from that used in the stock performance graph contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Due to the fact that only a few of the companies in our peer group had an executive serving as a chief operating officer, the Compensation Committee also considered a supplemental reference group for the Company’s Chief Operating Officer role, which included business unit executives at CBS Corporation, Disney, Fox, Netflix, Paramount, and Viacom. The Compensation Committee also considered internal and external sources of information to determine the appropriate level and mix of compensation. In order to obtain a general understanding of current compensation practices, the Compensation Committee considered multiple broad-based compensation surveys prepared by a variety of different compensation firms and industry groups.

In connection with the review of 2014 compensation, Pay Governance presented to the Compensation Committee a comparison of total compensation and each of its components with the median in its peer group. In its review, the compensation consultant noted that there was limited market information regarding the role and compensation of the Executive Chairman in its peer group. The Compensation Committee further considered that the Company’s founder and Executive Chairman, Mr. Charles F. Dolan, plays a unique and important role in setting the strategic direction of the Company in addition to his role on the Board. The Compensation Committee also considered that Mr. Dolan is an executive officer of Cablevision. Pay Governance compared Mr. Dolan’s total target compensation to that received by other executive chairmen of other similar sized companies who were significant stockholders of their companies and found that Mr. Dolan’s total target compensation was below the 50th percentile of this group.

In connection with its review of 2014 compensation, the Compensation Committee set a general guideline for total target compensation, over time, at a range from the median to the 75th percentile of the peer group, reserving for the Compensation Committee the flexibility to recognize differences by individual. The Company competes for talented executives in a highly-compensated industry. The Compensation Committee believes that this range is appropriate in light of the competitive nature of the Company’s businesses as well as the Company’s and its management’s performance. The Compensation Committee believes that these guidelines for total target compensation provide a useful point of reference, along with the other factors described above, in administering the Company’s executive compensation program. Each of Messrs. Sapan’s and Carroll’s total

 

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target compensation in 2014 was above the median of the peer group. Mr. Sullivan’s total target compensation in 2014 was at approximately the median of the peer group. Mr. Gallagher’s total target compensation in 2014 was below the median of the peer group.

Other Outstanding Awards

In addition to the long-term incentive awards described above, certain of our executives (including the NEOs) have outstanding equity awards that were granted by Cablevision in connection with their service as employees of Cablevision prior to the Distribution. Grants of any such equity awards received by the NEOs (other than Mr. Dolan) are set forth in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2014 table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below. The outstanding Cablevision equity-based awards held by Mr. Dolan are not included in the Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2014 table because these awards remain subject to his continued service to Cablevision. With respect to outstanding long-term cash and equity awards, the Company, Cablevision and MSG are not regarded as competitive entities of each other for purposes of any non-competition provisions contained in the applicable award agreements.

Benefits

Our executive officers are generally eligible to participate in the same retirement plans, health and welfare benefit plans and other voluntary benefit plans made available to other benefits-eligible employees of the Company, including, for example, medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability coverage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Dolan does not participate in certain Company benefit plans, including the Company’s defined contribution plan and the Company’s medical, dental and vision plans. Mr. Dolan receives pension and health benefits from Cablevision.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company maintains the AMC Networks 401(K) Savings Plan, a tax qualified retirement savings plan (the “AMC 401(k) Plan”). Participating employees, including executive officers, 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 matches 100% of the first 3% of eligible pay and 50% of the next 2% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees.

The Company also maintains the AMC Networks Excess Savings Plan (the “AMC Excess Savings Plan”) for certain of the Company’s employees, including executive officers. The AMC Excess Savings Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan offered to certain employees, including executive officers, who are restricted by the applicable IRS annual compensation limitation and/or the pre-tax income deferral limitation. More information regarding the AMC Excess Savings Plan is provided in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below. Matching contributions made by the Company under the AMC 401(k) Plan, and the AMC Excess Savings Plan on behalf of the NEOs (other than Mr. Dolan) are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below.

In addition, the Company may provide a profit sharing contribution based on the employee’s eligible earnings. For December 31, 2014, the Company provided a 4% profit sharing contribution based on the employee’s eligible earnings to each eligible employee, including each NEO (other than Mr. Dolan). The Company’s profit sharing contributions are subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment. Matching contributions made by the Company under the AMC 401(k) Plan, and the AMC Excess Savings Plan on behalf of the NEOs are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table under “Executive Compensation Tables” below.

 

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Other

In addition to the standard life insurance available to all Company employees (based on a multiple of base salary, up to a $4,000,000 cap on the total amount of life insurance), Cablevision had purchased whole life insurance policies for certain current and former senior executives of Cablevision, including Mr. Sapan. The policies originally provided coverage (before the application of any dividends to purchase increased insurance) in the amount of the greater of three times the individual’s annual base salary as in effect in 1996 or the estimated death benefit provided under previous policies. As of the most recent anniversary date, the policy for Mr. Sapan provided an estimated death benefit of $1,291,161. Information regarding premiums paid with respect to Mr. Sapan is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below. Upon the Distribution Date, the Company assumed responsibility for the payment of required premiums, if any, with respect to Mr. Sapan.

Perquisites

Following the Distribution, the Company has adopted a policy that it generally will not provide perquisites to its executive officers. During 2014, the aggregate value of perquisites received by each of Messrs. Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher by the Company was below $10,000.

Post-Termination Compensation

We believe that post-termination benefits are integral to the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified executives.

Under certain circumstances, payments or other benefits may be provided to employees upon the termination of their employment with the Company. These may include payments or other benefits upon a termination by the Company without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of the Company or a going-private transaction. With respect to the NEOs, the amounts and terms of such payments and other benefits (including the definition of “cause” and “good reason”) are governed by each NEO’s employment agreement and any applicable award agreements. The Company award agreements regarding various long-term incentives address employment termination events, including the circumstances upon which vesting, payment and/or forfeiture of all or a portion of the long-term incentives may be accelerated. If an executive’s employment agreement with the Company refers to the treatment of any award upon a triggering event, the employment agreements generally provide that, if the terms of the award agreement are more favorable than the terms of the employment agreement, then the terms of the award agreement will apply. Post-termination compensation is discussed in greater detail in Executive Compensation Tables, “Employment Agreements” and Executive Compensation Tables, “Termination and Severance” below.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

Code Section 162(m) establishes a $1 million limit on the amount that a publicly held corporation may deduct for compensation paid to the chief executive officer and the next three most highly paid NEOs (other than the chief financial officer) in a taxable year. This limitation does not apply to any compensation that is “qualified performance-based compensation” under Code Section 162(m), which is defined as compensation paid in connection with certain stock options or that is paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established objective goals based on performance criteria established under a plan approved by stockholders. Our short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans are generally designed to qualify for this exemption from the deduction limitations of Code Section 162(m) and to be consistent with providing appropriate compensation to executives. The Company’s stockholders approved the CIP and the Employee Stock Plan at the Company’s June 5, 2012 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

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From time to time, to the extent it deems appropriate, the Compensation Committee may make awards (or modifications to awards) that would not qualify for an exemption from Code Section 162(m). For example, we expect that the amount of annual base salary plus any other annual compensation paid or imputed to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the next three most highly paid NEOs covered by Code Section 162(m) that causes their non-performance-based compensation to exceed the $1 million limit will not be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes.

Although it is the Company’s intent generally to qualify compensation for the exemption from the deduction limitations, we believe that it is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to allow the Compensation Committee the flexibility and discretion to design an appropriate executive compensation program so that the Company can attract, retain and motivate our executives, notwithstanding Code Section 162(m).

 

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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above. Based on such review and discussions, we have recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement for filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Members of the Compensation Committee

Leonard Tow (Chair)

Carl E. Vogel

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

The tables below reflect the compensation of the Company’s Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the two other most highly paid executive officers. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for an explanation of our compensation philosophy and program.

Summary Compensation Table

The table below summarizes the total compensation paid or earned by each of our NEOs and paid by us for the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
($)(1)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)(2)
    Option and
Rights
Awards
($)(3)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
    All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
    Total ($)  

Mr. Charles F. Dolan

    2014        400,000               418,970               1,468,220        32,000        2,319,190   

Executive Chairman

    2013        400,000               384,947               927,500        32,000        1,744,447   
      2012        400,000               360,009               973,000        23,137        1,756,146   

Mr. Joshua W. Sapan

    2014        2,000,000               29,760,943               8,411,309        141,604        40,313,856   

President and Chief Executive

    2013        1,280,000               2,228,570               5,904,860        117,124        9,530,554   

Officer

    2012        1,280,000               2,084,003               5,468,620        83,647        8,916,270   

Mr. Edward A. Carroll

    2014        1,150,000               1,653,976               2,755,385        90,055        5,649,416   

Chief Operating Officer

    2013        1,100,000               1,144,112               2,552,007        88,546        4,884,665   
      2012        1,035,500               1,000,010               2,106,895        60,536        4,202,941   

Mr. Sean S. Sullivan

    2014        700,000               882,136               1,206,253        54,128        2,842,517   

Executive Vice President and

    2013        655,000               607,787               988,083        53,280        2,304,150   

Chief Financial Officer

    2012        630,000               499,982               720,060        35,826        1,885,868   

Mr. James G. Gallagher

    2014        550,000               496,177               892,351        42,749        1,981,277   

Executive Vice President and

    2013        520,000               354,552               737,273        42,281        1,654,106   

General Counsel

    2012        500,000               300,007               662,678        28,115        1,490,800   

 

(1)

For 2014, salaries paid to the NEOs accounted for the following percentage of their total compensation: Mr. Dolan — 17%; Mr. Sapan — 5%; Mr. Carroll — 20%; Mr. Sullivan — 25%; and Mr. Gallagher — 28%.

 

(2)

For 2014, 2013 and 2012, this column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the Company’s restricted stock units that were awarded in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, without any reduction for risk of forfeiture, as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. In addition, in 2014, concurrently with the execution of his amended and restated employment agreement, Mr. Sapan received a one time special equity retention award of restricted stock units with an aggregate target value of $25,000,000, which vests on December 31, 2020. See “Employment Agreements – Joshua W. Sapan” for details about the special equity retention award.

 

(3)

No stock options and/or rights were granted in 2012, 2013 or 2014.

 

(4)

The 2014 figures in this column for Messrs. Dolan, Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher include the annual incentive awards for performance in 2014 and the value of performance awards granted in 2012, earned at the end of 2014 as follows: Mr. Dolan: $864,500 and $603,720, respectively; Mr. Sapan: $4,916,441and $3,494,868, respectively; Mr. Carroll: $1,637,385 and $1,118,000, respectively; Mr. Sullivan: $647,253 and $559,000, respectively; and Mr. Gallagher: $556,951 and $335,400, respectively.

 

    

The 2013 figures in this column for Messrs. Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher include the annual incentive awards for performance in 2013 and the value of performance awards granted in 2011, earned at the end of 2013 as follows: Mr. Sapan: $3,392,004 and $ 2,512,860, respectively; Mr. Carroll: $ 1,673,857 and $878,150, respectively; Mr. Sullivan: $650,333 and $337,750, respectively; and Mr. Gallagher: $413,033 and $324,240, respectively. The amount included for Mr. Dolan represents the annual incentive award of $927,500 earned in 2013 and paid in March 2014.

 

    

The 2012 figures in this column for Messrs. Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher include the annual incentive awards for performance in 2012 and the value of performance awards granted in 2010, earned at the end of 2012 as follows: Mr. Sapan: $3,558,400 and $1,910,220, respectively; Mr. Carroll: $1,439,345 and $667,550, respectively; Mr. Sullivan:

 

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$655,872 and $64,188, respectively; and Mr. Gallagher: $416,198 and $246,480, respectively. The amount included for Mr. Dolan represents the annual incentive award of $973,000 earned in 2012 and paid in March 2013.

 

(5)

The table below shows the components of this column:

 

Name

       Year          401(k)
Plan
Match
($)(a)
     Excess
Savings
Plan
Match
$(a)
     Life
Insurance
Premiums
($)(b)
     Deferred
Compensation
Awards ($)
     Perquisites
($)(c)
     Total ($)  

Mr. Dolan

     2014                 32,000                                 32,000   

Mr. Sapan.

     2014         19,400         111,418         10,786                         141,604   

Mr. Carroll

     2014         20,600         69,455                                 90,055   

Mr. Sullivan

     2014         20,200         33,928                                 54,128   

Mr. Gallagher

     2014         20,422         22,327                                 42,749   

 

(a)

These columns represent, for each individual, a matching contribution funded by the Company on behalf of such individual under the AMC 401(k) Plan or AMC Excess Savings Plan, as applicable. The AMC Excess Savings Plan match is reflected in the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table below.

 

(b)

This column represents amounts paid for premiums on whole life insurance policies purchased by Cablevision for Mr. Sapan. Upon the Distribution, the Company assumed responsibility for the payment of premiums with respect to Mr. Sapan. Mr. Dolan also has a whole life insurance policy provided by Cablevision for which the Company has not assumed any obligations and the premium payments are not included in this table.

 

(c)

Perquisites provided to Messrs. Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan or Gallagher did not exceed an aggregate value of $10,000. Following the Distribution, the Company generally has not provided perquisites to the NEOs. Perquisites received by Mr. Dolan during 2014 were in respect of his service to Cablevision and are not included in this table. For more information regarding perquisites, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Compensation Decision Process and Compensation Policies — Perquisites.”

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The table below presents information regarding awards granted in 2014 to each NEO under the Company’s plans, including estimated possible and future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards and other restricted stock and stock option awards.

 

                 Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units(#)
     Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
($)(1)
 

Name

       Year        Grant Date      Threshold($)      Target($)      Maximum($)        

Mr. Dolan

   2014      1/1/2014(2)                 700,000         1,400,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(3)         302,100         570,000         1,140,000                   
     2014      3/7/2014(4)                                 5,432         418,970   

Mr. Sapan

   2014      1/1/2014(2)                 4,000,000         8,000,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(3)         4,134,000         7,800,000         15,600,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(4)                                 74,339         5,733,767   
     2014      4/25/2014(5)                                 353,757         24,027,176   

Mr. Carroll

   2014      1/1/2014(2)                 1,438,000         2,876,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(3)         795,000         1,500,000         3,000,000                   
     2014      3/7/2014(4)                                 21,444         1,653,976   

Mr. Sullivan.

   2014      1/1/2014(2)                 525,000         1,050,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(3)         424,000         800,000         1,600,000                   
     2014      3/7/2014(4)                                 11,437         882,136   

Mr. Gallagher.

   2014      1/1/2014(2)                 330,000         660,000                   
   2014      3/7/2014(3)         238,500         450,000         900,000                   
     2014      3/7/2014(4)                                 6,433         496,177   

 

(1)

This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the Company’s restricted stock units granted to each NEO in 2014 without any reduction for risk of forfeiture, as calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 on the grant date.

 

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(2)

This row reflects the possible payouts with respect to grants of annual incentive awards under the Company’s Cash Incentive Plan for performance in 2014. Each of the executives is assigned a target bonus percentage and amount; there is no threshold amount for annual incentive awards. Under the terms of the awards, each executive is eligible to receive payment of an annual incentive award equal to the lesser of $10 million or two times his bonus target, subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion to reduce the award. The amounts of annual incentive awards actually paid for performance in 2014 are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above. For more information regarding the terms of these annual incentive awards, please see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Compensation in 2014 — Annual Cash Incentives.”

 

(3)

This row reflects the future payout with respect to performance awards that were granted under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2014. Each performance award was granted with a target amount, subject to actual payment based on a sliding scale ranging from zero to two times the target amount. These performance awards will be payable in the first quarter of 2017 if the Company achieves specified performance targets in the three-year period ending December 31, 2016. For more information regarding the terms of these performance awards, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Compensation in 2014 — Long-term Incentives — Cash Performance Awards.”

 

(4)

This row reflects the Company’s restricted stock units that were awarded in 2014. The awards are expected to cliff vest on March 7, 2017 and are subject to performance criteria which have been satisfied. See Compensation Discussion & Analysis, “Compensation in 2014 — Long-term Incentives — Restricted Stock Units.”

 

(5)

This row reflects a one time special equity retention award of restricted stock units granted to Mr. Sapan in 2014 concurrently with the execution of his amended and restated employment agreement, which vests on December 31, 2020. See “Employment Agreements — Joshua W. Sapan” for details about the special equity retention award.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2014 Year End

The table below shows (i) each grant of stock options that are unexercised and outstanding and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding for each NEO, in each case as of December 31, 2014.

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(#)
Exercisable
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(#)
Unexercisable
    Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
    Option
Exercise
    Price ($)    
    Option
Expiration
Date
    Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested (#)
    Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have
Not Vested
($)(1)
    Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
    Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
 

Mr. Dolan(6)

    45,000                      13.55        11/8/2015                               
    66,000                      17.91        6/5/2016                               
                                       5,432(2)        346,399                 
                                       6,497(3)        414,314                 
                                         7,986(4)        509,267                 

Mr. Sapan

                                       74,339(2)        4,740,598                 
                                       37,613(3)        2,398,581                 
                                       46,229(4)        2,948,023                 
                                         353,757(5)        22,559,084                 

Mr. Carroll(6)

    8,250                      17.91        6/5/2016                               
                                       21,444(2)        1,367,484                 
                                       18,969(3)        1,209,653                 
                                         22,183(4)        1,414,610                 

Mr. Sullivan

                                       11,437(2)        729,337                 
                                       10,258(3)        654,153                 
                                         11,091(4)        707,273                 

Mr. Gallagher

                                       6,433(2)        410,232                 
                                       5,984(3)        381,600                 
                                         6,655(4)        424,389                 

 

(1)

Calculated using the closing price of Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on December 31, 2014 of $63.77 per share.

 

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(2)

These restricted stock units are scheduled to vest on March 7, 2017.

 

(3)

These restricted stock units are scheduled to vest on March 12, 2016.

 

(4)

These restricted stock units vested on March 15, 2015.

 

(5)

These restricted stock units are scheduled to vest on December 31, 2020.

 

(6)

As discussed in greater detail under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Other Outstanding Awards.” As of December 31, 2014, Mr. Carroll held 53,000 Cablevision stock options (all of which have vested). Outstanding Cablevision and MSG equity-based awards held by Mr. Dolan are subject to his continued employment by Cablevision.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The table below shows stock option exercises during the year ended December 31, 2014 and restricted stock awards that vested during the same period.

 

     Option Exercises      Restricted Stock  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
     Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
     Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
     Value Realized On
Vesting ($)
 

Mr. Dolan(1)

                     19,850         1,531,031   

Mr. Sapan(2)

                     165,067         10,321,330   

Mr. Carroll(3)

                     16,755         1,292,312   

Mr. Sullivan(3)

                     6,437         496,485   

Mr. Gallagher(3)

                     6,247         481,830   

 

 

(1)

This number of shares in this row represents Distribution-related shares of Company stock issued as a dividend on Cablevision restricted shares granted on March 8, 2011. The restrictions on these shares lapsed in March 2014 and were calculated using the closing price of Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on March 7, 2014, of $77.13 per share. For a more detailed discussion of Distribution-related equity awards, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Other Outstanding Awards.”

 

(2)

The number of shares in this row represents (i)(A) Distribution-related shares of Company stock issued as a dividend on Cablevision restricted shares granted on March 8, 2011 and (B) shares of Company stock issued in replacement of restricted shares originally granted by Cablevision on March 8, 2011 (collectively, the “March 2011 Shares”) and (ii) a one time special equity award of shares of Company stock issued pursuant to Mr. Sapan’s then existing employment agreement (the “Special Award”). The restrictions on the March 2011 Shares lapsed in March 2014 and the amount of value realized on vesting of all such shares was calculated using the closing price of Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on March 7, 2014, of $77.13 per share. The restrictions on the Special Award lapsed in December 2014 and the amount of value realized on vesting of such shares was calculated using the closing price of Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on December 15, 2014, of $59.03 per share. For a more detailed discussion of Distribution-related equity awards, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Other Outstanding Awards.”

 

(3)

This number of shares in this row represents (i) Distribution-related shares of Company stock issued as a dividend on Cablevision restricted shares granted on March 8, 2011 and (ii) shares of Company stock issued in replacement of restricted shares originally granted by Cablevision on March 8, 2011. The restrictions on both classes of shares lapsed in March 2014. All of these shares were calculated using the closing price of Class A Common Stock on NASDAQ on March 7, 2014, of $77.13 per share. For a more detailed discussion of Distribution-related equity awards, see Compensation Discussion and Analysis, “Other Outstanding Awards.”

 

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The table below shows: (1) the contributions made by the NEOs in respect of their compensation from the Company and contributions funded by the Company in 2014; (2) aggregate earnings on each NEO account balance in 2014; and (3) the account balance of such executive officer under the AMC Networks Inc. Excess Savings Plan as of December 31, 2014.

 

Name

Plan Name

Executive
Contributions
in 2014(2)($)
  Registrant
Contributions
in 2014(3)($)
  Aggregate
Earnings in
2014(4) ($)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)
  Aggregate
Balance at
2014 FYE ($)
 

Mr. Dolan (1)

AMC Excess Savings Plan   24,000      32,000      883           181,607   

Mr. Sapan

AMC Excess Savings Plan   108,927      111,418      9,076           1,706,896   

Mr. Carroll

AMC Excess Savings Plan   54,173      69,455      6,309           1,168,838   

Mr. Sullivan

AMC Excess Savings Plan   26,927      33,928      943           203,944   

Mr. Gallagher

AMC Excess Savings Plan   21,284      22,327      1,031           212,004   

 

(1)

The amounts for Mr. Dolan in this table include contributions funded by Mr. Dolan in respect of his compensation from the Company only, the contributions funded by the Company only and the aggregate balance of Mr. Dolan’s account that relates to his services to the Company only.

 

(2)

These amounts represent a portion of the NEOs’ salaries, which are included in the numbers reported in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table that the executives contributed to the respective plans.

 

(3)

These amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table under “All Other Compensation” and described in Note 5 to that table.

 

(4)

These amounts are not reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan

During 2014, the Company’s U.S. employees, including its executive officers, other than Mr. Dolan, participated in the AMC 401(k) Plan, a tax-qualified retirement savings plan. Under this plan, participating employees are eligible to 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 matches up to 100% of the first 3% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees and then matches 50% of the next 2% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees. In addition, the Company may provide a profit sharing contribution based on the employee’s salary. The Company’s profit sharing contributions are subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment. For December 31, 2014, the Company provided an additional 4% profit sharing contribution based on the employee’s salary to each participating employee.

AMC Networks Inc. Excess Savings Plan

During 2014, certain of the Company’s U.S. employees, including its executive officers, participated in the AMC Excess Savings Plan. The AMC Excess Savings Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that operates in conjunction with the AMC 401(k) Plan. An employee is eligible to participate in the AMC Excess Savings Plan for a calendar year if his compensation in the preceding year exceeded (or would have exceeded, if the employee had been employed for the entire year) the IRS limit on the amount of compensation that can be taken into account in determining contributions under tax-qualified retirement plans ($260,000 in 2014) and he makes an election to participate prior to the beginning of the year. An eligible employee whose contributions to the AMC 401(k) Plan are limited as a result of this compensation limit or as a result of reaching the maximum 401(k) deferral limit ($17,500 or $23,000 if 50 or over, for 2014) can continue to make pre-tax contributions under the AMC Excess Savings Plan of up to 10% of his eligible pay. In addition, the Company will make matching contributions of 100% of the first 3% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees

 

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and then will match 50% of the next 2% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees. A participant is always fully vested in his own contributions and in the Company’s matching contributions. Account balances under the AMC Excess Savings Plan are invested at the discretion of the executive choosing from a selection of investments generally equal to those investments available in the AMC 401(k) Plan. Distributions are made in a lump sum as soon as practicable after termination of the participant’s employment with the Company, subject to restrictions under Section 409A.

Employment Agreements

The Company’s employment agreements with Messrs. Dolan, Sapan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher are described below. As noted above, Mr. Dolan also continues to serve as an officer and employee of Cablevision. Such Cablevision employment is pursuant to a written employment agreement between Cablevision and Mr. Dolan (which is not described herein).

Charles F. Dolan

Mr. Dolan’s employment agreement with the Company provides for his employment as our Executive Chairman. The employment agreement with the Company has an initial term of one year and automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party at least three months prior to the end of the then existing term. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of not less than $400,000 per year, subject to increase by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Mr. Dolan is also eligible for an annual bonus with a target of 175% of his annual base salary, as the Company’s Compensation Committee shall determine in its discretion. Under the agreement, Mr. Dolan continues to be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term cash or equity programs or arrangements, at the level determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee, in its discretion consistent with his role and responsibilities as Executive Chairman. Although there is no guarantee, it is currently expected that long-term cash and/or equity awards will be made to Mr. Dolan annually.

The Company provides Mr. Dolan with life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Such life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided by the Company is based on Mr. Dolan’s base salary from the Company (provided that, to the extent the Company and Cablevision continue to use the same insurance carriers, any payout under the Company’s plans will be aggregated with similar payouts under the Cablevision plan with respect to any applicable maximum coverage). Mr. Dolan does not participate in any other employee welfare benefit or pension plan of the Company. The employment agreement authorizes Mr. Dolan, in carrying out his responsibilities and duties under the agreement, to make expenditures from time to time on behalf of the Company for the performance, furtherance and maintenance of the Company’s business, including travel relating to the business of the Company, entertainment and similar items, and the Company agrees to promptly reimburse Mr. Dolan for such expenditures or in some cases to advance the amount thereof to Mr. Dolan.

Mr. Dolan’s employment agreement does not provide for any post-employment benefits in the event of the termination of his employment by him or the Company other than in the case of his death or disability. In the event of Mr. Dolan’s death, his agreement provides for payment to his estate of an amount equal to the greater of one year’s base salary or one-half of the compensation that would have been payable to Mr. Dolan during the remaining term of his agreement. The Company has the right under the employment agreement to terminate the agreement if Mr. Dolan is incapacitated for more than six consecutive months. In that event, Mr. Dolan will be entitled to receive all his compensation and benefits until the end of the remaining term of his agreement. Mr. Dolan’s employment agreement does not address (or provide for any benefits in the event of) termination by the Company without cause, by Mr. Dolan for good reason or termination in connection with retirement, a change in control or a going private transaction.

Mr. Dolan acknowledges in the employment agreement that any continuing service requirements with respect to any options to purchase Company stock or restricted shares of Company stock issued in connection

 

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with the Distribution will be based solely on his service to Cablevision and its affiliates (other than the Company and our subsidiaries). The Company will have no liability to Mr. Dolan with respect to any cash payable pursuant to the outstanding long-term cash and equity awards that were granted to him under the plans of Cablevision prior to June 30, 2011 (the “Distribution Date”), the date Cablevision spun off the Company (the “Distribution”), and Mr. Dolan has agreed that he will not assert any such liability against the Company.

In the employment agreement, the Company acknowledges that, in addition to Mr. Dolan’s services pursuant to the agreement, he will simultaneously serve, and is expected to devote most of his business time and attention to serving, as Chairman of Cablevision. The Company recognizes and agrees that his responsibilities to Cablevision will preclude him from devoting a substantial portion of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs. The agreement states the Company’s recognition that there may be certain potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues associated with Mr. Dolan’s dual roles at the Company and Cablevision and that none of (i) his dual responsibilities at the Company and Cablevision; (ii) his inability to devote a substantial portion of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs; (iii) the actual or potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues that are waived in the Company’s certificate of incorporation; or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, by him in good faith to comply with his duties and responsibilities to the Company or Cablevision in light of his dual responsibilities to the Company and Cablevision, will be deemed to be a breach by him of his obligations under the employment agreement.

Joshua W. Sapan

On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Sapan. The employment agreement amended and restated an employment agreement that the Company entered into with Mr. Sapan in 2011. Mr. Sapan’s employment agreement with the Company provides for Mr. Sapan’s employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company until December 31, 2020 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”) at a minimum annual base salary of $2,000,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus equal to 200% of his annual base salary (and a possible range of 0% to 400%) based on the achievement of performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. Such performance criteria will be set with the same level of difficulty as applied to other senior executives of the Company generally and it is anticipated that such performance criteria will be set with a level of difficulty reasonably consistent with past practice. Under the agreement, Mr. Sapan continues to be eligible to participate in all the Company’s employee benefits and retirement plans at the level available to other members of senior management of the Company subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements and the terms of the plans.

Mr. Sapan is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term cash or equity programs and arrangements consistent with the role and responsibilities of President and Chief Executive Officer. In calendar year 2014, and each year thereafter through the Scheduled Expiration Date during which Mr. Sapan is employed by the Company, Mr. Sapan is entitled to receive long-term cash and equity awards with an aggregate target value of $13,000,000. Unless consented to by Mr. Sapan in writing, the ratio of long-term cash and equity awards in each applicable period will be reasonably consistent with past practice and will be the same ratio as generally provided to Mr. Sapan currently or to other senior executives of the Company generally. Any performance criteria applicable to the long-term cash and equity awards will be set with the same level of difficulty as applied to other senior executives of the Company generally and it is anticipated that the performance criteria will be set with a level of difficulty reasonably consistent with past practice.

To provide an additional incentive for Mr. Sapan to agree to extend his tenure and stay through the end of the term of his new employment agreement, the Compensation Committee offered Mr. Sapan the opportunity to earn a one time special equity retention award of 353,756 restricted stock units (the “Special Equity Award”). This Special Equity Award will vest on December 31, 2020, as long as Mr. Sapan is continuously employed until such date and the performance condition is attained or on an earlier change in control (as defined in the award agreement). The performance condition requires the Company to achieve in any of the two fiscal years 2015 and

 

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2016, at least 90% of the AOCF for fiscal year 2013, or in the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 at least 90% of the AOCF for the period April 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. This Company performance requirement was met in 2014.

If, prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Sapan’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) by the Company or (ii) by him for Good Reason, and at the time of any such termination Cause does not exist, then, subject to his execution of the Company’s then standard separation agreement (modified to reflect terms of the employment agreement), which separation agreement will include, without limitation, general releases by him as well as non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality and other provisions substantially similar to (and not more restrictive than) those set forth in the agreement (a “Separation Agreement”), the Company will provide him with the following benefits and rights:

(a)         A cash severance payment equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus will be made on the 90th day after the termination of his employment;

(b)         Each outstanding long-term cash performance award that is subject to performance criteria will immediately vest in full and will be paid at the same time and to the same extent that other members of senior management receive payment for such awards as determined by our Compensation Committee (subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);

(c)         Each of his outstanding long-term cash awards (including any deferred compensation awards under the long-term cash award program) that are not subject to performance criteria will immediately vest in full and will be payable on the 90th day after the termination of his employment;

(d)         (i) All of the time-based restrictions on his outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units (including the Special Equity Award) will immediately be eliminated; (ii) deliveries with respect to all such restricted stock that are not subject to performance criteria will be made to him immediately after the effective date of the Separation Agreement; (iii) payment and deliveries with respect to all such restricted stock units that are not subject to performance criteria will be made to him on the 90th day after the termination of his employment; and (iv) payments or deliveries with respect to his restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria will be made (A) with respect to the Special Equity Award and any other award granted after the date of the employment agreement, as soon as practicable after the Compensation Committee determines that performance criteria have been satisfied (which determination will be made (1) with respect to performance periods that ended on or prior to the date of termination, within a reasonable period of time following termination and (2) with respect to performance periods ending after the date of termination, within a reasonable period of time following the end of such performance periods) and (B) with respect to other awards only if, when and to the same extent that other executive officers receive payment or deliveries for such awards as determined by our Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);

(e)         Each of his outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards will immediately vest and become exercisable and he will have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of the option or award; and

(f)         A prorated annual bonus for the year in which such termination occurred to the same extent that other executive officers receive payment of bonuses for such year as determined by our Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives), payable at the same time annual bonuses for such year are payable to other executive officers, and, if not previously paid, his annual bonus for the preceding year, to the same extent that other members of senior management receive payment of annual bonuses for such preceding year as determined by our Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives), which

 

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annual bonus shall be payable at the same time annual bonuses for such preceding year are payable to other members of senior management.

Notwithstanding clauses (c), (d) and (e) above, any more favorable provisions of Mr. Sapan’s existing cash incentive, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, stock option or stock appreciation right award agreements will apply to the treatment of such awards following a “going private transaction” (as defined in the award agreements), a “change of control” (as defined in the award agreements) or Mr. Sapan’s death.

With respect to any long-term cash performance, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards that are subject to performance criteria and for which the performance periods have not been completed on the date of Mr. Sapan’s termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by him for Good Reason at which time Cause does not exist, the Company will (1) pay a cash amount equal to the target amount of the cash awards and deliver a number of shares equal to the number of restricted shares and restricted stock unit awards to a “Rabbi Trust” and (2) to the extent the performance criteria are satisfied, the cash and shares in the Rabbi Trust will be paid to Mr. Sapan in accordance with the terms set forth in clauses (c) and (d) above (and to the extent the performance criteria are not achieved, the cash and shares will revert to the Company).

If Mr. Sapan ceases to be an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date as a result of his death or physical or mental disability, Mr. Sapan (or his estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth in (b) through (f) of the preceding paragraph, and, in the event of his death, such longer period to exercise his then outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable plan and award letter.

If, after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Sapan’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) by the Company; (ii) by him for Good Reason; or (iii) by him without Good Reason but only if he had provided the Company with at least six months’ advance written notice of his intent to terminate his employment and such written notice specifies an effective date of termination no sooner than the first day after the Scheduled Expiration Date; or (iv) as a result of his death or disability, and at the time of any such termination, Cause does not exist, then, subject to (except in the case of his death) his execution of a Separation Agreement, he or his estate or beneficiary, as the case may be, will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth above in (b) through (f) of the next preceding paragraph.

If, prior to, on, or after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Sapan ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than his being terminated for Cause, he will have three years to exercise outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards, unless he is afforded a longer period for exercise pursuant to his employment agreement or any applicable award letter. In no event, however, will stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable beyond their regularly scheduled term (except as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable award in the case of death).

Upon the termination of Mr. Sapan’s employment with the Company, except as otherwise specifically provided in the employment agreement, his rights to benefits and payments under the Company’s pension and welfare plans (other than severance benefits) and any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards will be determined in accordance with the then current terms and provisions of such plans, agreements and awards under which such benefits and payments (including such long-term cash or equity awards) were granted.

The employment agreement contains certain covenants by Mr. Sapan, including a noncompetition agreement that restricts Mr. Sapan’s ability to engage in competitive activities until the first anniversary of the termination of his employment with the Company.

 

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For purposes of Mr. Sapan’s employment agreement, the following definitions apply:

“Cause” is defined as (1) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (2) commission of any act or omission that results in, or may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

“Change in Control” of the Company means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Sapan’s consent, (A) Mr. Sapan’s base salary or annual bonus target is reduced, (B) the Company requires that Mr. Sapan’s principal office be located more than 50 miles from Manhattan, (C) the Company materially breaches its obligations to Mr. Sapan under his employment agreement, (D) Mr. Sapan is no longer the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (E) Mr. Sapan no longer reports directly to the Chairman (or an Executive Chairman) of the Board of Directors of the Company, or (F) Mr. Sapan’s responsibilities are materially diminished; (2) Mr. Sapan has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this definition, that he does not consent to such action; (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice; and (4) Mr. Sapan voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) of this definition.

Edward A. Carroll

On April 19, 2013, AMC Networks entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Carroll (the “Carroll Employment Agreement”), replacing his previous employment agreement, which expired on April 15, 2013. The Carroll Employment Agreement provides for Mr. Carroll’s employment as Chief Operating Officer of the Company through December 31, 2016, with a minimum annual base salary of $1,100,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to not less than 115% of his annual base salary. He will be eligible for our standard benefits programs and to participate in our long-term equity and other incentive programs, in each case on the same basis as similarly situated executives at the Company. The Carroll Employment Agreement provides that it is expected that Mr. Carroll’s participation in the Company’s long-term equity and other incentive programs will consist of annual grants of cash and/or equity awards with a target value of not less than $2,250,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

The Carroll Employment Agreement provides severance benefits if Mr. Carroll’s employment is terminated prior to December 31, 2016 (1) by the Company or (2) by Mr. Carroll for Good Reason, and at the time of such termination under clauses (1) or (2) Cause does not exist. These benefits consist of (a) the payment of an amount in cash equal to not less than two times the sum of Mr. Carroll’s annual base salary and his annual target bonus as in effect at that time, (b) the payment of a prorated bonus for the year of termination and, to the extent termination occurs prior to the payment of an annual bonus for the preceding year, payment of an annual bonus for the preceding year, in each case, if and when other similarly situated employees receive payment of bonuses for such years as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable Company and business-unit performance objectives without adjustment for individual performance), (c) each of his outstanding long-term cash awards granted under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest in full and be payable at the same time and to the same extent such awards are paid to similarly situated active executives as determined by the Company’s Compensation

 

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Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance criteria), (d) each of his outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock unit awards granted under plans of the Company will continue to vest in accordance with their original vesting schedule and payments or deliveries will be made to him on the original vesting date, and (e) each of his outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of the Company will continue to vest in accordance with their original vesting schedule and he will have the right to exercise each of such options and awards for the remainder of the term of such option or award. All benefits would be conditioned on Mr. Carroll executing a Separation Agreement.

If Mr. Carroll ceases to be an employee of the Company prior to December 31, 2016 as a result of his death or physical or mental disability, and at the time Cause does not exist then, subject (other than in the case of death) to his execution of a Separation Agreement, Mr. Carroll (or his estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth in clauses (b), (d) and (e) in the preceding paragraph, and each of his outstanding long-term cash incentive awards granted under plans of the Company will immediately vest in full, whether or not subject to performance criteria and will be payable on the 90th day after termination of his employment; provided, that if any such award is subject to any performance criteria, then (i) if the measurement period for such performance criteria has not yet been fully completed, then the payment amount shall be at the target amount for such award and (ii) if the measurement period for such performance criteria has already been fully completed, then the payment of such award shall be at the same time and to the extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of the applicable performance criteria).

Notwithstanding clauses (c), (d) and (e) above, any more favorable provisions of Mr. Carroll’s existing cash incentive, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, stock option or stock appreciation right award agreements will apply to the treatment of such awards following a “going private transaction” (as defined in the award agreements), a “change of control” (as defined in the award agreements) or Mr. Carroll’s death.

For purposes of the Carroll Employment Agreement the following definitions apply:

“Cause” means (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Carroll’s consent, (A) his base salary or annual bonus target is reduced, (B) his title is reduced, (C) he reports directly to someone other than the Executive Chairman or the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (D) his responsibilities as in effect immediately after April 19, 2013 are thereafter materially diminished, or (E) the Company requires that his principal office be located more than 50 miles from Manhattan; (2) he has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to the Carroll Employment Agreement and the Good Reason definition, that he does not consent to such action; (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 30 days of receiving such notice; and (4) he voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (l) above.

Sean S. Sullivan

On March 12, 2013, AMC Networks entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sullivan. The employment agreement provides for Mr. Sullivan’s employment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company through March 12, 2016, with a minimum annual base salary of $655,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 75% of his annual base salary. He will be eligible for our standard benefits programs and to participate in our long-term equity and other incentive programs, in each case on the same basis as similarly situated executives at the Company. The agreement provides that it is expected that

 

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Mr. Sullivan’s participation in the Company’s long-term equity and other incentive programs will consist of annual grants of cash and/or equity awards with a target value of not less than $1,200,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Mr. Sullivan’s employment agreement provides severance benefits if Mr. Sullivan’s employment is terminated prior to March 12, 2016 (1) by the Company or (2) by Mr. Sullivan for Good Reason, and at the time of such termination under clauses (1) or (2) Cause does not exist. These benefits consist of the payment of an amount in cash equal to not less than two times the sum of Mr. Sullivan’s annual base salary and his annual target bonus as in effect at that time. In addition, Mr. Sullivan is entitled to a prorated bonus for the year of termination and, to the extent termination occurs prior to the payment of an annual bonus for the preceding year, an annual bonus for the preceding year, in each case, if and when other similarly situated employees receive payment of bonuses for such years as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable Company and business-unit performance objectives without adjustment for individual performance). Finally, the Company’s Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of Mr. Sullivan’s outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis, provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion will be payable when and to the same extent paid to other employees generally holding such awards, subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria. In connection with any termination of Mr. Sullivan’s employment, other than as specifically provided above, all equity or cash incentive grants or awards he may then have outstanding will be treated in accordance with their terms. All benefits would be conditioned on Mr. Sullivan executing a Separation Agreement.

For purposes of Mr. Sullivan’s employment agreement the following definitions apply:

“Cause” means Mr. Sullivan’s (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Sullivan’s consent, (A) his base salary or annual bonus target (as each may be increased from time to time in the Company’s Compensation Committee’s discretion) is reduced, (B) his title is reduced, (C) his responsibilities as in effect immediately after March 12, 2013 are thereafter materially diminished, or (D) the Company requires that his principal office be located more than 50 miles from Manhattan; (2) he has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to the employment agreement and the Good Reason definition, that he does not consent to such action; (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 30 days of receiving such notice; and (4) he voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (l) above.

James G. Gallagher

On March 12, 2013, AMC Networks entered into an employment agreement with James G. Gallagher. The agreement provides for Mr. Gallagher’s employment as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company through March 12, 2016. The employment agreement provides for a minimum annual base salary of $520,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 60% of his annual base salary in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. He will be eligible for our standard benefits programs and to participate in our long-term equity and other incentive programs, in each case on the same basis as similarly situated executives at the Company. The agreement provides that it is expected that Mr. Gallagher’s participation in the Company’s long-term equity and other incentive programs will consist of annual grants of cash and/or equity awards with a target value of not less than $700,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

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Mr. Gallagher’s employment agreement provides severance benefits if Mr. Gallagher’s employment is terminated prior to March 12, 2016 (1) by the Company or (2) by Mr. Gallagher for Good Reason, and at the time of such termination under clauses (1) or (2) Cause does not exist. These benefits consist of the payment of an amount in cash equal to not less than two times the sum of Mr. Gallagher’s annual base salary and his annual target bonus as in effect at that time. In addition, Mr. Gallagher is entitled to a prorated bonus for the year of termination and, to the extent termination occurs prior to the payment of an annual bonus for the preceding year, an annual bonus for the preceding year, in each case if and when other similarly situated employees receive payment of bonuses for such years as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable Company and business-unit performance objectives without adjustment for individual performance). Finally, the Company’s Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of Mr. Gallagher’s outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis, provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion will be payable when and to the same extent paid to other employees generally holding such awards, subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria.

In connection with any termination of Mr. Gallagher’s employment, other than as specifically provided above, all equity or cash incentive grants or awards he may then have outstanding will be treated in accordance with their terms. All benefits would be conditioned on Mr. Gallagher executing a Separation Agreement.

For purposes of Mr. Gallagher’s employment agreement the following definitions apply:

“Cause” means Mr. Gallagher’s (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Gallagher’s consent, (A) his base salary or annual bonus target (as each may be increased from time to time in the Company’s Compensation Committee’s discretion) is reduced, (B) his title is reduced, (C) his responsibilities as in effect immediately after March 12, 2013 are thereafter materially diminished, or (D) the Company requires that his principal office be located more than 50 miles from Manhattan; (2) he has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to the employment agreement and the Good Reason definition, that he does not consent to such action; (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 30 days of receiving such notice; and (4) he voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (l) above.

Termination and Severance

This section describes the payments that would be received by executive officers from the Company upon various termination of employment scenarios.

Separation from the Company

Payments may be made to employees upon the termination of their employment with the Company depending upon the circumstances of their termination, which include termination by the Company with cause or without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of the Company or following a going-private transaction. Certain of these circumstances are addressed in employment agreements between the Company and the executives. The information under “Separation from the Company” assumes that the NEO was employed by the Company under his applicable agreement, if any, and his employment terminated as of December 31, 2014. For a description of termination provisions in the employment agreements, see “Employment Agreements” above. In addition, award agreements for any long-term incentives will also address some of these circumstances.

 

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Quantification of Termination and Severance

The following tables set forth a quantification of estimated severance and other benefits payable to our NEOs under various circumstances regarding the termination of their employment. In calculating these severance and other payments, we have taken into consideration or otherwise assumed the following:

Termination of employment occurred after the close of business on December 31, 2014. Payment calculations are based upon the applicable NEO’s employment agreement, if any, as in effect on that date.

We have valued equity awards using the closing market price of Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ on December 31, 2014, the last trading day of the year, of $63.77.

In the event of termination of employment, the payment of certain long-term incentive awards and other amounts may be delayed, depending upon the terms of each specific award agreement, the provisions of the applicable NEO’s employment agreement and the applicability of Section 409A. In quantifying aggregate termination payments, we have not taken into account the timing of the payments and we have not discounted the value of payments that would be made over time, except where otherwise disclosed.

We have assumed that all performance metrics for performance-based awards are achieved (but not exceeded).

Benefits Payable As a Result of Voluntary Termination of Employment by Employee,

Retirement or Termination of Employment by the Company for Cause

In the event of voluntary termination of employment by the executive, retirement or termination by the Company for cause, in each case that is not in connection with a change in control, none of our NEOs would have been entitled to any payments at December 31, 2014.

Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment by the Company Without

Cause or by Employee For Good Reason*

 

Elements

    Mr. Dolan        Mr. Sapan       Mr. Carroll         Mr. Sullivan         Mr. Gallagher    
Severance             $12,000,000 (1)      $5,175,000 (1)      $2,450,000 (1)      $1,760,000 (1) 

Pro rata bonus

            $4,916,441 (2)      $1,637,385 (2)      $647,253 (2)      $406,951 (2) 
Unvested restricted stock units             $32,646,286 (3)      $3,991,747 (3)               
Cash performance awards             $14,226,000 (4)      $3,625,000 (4)               

 

*

The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards that were vested at December 31, 2014 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

 

(1)

Represents severance equal to two times the sum of the executive’s salary and target bonus in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(2)

Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives, without regard to individual performance in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(3)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding restricted stock unit awards in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(4)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

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Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Death*

 

Elements

     Mr. Dolan         Mr. Sapan       Mr. Carroll       Mr. Sullivan         Mr. Gallagher    
Severance                                    

Salary

     $400,000 (1)                             
Pro rata bonus              $4,916,441 (2)      $1,637,385 (2)                
Unvested restricted stock units.      $1,269,980 (3)      $32,646,286 (3)      $3,991,747 (3)      $2,090,763 (3)      $1,216,221 (3) 
Cash performance awards      $1,110,000 (5)      $14,226,000 (4)      $3,625,000 (4)      $1,166,667 (5)      $683,333 (5) 

 

*

The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards that were vested at December 31, 2014 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

 

(1)

Represents one year of base salary.

 

(2)

Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives, without regard to individual performance in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(3)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding restricted stock unit awards.

 

(4)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(5)

Represents pro rata vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards pursuant to the terms of the award agreements; the remaining amounts of the executive’s performance awards would be forfeited.

Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Disability*

 

Elements

   Mr. Dolan     Mr. Sapan     Mr. Carroll     Mr. Sullivan      Mr. Gallagher  
Severance                                     

Salary

     $200,000 (1)                              
Pro rata bonus      $864,500 (2)      $4,916,441 (3)      $1,637,385 (3)                
Unvested restricted stock units             $32,646,286 (4)      $3,991,747 (4)                

Cash performance awards

            $14,226,000 (5)      $3,625,000 (5)                

 

 

*

The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards that were vested at December 31, 2014 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

 

(1)

Represents six months of base salary payable in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(2)

Represents a bonus for the year in which the termination occurred in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(3)

Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives, without regard to individual performance in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(4)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding restricted stock unit awards in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(5)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

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Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment In Connection with a

Change in Control or Going Private Transaction(1)*

 

Elements

   Mr. Dolan     Mr. Sapan       Mr. Carroll         Mr. Sullivan         Mr. Gallagher    
Severance           $ 12,000,000 (2)    $ 5,175,000 (2)    $ 2,450,000 (2)    $ 1,760,000 (2) 

Pro rata bonus

          $ 4,916,441 (3)    $ 1,637,385 (3)    $ 647,253 (3)    $ 406,951 (3) 
Unvested restricted stock units    $ 1,269,980 (4)    $ 32,646,286 (4)    $ 3,991,747 (4)    $ 2,090,763 (4)    $ 1,216,221 (4) 
Cash performance awards    $ 1,680,000 (5)    $ 14,226,000 (5)    $ 3,625,000 (5)    $ 1,900,000 (5)    $ 1,100,000 (5) 

 

*

The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards that were vested at December 31, 2014 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.

 

(1)

The numbers presented in this table reflect amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive for “Good Reason” or by the Company “without Cause” following a change in control. The amounts payable as a result of such termination following a going private transaction are generally equal to or less than the amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or the Company following a change in control.

 

(2)

Represents severance equal to two times the sum of the executive’s salary and target bonus.

 

(3)

Represents a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurred, payable to the same extent as annual bonuses are paid to the other executives, without regard to individual performance in accordance with the executive’s employment agreement.

 

(4)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding restricted stock unit awards. Upon a change in control or going private transaction, Messrs. Dolan, Carroll, Sullivan and Gallagher will be entitled to either (in the Compensation Committee’s discretion) (a) cash equal to the unvested units multiplied by the per share price paid in the change in control or going private transaction, or (b) if the successor entity is a publicly traded company, a replacement restricted stock unit award from the successor entity with the same terms. Any such award would be payable upon the earliest of (x) the date the units were originally scheduled to vest so long as the executive remains continuously employed, (y) a termination without cause or a resignation with good reason within three years of the change in control or going private transaction, or (z) only if the Compensation Committee elects clause (a) above, upon a resignation for any reason that occurs at least six months, but no more than nine months following the change in control or going private transaction. Mr. Sapan’s special equity retention award of 353,756 restricted stock units single-trigger vests on a change in control.

 

(5)

Represents full vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards pursuant to the terms of these award agreements. In addition, if a change in control were to occur but the executive’s employment was not terminated, the executive would nevertheless be entitled to full vesting of the executive’s outstanding cash performance awards.

 

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table shows the total number of outstanding options and shares available for other future issuances under all of our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014.

 

Plan Category

   Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights (1)(a)
     Weighted-average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights (b)
     Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for Future
Issuance Under
Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding
Securities Reflected
in Column (a)) (2)(c)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

     1,945,429       $ 55.11         1,572,734   

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

                       

Total

     1,945,429       $ 55.11         1,572,734   

 

 

(1)

Includes the following plans: Employee Stock Plan and the Director Stock Plan. Approximately 276,042 shares of this amount relate to options held by Cablevision, AMC Networks and MSG employees.

 

(2)

In March 2015, the Compensation Committee granted awards of restricted stock units covering an aggregate of 437,717, which is not reflected in the number of shares remaining available for future issuance in column (c).

 

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PROPOSAL 3 – ADVISORY VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

As required by Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, we are seeking stockholder approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed under the “Executive Compensation Tables” section of this proxy statement. The Company values the opinions of its stockholders and, consistent with our record of stockholder engagement, will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions. In considering your vote, we invite you to review the Company’s compensation philosophy and program under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” As described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we believe that the Company’s executive compensation programs effectively align the interests of our executive officers with those of our stockholders by tying a significant portion of compensation to the Company’s performance and by providing a competitive level of compensation needed to recruit, retain and motivate talented executives critical to the Company’s long-term success.

We are asking our stockholders to vote “FOR” the adoption of the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of AMC Networks’ Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in AMC Networks’ Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the heading “Executive Compensation Tables.”

Our Board and Compensation Committee value the opinions of all our stockholders and will consider the outcome of this vote when making future compensation decisions for our Named Executive Officers.

Approval of this proposal requires the favorable vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a single class. In accordance, with our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, holders of Class A Common Stock will have one vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock will have ten votes per share.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal.

 

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OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following individuals are our executive officers:

 

Mr. Charles F. Dolan(1)

Executive Chairman

Mr. Joshua W. Sapan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Edward A. Carroll

Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Sean S. Sullivan

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mr. James G. Gallagher

Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Mr. John P. Giraldo

Chief Accounting Officer

 

(1)

The biography for Charles F. Dolan appears above under Proposal 1 — Election of Directors, “Directors Elected by Class B Common Stockholders.”

JOSHUA W. SAPAN

Age: 64

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since March 9, 2011. Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC since 1995. Chief Operating Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC from 1991 to 1995. President of AMC and Bravo from 1987 to 1991. Serves on the boards of The Cable Center, the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM) Educational Foundation, the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) Foundation, the Museum of the Moving Image, the Hebrew Home for the Aged, People for the American Way, WNYC Radio, The New School University and The Paley Center.

EDWARD A. CARROLL

Age: 51

Chief Operating Officer of the Company since June 6, 2011. Various positions at Rainbow Media Holdings LLC since 1987, including as Chief Operating Officer of Rainbow Entertainment Services since January 2009; President of Rainbow Entertainment Services from 2004 to 2009; and General Manager of IFC and/or Bravo from 1997 to 2004.

SEAN S. SULLIVAN

Age: 48

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 6, 2011. Chief Corporate Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC since September 2010. Chief Financial Officer of HiT Entertainment from 2009 to 2010. Chief Financial Officer and President of Commercial Print and Packaging division of Cenveo, Inc. from 2005 to 2008. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Spencer Press, Inc. from 2004 to 2005.

JAMES G. GALLAGHER

Age: 56

Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company since June 6, 2011. Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC since February 2008. Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Tommy Hilfiger Corporation from 2005 to 2006. Executive Vice President and General Counsel of HSN (Home Shopping Network) from 1996 to 2002.

 

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JOHN P. GIRALDO

Age: 47

Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since June 6, 2011. Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Scholastic Corporation from 2009 to 2011. Vice President, Controller of MTV Games from 2008 to 2009. Senior Vice President, Corporate Accounting at New Line Cinema from 2002 through 2008. Vice President of Finance at Major League Soccer from 1998 to 2001.

 

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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION POLICY

Relationship Between Us and Cablevision and MSG

AMC Networks Inc. was incorporated on March 9, 2011 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. As a result of Cablevision’s spin-off of the Company on June 30, 2011 (the “Distribution”), the Company became an independent public company and Cablevision no longer holds a common stock ownership interest in us. However, Cablevision, MSG and we continue to be under the control of Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities.

For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between Cablevision and us and to provide for our orderly transition from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision to an independent public company, Cablevision and we entered into the agreements described in this section.

Certain of the agreements summarized in this section have been included as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and the following summaries of those agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the agreements as so filed.

Distribution Agreement

On June 6, 2011, we entered into the Distribution Agreement with Cablevision and CSC Holdings as part of a series of transactions pursuant to which we received all of the limited liability company interests in RMH, the wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Cablevision through which Cablevision historically conducted the AMC Networks business.

Under the Distribution Agreement, Cablevision provides us with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) Cablevision’s businesses (other than businesses of ours); (ii) certain identified claims or proceedings; (iii) any breach by Cablevision of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; and (iv) any untrue statement or omission in our Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC (the “Registration Statement”) or in the related Information Statement relating to Cablevision and its subsidiaries (the “Information Statement”). We provide Cablevision with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) our businesses; (ii) any breach by the Company of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; and (iii) any untrue statement or omission in the Registration Statement or Information Statement other than any such statement or omission relating to Cablevision and its subsidiaries.

In the Distribution Agreement, we release Cablevision from any claims we might have arising out of:

 

   

the management of the businesses and affairs of AMC Networks on or prior to the Distribution;

 

   

the terms of the Distribution, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our By- Laws and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution;

 

   

the financing transactions in connection with the Distribution (the “Financing Transactions”); and

 

   

any decisions that were made, or actions taken, relating to AMC Networks, the Distribution or the Financing Transactions.

The Distribution Agreement also provides for access to records and information, cooperation in defending litigation, as well as methods of resolution for certain disputes.

 

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Tax Disaffiliation Agreement

On June 6, 2011, we entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision that governs Cablevision’s and our respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes and tax benefits, the filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax matters following the Distribution.

We and our eligible subsidiaries previously joined with Cablevision in the filing of a consolidated return for U.S. federal income tax purposes and in the filing of certain consolidated, combined, and unitary returns for state, local, and other applicable tax purposes. However, for periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the Distribution, we generally will not join with Cablevision in the filing of any federal, state, local or other applicable consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns.

Under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, with certain exceptions, Cablevision is generally responsible for all of our U.S. federal, state, local and other applicable income taxes for any taxable period or portion of such period that ended on or before the Distribution Date. With certain exceptions, we are generally responsible for all other taxes (including certain New York City income taxes) for all taxable periods that ended on or before the Distribution Date, and all taxes that are attributable to us or one of our subsidiaries after the Distribution Date.

Notwithstanding the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, under U.S. Treasury Regulations, each member of a consolidated group is severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Accordingly, with respect to periods in which we have been included in Cablevision’s consolidated group, we could be liable to the U.S. government for any U.S. federal income tax liability incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of such consolidated group. However, if any such liability were imposed, we would generally be entitled to be indemnified by Cablevision for tax liabilities allocated to Cablevision under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.

We are responsible for filing all tax returns for all periods ending after the Distribution Date that include us or one of our subsidiaries other than any consolidated, combined or unitary income tax return for periods after such date (if any) that includes us or one of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision or one of its subsidiaries (other than us or any of our subsidiaries), on the other hand. Where possible, we have waived the right to carry back any losses, credits, or similar items to periods ending prior to or on the Distribution Date, however, if we cannot waive the right, we would be entitled to receive the resulting refund or credit, net of any taxes incurred by Cablevision with respect to the refund or credit.

Generally, we have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which we are responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, and Cablevision has the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which Cablevision is responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. However, if one party acknowledges a liability to indemnify the other party for a tax to which such proceeding relates, and provides evidence to the other party of its ability to make such payment, the first-mentioned party will have the authority to conduct such proceeding. The Tax Disaffiliation Agreement further provides for cooperation between Cablevision and the Company with respect to tax matters, the exchange of information and the retention of records that may affect the tax liabilities of the parties to the agreement.

The Tax Disaffiliation Agreement generally limits our ability to pre-pay, pay down, redeem, retire, or otherwise acquire the Company’s 7.75% senior unsecured notes due July 15, 2021 or the Company’s 4.75% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2022. Moreover, we must indemnify Cablevision and its subsidiaries, officers and directors for any taxes, resulting from our action or failure to act, if such action or failure to act precludes the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction.

 

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Employee Matters Agreement and Equity Administration Agreement

The Company is party to an Employee Matters Agreement with Cablevision, and an Equity Administration Agreement with MSG, each of which sets forth the responsibilities and liabilities of the parties regarding exercise and forfeiture of stock options, and stock appreciation rights: (i) of the Company that are held by employees or former employees of Cablevision or MSG and (ii) of Cablevision or MSG that are held by employees or former employees of the Company.

Affiliation Agreements

Cablevision is a party to affiliation agreements with each of AMC, WE tv, IFC, SundanceTV, BBC AMERICA and AMC Networks International – Latin America relating to the carriage of those programming networks on Cablevision’s cable television systems. These agreements obligate Cablevision to carry our programming networks on its cable television systems and provide for the payment of fees for carriage by Cablevision to the Company.

Other Arrangements and Agreements with Cablevision and/or MSG

The Company has entered into a number of other commercial and technical arrangements and agreements with Cablevision and its subsidiaries, none of which are material to the Company. These include, but are not limited to, arrangements for the Company’s provision of technical and transport services and vendor services, and access to technology. In addition, the Company and Cablevision are parties to an Administrative Services Agreement relating to the provisions of administrative support for Mr. Charles Dolan and a “time-sharing” agreement under which the Company leases on a “time-sharing” basis an aircraft and three helicopters.

The Company has also entered into a number of commercial and technical arrangements and agreements with MSG and its subsidiaries, none of which are material to the Company. These include, but are not limited to, arrangements for MSG’s use of equipment, offices and other premises, lease of a suite from MSG, provision of technical, transponder and vendor services, lease of titles in film and other libraries, coordination in respect of certain litigation matters, and access to technologies. We also lease certain office space from MSG.

See “Stock Ownership Table” for a description of registration rights agreements among Dolan family interests and the Company.

Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest

Charles F. Dolan serves as the Executive Chairman of the Company and as the Chairman of Cablevision. In addition, eight of the members of our Board of Directors (including Charles F. Dolan), also serve as directors of Cablevision and several of our directors serve as officers and/or employees of Cablevision concurrently with their service on our Board. Six members of our Board also serve as directors of MSG. Therefore, these directors may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, there is the potential for a conflict of interest when we, Cablevision or MSG consider certain acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for us and either or both of them. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that exist between Cablevision or MSG and us. In addition, certain of our officers and directors own Cablevision and MSG stock and options to purchase Cablevision or MSG stock. These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the Company and Cablevision or MSG. See “Related Party Transaction Approval Policy” below for a discussion of certain procedures we instituted to help ameliorate any such potential conflicts that may arise.

 

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The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation acknowledges that the Company may have overlapping directors and officers with Cablevision and its subsidiaries and successors or MSG and its subsidiaries and successors and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such entities. The Company has renounced its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that in certain circumstances our directors and officers will not have liability to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity to Cablevision or any of its subsidiaries or MSG or any of its subsidiaries instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the Company. These provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and Cablevision, MSG and/or any of their respective subsidiaries and provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the actions of the overlapping directors and officers in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company or its stockholders.

Related Party Transaction Policy

We have adopted a written policy whereby an independent committee of our Board of Directors consisting entirely of directors who have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent for purposes of the NASDAQ corporate governance standards reviews and approves or takes such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404 has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. This approval requirement covers any transaction that meets the related party disclosure requirements of the SEC as set forth in Item 404, which currently apply to transactions (or any series of similar transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, the independent committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of those transactions. The policy does not cover decisions on compensation or benefits or the hiring or retention of any person. The hiring or retention of executive officers is determined by our full Board of Directors. Compensation of executive officers is subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. This policy also does not cover any pro rata distributions to all Company stockholders, including a pro rata distribution of our Class A Common Stock to holders of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock to holders of our Class B Common Stock. No director on an independent committee will participate in the consideration of a related party transaction with that director or any related person of that director.

Our Board of Directors has also adopted a special approval policy for transactions with Cablevision and its subsidiaries or with MSG and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Other Company”) whether or not such transactions qualify as “related party” transactions described above. Under this policy, an independent committee of the Board of Directors oversees approval of all transactions and arrangements between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Other Company, on the other hand, in which the amount exceeds $120,000. To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, the independent Committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of these transactions. The approval requirement does not apply to the implementation and administration of these intercompany arrangements but does cover any amendments, modifications, terminations or extensions, other than ministerial, nonsubstantive amendments or modifications, as well as the handling and resolution of any disputes. Our executive officers and directors who are also senior executives or directors of the Other Company may participate in the negotiation, execution, implementation, amendment, modification, or termination of these intercompany arrangements, as well as in any resolution of disputes thereunder, on behalf of either or both of the Company and the Other Company, in each case under the direction of an independent committee or the comparable committee of the board of directors of the Other Company.

 

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Our Related Party Transaction Approval Policy cannot be amended or terminated without the prior approval of a majority of the independent directors and by a majority of the directors elected by our Class B Common Stockholders. For purposes of this policy, “independent directors” means those directors who have been determined by our Board to be independent directors for purposes of NASDAQ corporate governance standards.

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, certain executive officers, and persons who beneficially own more than 10 percent of the outstanding Class A Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. The SEC regulations require AMC Networks to identify anyone who failed to file a required report or filed a late report during 2014. Based solely on a review of reports filed under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the Company is aware of no such failure.

 

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STOCK OWNERSHIP TABLE

The table sets forth certain information as of March 15, 2015, except as noted below, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock by (i) each person the Company believes beneficially holds more than 5% of any class of the outstanding shares of the Company’s based solely on the Company’s review of SEC filings; (ii) each director or director nominee of the Company and (iii) each Named Executive Officer of the Company.

 

Name and Address

      Title of Stock Class(1)       Beneficial
  Ownership(1)  
(2)
      Percent of  
Class
    Combined
  Voting Power  
of All Classes
of Stock
Beneficially
Owned(1)(2)
 

Dolan Family Group (3)

  Class A Common Stock     926,415        1.52     65.80

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     11,484,408        100%          

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Charles F. Dolan (3)(4)(5)(6)(20)(28)(29)(30)

  Class A Common Stock     383,079          *        29.90

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     5,217,217        45.43       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Helen A. Dolan (3)(4)(5)(6)(20)(28)(29)(30)

  Class A Common Stock     383,079          *        29.92

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     5,217,217        45.43       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Joshua W. Sapan (28)

  Class A Common Stock     126,291          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock              *          

Edward A. Carroll (6)(27)(28)

  Class A Common Stock     30,486          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock              *          

Sean S. Sullivan (28)

  Class A Common Stock     9,821          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock              *          

James G. Gallagher (28)

  Class A Common Stock     8,074          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock              *          

William J. Bell (8)

  Class A Common Stock     9,794          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock              *          

James L. Dolan (3)(6)(8)(9)(11)(26)(27)

  Class A Common Stock     249,439          *        6.52

P.O. Box 420

  Class B Common Stock     1,123,547        9.78       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Kristin A. Dolan (6)(8)(9)(11)(26)(27)

  Class A Common Stock     249,439          *        6.52

P.O. Box 420

  Class B Common Stock     1,123,547        9.78       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Patrick F. Dolan (3)(6)(8)(12)(24)

  Class A Common Stock     20,135          *        5.77

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     1,012,491        8.82       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Thomas C. Dolan (3)(8)(13)(25)

  Class A Common Stock     66,908          *        5.48

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     956,029        8.32       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Brian G. Sweeney (3)(6)(8)(14)(15)(22)

  Class A Common Stock     95,002        *        7.59

1111 Stewart Avenue

  Class B Common Stock     1,324,261        11.53       

Bethpage, NY 11714

                           

Marianne Dolan Weber (3)(7)(8)(16)(23)

  Class A Common Stock     61,518          *        5.72

P.O. Box 420

  Class B Common Stock     999,121        8.70       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Neil M. Ashe (8)

  Class A Common Stock     9,794          *        *   
    Class B Common Stock                      

 

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Name and Address

      Title of Stock Class(1)       Beneficial
  Ownership(1)  
(2)
      Percent of  
Class
    Combined
  Voting Power  
of All Classes
of Stock
Beneficially
Owned(1)(2)
 

Alan D. Schwartz (8)

  Class A Common Stock     9,794                 
    Class B Common Stock                     

Leonard Tow (7)(8)

  Class A Common Stock     17,741        *        *   
    Class B Common Stock                     

Robert C. Wright (8)

  Class A Common Stock     9,794                 
    Class B Common Stock                     

Carl E. Vogel (8)

  Class A Common Stock     3,490                 
    Class B Common Stock                     

Jonathan F. Miller (8)

  Class A Common Stock     3,466                 
    Class B Common Stock                     

David E. Van Zandt

  Class A Common Stock                     
    Class B Common Stock                     

All executive officers and directors as a group (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(11)(12) (13)(14)(15)(16)(22)(23) (24)(25)(26)(27(27)(28) (29)(30)

  Class A Common Stock     1,114,626        1.82     59.88
    Class B Common Stock     10,430,674        90.82       

Kathleen M. Dolan (3)(10)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)

  Class A Common Stock     227,884        *        32.06

94B Bowman Road

  Class B Common Stock     5,603,448        48.79       

Barnard, VT 05031

                           

Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney (3)(6)(8)(14)(15) (22)

  Class A Common Stock     95,002        *        7.59

c/o Dolan Family Office

  Class B Common Stock     1,324,261        11.53       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Paul J. Dolan (3)(17)(21)(26)

  Class A Common Stock     190,207        *        11.19

Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St.

  Class B Common Stock     1,945,899        16.94       

Cleveland, OH 44115

                           

Mary S. Dolan (3)(18)(22)(24)

  Class A Common Stock     62,933        *        34.23

300 So. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1480

  Class B Common Stock     6,005,452        52.29       

Chicago, IL 60606

                           

Matthew J. Dolan (3)(19)(23)(25)

  Class A Common Stock     90,887        *        10.40

Corporate Place, 100 7th Avenue, Suite 150

  Class B Common Stock     1,817,760        15.83       

Chardon, OH 44024

                           

David M. Dolan (3)(20)(29)(30)

  Class A Common Stock     308,948        *        23.52

7 Glenmaro Lane

  Class B Common Stock     4,100,496        35.70       

St. Louis, MO 63131

                           

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(21)

  Class A Common Stock     47,864        *        5.26

FBO Kathleen M. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     918,981        8.00       

P.O. Box 420

       

Oyster Bay, NY 1771

                           

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(22)

  Class A Common Stock     47,864          *        5.26

FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney

  Class B Common Stock     918,981        8.00       

c/o Dolan Family Office

       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(23)

  Class A Common Stock     47,864          *        5.10

FBO Marianne Dolan Weber

  Class B Common Stock     890,802        7.76       

P.O. Box 420

       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(24)

  Class A Common Stock            *        5.04

FBO Patrick F. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     886,015        7.71       

c/o Dolan Family Office

       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

 

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Name and Address

      Title of Stock Class(1)       Beneficial
  Ownership(1)  
(2)
      Percent of  
Class
    Combined
  Voting Power  
of All Classes
of Stock
Beneficially
Owned(1)(2)
 

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(25)

  Class A Common Stock     39,886          *        5.30

FBO Thomas C. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     926,958        8.07       

c/o Dolan Family Office

       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Charles F. Dolan Children Trust (3)(26)

  Class A Common Stock     39,886          *        5.30

FBO James L. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     926,958        8.07       

P.O. Box 420

       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO (3)(29)

  Class A Common Stock              *        4.91

Thomas C. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     862,306        7.51       

c/o Dolan Family Office

       

340 Crossways Park Drive

       

Woodbury, NY 11797

                           

Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO (3)(30)

  Class A Common Stock            *        4.72

James L. Dolan

  Class B Common Stock     828,245        7.21       

P.O. Box 420

       

Oyster Bay, NY 11771

                           

Clearbridge Investments, LLC (31)

  Class A Common Stock     8,059,589        13.26     4.59

620 8th Avenue

  Class B Common Stock                     

New York, NY 10018

                           

Manning & Napier Advisors, LLC (32)

  Class A Common Stock     7,410,505        12.19     4.22

290 Woodcliff Drive

  Class B Common Stock                     

Fairport, NY 14450

                           

The Vanguard Group (33)

  Class A Common Stock     3,505,696        5.77     2.00

100 Vanguard Blvd.

  Class B Common Stock                     

Malvern, PA 19355

                           

BlackRock Inc. (34)

  Class A Common Stock     3,459,015        5.69     1.97

55 East 52nd Street

  Class B Common Stock                     

New York, NY 10055

                           

FMR LLC (35)

  Class A Common Stock     3,068,427        5.05     1.75

245 Summer Street

  Class B Common Stock                     

Boston, MA 02210

                           

 

*

Less than 1%.

 

(1)

For purposes of this table, “beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, pursuant to which a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares of Common Stock that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the date of determination. In light of the nature of vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”), we have also included in this table shares of Class A Common Stock underlying vested RSUs. For purposes of computing the percentage of outstanding shares of Common Stock held by each person or group of persons named above, shares of Common Stock underlying vested RSUs are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the Percent of Class of such person or group but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the Percent of Class of any other person or group. Shares underlying vested RSUs are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the Combined Voting Power of All Classes of Stock Beneficially Owned. Beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock is exclusive of the shares of Class A Common Stock that are issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock.

Please see footnote 8 below for the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying vested RSUs which have been included in the table above.

 

(2)

Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder on a share for share basis. The holder of one share of Class A Common Stock has one vote per share at a meeting of our stockholders and the holder of one share of Class B Common Stock has 10 votes per share at a meeting of our stockholders, except in the separate elections of directors. Holders of Class A Common Stock have the right to elect 25% of the Board of Directors rounded up to the nearest whole director and the holders of Class B Common Stock have the right to elect the remaining members of the Board of Directors.

 

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(3)

Members of the Dolan family have formed a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of this group (the “Group Members”) are: Charles F. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust (“CFD 2009 Trust”); Helen A. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Helen A. Dolan 2009 Revocable Trust (“HAD 2009 Trust”); James L. Dolan; Thomas C. Dolan; Patrick F. Dolan; Kathleen M. Dolan, individually and as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan, the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Deborah Dolan-Sweeney, the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber, the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan, the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO James L. Dolan (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Dolan Children Trusts,” and individually, a “Dolan Children Trust”) and as sole Trustee of the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust; Marianne Dolan Weber; Deborah A. Dolan- Sweeney, individually and as Trustee of the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; David M. Dolan, as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan, the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan, the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO James L. Dolan, the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber, the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan and the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan- Sweeney (collectively, the “2009 Family Trusts” and individually, a “2009 Family Trust”), as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, Charles F. Dolan 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Kathleen M. Dolan, Charles F. Dolan 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Marianne E. Dolan Weber, Charles F. Dolan 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Patrick F. Dolan and Charles F. Dolan 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of James L. Dolan (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts,” and individually, a “CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust”) and as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; Paul J. Dolan, as a Trustee of the Dolan Children Trusts FBO Kathleen M. Dolan and James L. Dolan and as a Trustee of the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; Matthew J. Dolan, as a Trustee of the Dolan Children Trusts FBO Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan; Mary S. Dolan, as a Trustee of the Dolan Children Trusts FBO Deborah Dolan- Sweeney and Patrick F. Dolan, the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, each of the 2009 Family Trusts, each of the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts and as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; Brian G. Sweeney, as a Trustee of the Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust; Dolan Children Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan; Dolan Children Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber; Dolan Children Trust FBO Deborah Dolan-Sweeney; Dolan Children Trust FBO James L. Dolan; Dolan Children Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan; Dolan Children Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan; 2009 Family Trust FBO James L. Dolan; 2009 Family Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan; 2009 Family Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan; 2009 Family Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan; 2009 Family Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber; 2009 Family Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney; Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust; Tara Dolan 1989 Trust; CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney; CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Kathleen M. Dolan; CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Marianne E. Dolan Weber; CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of Patrick F. Dolan; CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trust FBO Descendants of James L. Dolan; Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust; Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust; Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. The Group Members may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 12,410,823 shares of Class A Common Stock as a result of their beneficial ownership of (i) 926,415 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 641,276 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 226,375 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Company’s Employee Stock Plan or Director Stock Plan, which on March 15, 2015, were unexercised but would be exercisable within a period of 60 days) and (ii) 11,484,408 shares of shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof. Individuals who are Group Members solely in their capacity as trustees of trusts that are Group Members beneficially own an additional 429,611 shares of Class A Common Stock. Includes 58,764 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying vested RSUs (Please see footnote (8)). See footnotes (4) through (26), (29) and (30).

 

(4)

Charles F. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 163,243 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days owned personally and 52,243 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD 2009 Trust); and 637,557 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2009 Trust; and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 219,836 shares of Class A common stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundation; 479,164 shares of Class B common stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the HAD 2009 Trust; 2,489,966 shares of Class B common stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; and 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD

 

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2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. Includes 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, which Charles F. Dolan may be deemed to have the right to acquire because he has the right to substitute assets with the trust, subject to the trustees’ reasonable satisfaction that the substitute assets received by the trust are of equal value to the trust property exchanged therefore. He disclaims beneficial ownership of 219,836 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundation; 479,164 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the HAD 2009 Trust; 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; and 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. See footnotes (5), (6), (20), (29) and (30).

 

(5)

Helen A. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 479,164 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the HAD 2009 Trust and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 219,836 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundation; an aggregate of 163,243 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days owned personally by her spouse, Charles F. Dolan, and 52,243 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD 2009 Trust); 637,557 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2009 Trust; 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. Includes 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, which Helen A. Dolan’s spouse, Charles F. Dolan, may be deemed to have the right to acquire because he has the right to substitute assets with the trust, subject to the trustees’ reasonable satisfaction that the substitute assets received by the trust are of equal value to the trust property exchanged therefor. She disclaims beneficial ownership of 219,836 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of the Dolan Family Foundation, an aggregate of 163,243 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days owned personally by her spouse and 52,243 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD 2009 Trust); 637,557 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2009 Trust; 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; and 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. See footnotes (4), (6), (20), (29) and (30).

 

(6)

Includes shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2011 Employee Stock Plan, which on March 15, 2015, were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days. These amounts include the following number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the following individuals: Charles F. Dolan 111,000; James L. Dolan 111,000; Patrick F. Dolan 1,500; Brian G. Sweeney 1,875; Edward A. Carroll 8,250, and 233,625 for all executive officers and directors as a group.

 

(7)

Includes shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted pursuant to the Company’s 2011 Stock Plan for Non- Employee Directors, which on March 15, 2015, were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days. These amounts include the following number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the following individuals: Leonard Tow 1,000 and Marianne Dolan Weber 1,000, and 2,000 for all executive officers and directors as a group.

 

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(8)

The shares of Class A Common Stock underlying vested RSUs granted under the Company’s 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which represent a right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock 90 days after the director ceases to serve as a member of the board, included in the table above are as follows: James L. Dolan, 9,794; Kristin A. Dolan, 9,794; Thomas C. Dolan, 9,794; Brian G. Sweeney, 9,794; Patrick F. Dolan, 9,794; Marianne Dolan Weber, 9,794; William J. Bell, 9,794; Neil M. Ashe, 9,794; Alan D. Schwartz, 9,794; Leonard Tow, 9,794; Robert C. Wright, 9,794; Carl E. Vogel, 3,490; and Jonathan F. Miller, 3,466; and all officers and directors as a group, 114,690. Mr. James L. Dolan’s, Ms. Kristin Dolan’s and Ms. Deborah Dolan-Sweeney’s beneficial ownership in the table above also includes the 9,794 RSUs held directly by each of Ms. Kristin Dolan, Mr. James L. Dolan and Mr. Brian G. Sweeney, respectively.

 

(9)

James L. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 176,719 shares of Class A Common Stock (including, 65,719 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally; 162,529 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally; and an aggregate of 1,925 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more of his children and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 6,621 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 6,221 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 400 shares of Class A Common Stock held in the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan’s Cablevision Stock Fund) owned personally by his spouse, Kristin A. Dolan; 1,250 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse; 3,450 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by members of his household; 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit and an aggregate of 34,060 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts FBO Aidan and Quentin Dolan for which his spouse serves as trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 1,925 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more of his children; 3,450 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by members of his household; 6,621 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 6,221 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 400 shares of Class A Common Stock held in the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan’s Cablevision Stock Fund) owned personally by his spouse; and 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion-thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit, and an aggregate of 34,060 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts FBO Aidan and Quentin Dolan for which his spouse serves as trustee.

 

(10)

Kathleen M. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 2,220 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally; 4,481 shares of Class B common stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally; an aggregate of 2,300 shares of Class A common stock held as custodian for one or more minor children; and an aggregate of 30,312 shares of Class B common stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust for which she serves as trustee and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of an aggregate of 223,364 shares of Class A common stock owned by the Dolan Children Trusts (of which 47,864 shares are held for her benefit) and an aggregate of 5,468,695 shares of Class B common stock and the equal number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts (of which 918,981 shares are held for her benefit) and for which she serves as co-trustee; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. She disclaims beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 2,300 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more minor children, an aggregate of 30,312 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust for which she serves as trustee; an aggregate of 223,364 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Children Trusts (of which 47,864 shares are held for her benefit) and an aggregate of 5,468,695 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts of which 918,981 shares are held for her benefit; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(11)

Kristin A. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 6,621 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 6,221 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 400 shares of Class A Common Stock held in the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan’s Cablevision Stock Fund) owned personally, and an aggregate of 34,060 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts FBO Aidan and

 

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Quentin Dolan for which she serves as trustee and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of an aggregate of 176,719 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 65,719 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally by her spouse, James L. Dolan; 162,529 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by her spouse; 1,250 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with her spouse; an aggregate of 1,925 shares of Class A Common Stock held by her spouse as custodian for one or more of his children; 3,450 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by members of her household; 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for the benefit of her spouse. She disclaims beneficial ownership of an aggregate 1,925 shares of Class A Common Stock held by her spouse as custodian for one or more of his children; 3,450 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by members of her household; 176,719 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 65,719 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 111,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally by her spouse; 162,529 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by her spouse; and 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for the benefit of her spouse, and an aggregate of 34,060 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts FBO Aidan and Quentin Dolan for which she serves as trustee.

 

(12)

Patrick F. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 4,973 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 3,473 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 1,500 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally; 24,444 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally; and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 4,256 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse; 525 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally by his spouse; 587 shares owned by the Daniel P. Mucci Trust (the “Mucci Trust”) for which he serves as co-trustee; 886,015 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit and 102,032 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. He disclaims beneficial ownership of 525 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally by his spouse; 587 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the Mucci Trust; 886,015 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit; and 102,032 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(13)

Thomas C. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 17,228 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally; 29,071 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit. He disclaims beneficial ownership of 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for his benefit.

 

(14)

Brian G. Sweeney may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and dispose or direct the disposition of 29,669 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 27,794 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 1,875 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally; an aggregate of 7,675 shares Class A Common Stock held in trusts for his children for which he serves as co-trustee; and 197,645 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust, for which he serves as trustee and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 5,643 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by his spouse, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney; 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for the benefit of his spouse; and an aggregate of 201,992 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock

 

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issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and the Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, for which his spouse serves as trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of the 5,643 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by his spouse; an aggregate of 7,675 shares of Class A Common Stock held in trusts for his children for which he serves as co-trustee; 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for the benefit of his spouse; 197,645 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust; and an aggregate of 201,992 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and the Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(15)

Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 5,643 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally; and an aggregate of 201,992 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and the Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, for which she serves as trustee and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 29,669 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 27,794 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 1,875 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally by her spouse, Brian G. Sweeney; an aggregate of 7,675 shares of Class A Common Stock held in trusts for her children for which her spouse serves as co-trustee; 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for her benefit; and 197,645 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust, for which her spouse serves as trustee. She disclaims beneficial ownership of 29,669 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 27,794 shares of Class A Common Stock, and 1,875 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally by her spouse; an aggregate of 7,675 shares of Class A Common Stock held in trusts for her children for which her spouse serves as co- trustee; 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for her benefit; 197,645 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney 2012 Descendants Trust; and an aggregate of 201,992 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust and the Patrick F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(16)

Marianne Dolan Weber may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 810 shares of Class A Common Stock held directly; 1,000 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on March 15, 2015 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days owned personally; 8,359 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned personally and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 900 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally by her spouse, 1,150 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by a member of her household, and 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 890,802 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for her benefit; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust. She disclaims beneficial ownership of 900 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally by her spouse, 1,150 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by a member of her household; and 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 890,802 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trust for her benefit; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Marianne E. Dolan Weber 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(17)

Paul J. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 96,550 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 5,108 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more minor children and 91,442 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD Trust No. 10) and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 5,907 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse; an aggregate of 87,750 shares of Class A Common Stock and

 

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1,845,939 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Kathleen M. Dolan and James L. Dolan; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. He disclaims beneficial ownership of an aggregate of 5,108 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more minor children; 91,442 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD Trust No. 10; an aggregate of 87,750 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,845,939 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Kathleen M. Dolan and James L. Dolan; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(18)

Mary S. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 6,810 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more minor children and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 8,259 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with her spouse; an aggregate of 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,804,996 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Deborah Dolan-Sweeney and Patrick F. Dolan; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, an aggregate of 2,489,966 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the 2009 Family Trusts, an aggregate of 1,501,208 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts, and 109,322 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. She disclaims beneficial ownership of 6,810 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for one or more minor children; an aggregate of 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,804,996 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Deborah Dolan-Sweeney and Patrick F. Dolan; and 99,960 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Kathleen M. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust, an aggregate of 2,489,966 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the 2009 Family Trusts, an aggregate of 1,501,208 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts, and 109,322 shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned of record by the Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(19)

Matthew J. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 1,750 shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally and 1,387 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for his child and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of an aggregate of 87,750 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,817,760 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan. He disclaims beneficial ownership of 1,387 shares of Class A Common Stock held as custodian for his child and an aggregate of 87,750 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,817,760 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Dolan Children Trusts for the benefit of Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan.

 

(20)

David M. Dolan may be deemed to have (i) the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of 300,636 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 1,431 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the David M. Dolan Revocable Trust and 299,205 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Charles F. Dolan Charitable Remainder Trust) and (ii) the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of 8,312 shares of Class A Common Stock (including 2,300 shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse; 5,250 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Ann H. Dolan Revocable Trust, 762 shares of Class A Common Stock held by his spouse as custodian for a minor child); and an aggregate of 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts; an aggregate of 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust. He disclaims beneficial ownership of 299,205 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Charles F. Dolan Charitable Remainder Trust; 5,250 shares of Class A Common

 

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Stock owned by the Ann H. Dolan Revocable Trust; 762 shares of Class A Common Stock held by his spouse as custodian for a minor child; an aggregate of 2,489,966 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the 2009 Family Trusts, an aggregate of 1,501,208 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the CFD 2010 Grandchildren Trusts; and 109,322 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by Charles F. Dolan 2012 Descendants Trust.

 

(21)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Paul J. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Kathleen M. Dolan.

 

(22)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Mary S. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 918,981 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney.

 

(23)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Matthew J. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 47,864 shares of Class A Common Stock and 890,802 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Marianne Dolan Weber.

 

(24)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Mary S. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 886,015 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Patrick F. Dolan.

 

(25)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Matthew J. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan.

 

(26)

Kathleen M. Dolan and Paul J. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 39,886 shares of Class A Common Stock and 926,958 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan Children Trust FBO James L. Dolan.

 

(27)

Includes 1,337 shares for Mr. Carroll held indirectly through a 401(k); and 400 shares for Kristin A. Dolan held indirectly through a 401(k).

 

(28)

Does not include restricted stock units granted under the Company’s 2011 Employee Stock Plan, which represent a right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock or the cash equivalent thereof. The excluded number of restricted stock units for the following individuals are: Joshua W. Sapan 540,016; Edward A. Carroll 61,848; Sean S. Sullivan 35,985; Charles F. Dolan 17,359; and James G. Gallagher 19,562.

 

(29)

Mary S. Dolan and David M. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 862,306 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO Thomas C. Dolan. Charles F. Dolan may be deemed to share power to direct the disposition of the shares held by the trust because he has the right to substitute assets with the trust, subject to the trustees’ reasonable satisfaction that the substitute assets received by the trust are of equal value to the trust property exchanged therefor.

 

(30)

Mary S. Dolan and David M. Dolan serve as co-trustees and have the shared power to vote and dispose of the 828,245 shares of Class B Common Stock and the equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof owned by the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Family Trust FBO James L. Dolan. Charles F. Dolan may be deemed to share power to direct the disposition of the shares held by the trust because he has the right to substitute assets with the trust, subject to the trustees’ reasonable satisfaction that the substitute assets received by the trust are of equal value to the trust property exchanged therefor.

 

(31)

Based upon the most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015, Clearbridge Investments, LLC, an investment adviser, has sole voting power over 7,880,127 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 8,059,589 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(32)

Based upon the most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 16, 2015, Manning & Napier Advisors, LLC, an investment adviser, has sole voting power over 6,155,695 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 7,410,505 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

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(33)

Based upon the most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 11, 2015, The Vanguard Group, an investment adviser, has sole voting power over 41,013 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 3,470,383 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(34)

Based upon the most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 9, 2015, BlackRock Inc., a parent holding company, has sole voting power over 3,294,173 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 3,458,096 shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

(35)

Based upon the most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 13, 2015, FMR LLC, a parent holding company, has shared voting power over 1,146,061 shares of Class A Common Stock and shared dispositive power over 3,068,427 shares of Class A Common Stock.

Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and related family entities, by virtue of their ownership of Class B Common Stock, are able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters in which holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock vote together as a class, and to elect up to 75% of the Company’s Board. In addition, Charles F. Dolan, members of the Dolan family and related family entities have entered into a Class B Stockholders Agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these Class B stockholders to be cast as a block on all matters to be voted on by holders of Class B Common Stock.

Charles F. Dolan, all other holders of Class B Common Stock (other than the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts), the Dolan Children’s Foundation, the Dolan Family Foundation and the Company have entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Dolan Registration Rights Agreement”). Under this agreement, the Company will provide to the parties to the Dolan Registration Rights Agreement (the “Dolan Parties”) (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). As of March 15, 2015, the Dolan Parties owned approximately 6.0 million shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Dolan Shares”), which represented approximately 52.4% of our Class B Common Stock, as well as approximately 1.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock, which represented approximately 1.7% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, represented approximately 9.7% of our Common Stock and approximately 35% of the aggregate voting power of our Common Stock.

The Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts (the “Children Trusts”) and the Company have entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement”). Under this agreement, the Company will provide the Children Trusts (and, in certain cases, transferees and pledgees of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by these parties) with certain demand and piggy-back registration rights with respect to their shares of Class A Common Stock (including those issued upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock). As of March 15, 2015, the Children Trusts owned approximately 5.5 million shares of Class B Common Stock (the “Children Trust Shares”), which represented approximately 47.6% of our Class B Common Stock, as well as approximately 0.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock, which represented less than 1% of our Class A Common Stock. Such shares of Class B Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, collectively, represented approximately 7.9% of our Common Stock and approximately 31.3% of the aggregate voting power of our Common Stock.

In the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement, each Children Trust has agreed that in the case of any sale or disposition of its shares of Class B Common Stock (other than to Charles F. Dolan or other Dolan family interests) by such Children Trust, or of any of the Children Trust Shares by any other Dolan family interest to which such shares of Class B Common Stock are transferred, such stock will be converted to Class A Common Stock. The Dolan Registration Rights Agreement does not include a comparable conversion obligation, and the conversion obligation in the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement does not apply to the Dolan Shares.

The Dolan Registration Rights Agreement and the Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement have been included as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and the foregoing discussion of those agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to those agreements so filed.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Who may vote at the Annual Meeting?

Holders of our Class A Common Stock and holders of our Class B Common Stock, as recorded in our stock register on April 13, 2015 (the “Record Date”), may vote at the meeting. On April 13, 2015, there were 60,797,296 shares of Class A Common Stock and 11,484,408 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding. Each share of Class A Common Stock has one vote per share and holders will be voting for the election of five candidates to the Board of Directors of AMC Networks. Each share of Class B Common Stock has ten votes per share and holders will be voting for the election of nine candidates to the Board. As a result of their ownership of Class B Common Stock, Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his family and certain related family entities, have the power to elect all of the directors to be elected by the holders of Class B Common Stock and to approve Proposals 2 and 3 regardless of how other shares are voted.

Why did I receive a Notice of Internet Availability for Proxy Materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, the Company has elected to provide access to its proxy materials over the Internet. Accordingly, we have sent a Notice of Internet Availability for Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to our stockholders. All stockholders have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy may be found in the Notice. In addition, stockholders may request to receive future proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email. The Company encourages stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials on the Internet to help reduce the cost and the environmental impact of the annual meeting.

What is “householding” and how does it affect me?

We have adopted a procedure, approved by the SEC, called “householding.” Under this procedure, stockholders of record who have the same address and last name and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, unless we are notified that one or more of these stockholders wishes to receive individual copies. This procedure will reduce our printing costs and postage fees.

Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. If you are eligible for householding, but you and other stockholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and any accompanying documents, or if you hold AMC Networks stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of each of these documents for your household, please contact our transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101, MAC N9173-010, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 or by telephone at 1-800-468-9716.

If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and any accompanying documents, or if you do not wish to continue to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies of these documents in the future, please contact Wells Fargo Shareowner Services as indicated above.

If you are a beneficial owner, you can request information about householding from your broker, bank or other holder of record.

 

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How can I get electronic access to the proxy materials?

The Notice provides you with instructions on how to:

 

   

View the Company’s proxy materials for the annual meeting on the Internet; and

 

   

Instruct the Company to send future proxy materials to you electronically by email. The Company’s proxy materials are also available at http://www.proxyvote.com.

Choosing to receive future proxy materials by email will save the Company the cost of printing and mailing documents to you and will reduce the impact of the Company’s annual meetings on the environment. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email message next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting website. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you revoke it.

What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a beneficial owner of shares held in street name?

Stockholder of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, you are considered a stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the Notice was sent directly to you by the Company. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a proxy card.

Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name. If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization, then you are a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and the Notice was forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct that organization how to vote the shares held in your account. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a voting instruction form from that organization.

How do I vote?

You may vote in advance of the annual meeting by telephone, over the Internet or by a proxy. You may also vote in person at the meeting. If you choose to vote by mail, please sign and return the proxy card in the envelope provided. We recommend you vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the meeting. You can always change your vote at the meeting.

What votes need to be present to hold the Annual Meeting?

In order to carry on the business of the Annual Meeting, we need a majority of the votes represented by the shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding on April 13, 2015 to be present, in person or by proxy. If voting on a particular action is by class, a majority of the votes represented by the outstanding shares of such class is required for such action.

Can my broker vote my shares without instructions from me?

If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker, you must instruct your broker how to vote your shares. If you do not provide voting instructions, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which the broker does not have discretionary authority to vote. This is called a “broker non-vote.” In these cases, the broker can register your shares as being present at the annual meeting but will not be able to vote on those matters for which specific authorization is required under applicable rules.

 

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If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker, your broker has discretionary voting authority under applicable rules to vote your shares on the ratification of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, even if the broker does not receive voting instructions from you. However, your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote on the election of directors, without instructions from you, in which case a broker non-vote will occur and your shares will not be voted on these matters.

What is the voting requirement to approve each of the proposals?

Election of directors by the holders of Class A Common Stock requires the affirmative vote of the plurality of votes cast by holders of Class A Common Stock. Election of directors by the holders of Class B Common Stock requires the affirmative vote of the plurality of votes cast by holders of Class B Common Stock. Approval of Proposals 2 and 3 require the favorable vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of Class A Common Stock and holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a single class. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of Proposal 1 because abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast. Proposal 3 is an advisory vote only and is not binding on the Company. As a result of their ownership of Class B Common Stock, Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities, have the power to elect all of the directors to be elected by the holders of Class B Common Stock, and to approve Proposals 2 and 3 regardless of how other shares are voted.

Can I change my vote after I have voted?

You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the annual meeting. You may re-vote via the Internet or by telephone (only your latest Internet or telephone proxy submitted prior to the annual meeting will be counted), by signing and returning a new proxy card or voting instruction form with a later date, or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. However, your attendance at the annual meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy unless you vote again at the annual meeting or specifically request that your prior proxy be revoked by delivering a written notice of revocation prior to the annual meeting to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

How will my shares be voted at the Annual Meeting?

The Company representatives appointed by the Board (the persons named in the proxy card, or, if applicable, their substitutes) will vote your shares as you instruct. If you sign your proxy card and return it without indicating how you would like to vote your shares, your shares will be voted as the Board recommends, which is:

 

     

Item

Matter to be Voted on Board Recommendation

Proposal 1

Election of Directors (as applicable based on whether you are a holder of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock) FOR

Proposal 2

Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2015 FOR

Proposal 3

Approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers FOR

 

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Who pays for this solicitation?

The Company will bear the expense of preparing, printing and mailing this proxy statement and the accompanying material. Solicitation of individual stockholders may be made by mail, personal interviews, telephone, facsimile, electronic delivery or other telecommunications by our officers and regular employees who will receive no additional compensation for such activities. In addition, we have retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to solicit proxies at a cost of $15,000 plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. We will reimburse brokers and other nominees for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to beneficial owners.

How do I attend the Annual Meeting in person? What do I need to bring?

An admission ticket will be required if you desire to attend the annual meeting in person. To be admitted to the 2015 annual meeting, you must have been a stockholder at the close of business on the record date of April 13, 2015 or be the legal proxy holder or qualified representative of a stockholder, and bring with you your admission ticket and a valid government-issued photo identification card (federal, state or local), such as a driver’s license or passport. Persons without an admission ticket or proper identification may be denied admission to the annual meeting.

To obtain an admission ticket, go to www.proxyvote.com or call 1-866-232-3037. You will need to enter your 16-digit control number, which can be found on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, voter instruction form and proxy card. The deadline to obtain an admission ticket is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on May 29, 2015. For questions about admission to the annual meeting, please call 1-866-232-3037.

Please note that you will need your ticket to be admitted to the meeting whether you vote before or at the meeting, and regardless of whether you are a registered or beneficial stockholder. If you are attending the meeting as a proxy or qualified representative for a stockholder, you will need to bring your legal proxy or authorization letter, in addition to your admission ticket and government-issued photo identification card.

Stockholders must provide advance written notice to the Company if they intend to have a legal proxy (other than the persons appointed as proxies on the Company’s proxy card) or qualified representative attend the annual meeting on their behalf. The notice must include the name and address of the legal proxy or qualified representative and must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on May 27, 2015 in order to allow enough time for the issuance of an admission ticket to such person. For further details, see Other Matters, “Advance Notice of Proxy Holders and Qualified Representatives.”

Please note that cameras, video and audio recording equipment and other similar electronic devices, as well as large bags (including large handbags and briefcases) and packages will need to be checked at the door. Additionally, the Company may impose additional restrictions on items that must be checked at the door as well as the conduct of the meeting. To ensure the safety of all persons, attendees may also be subject to security inspections.

Requests for admission tickets will be processed in the order received. Please note that seating is limited, and requests for tickets will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

Matters To Be Raised At The 2015 Annual Meeting Not Included In This Proxy Statement

We do not know of any matters to be acted upon at the meeting other than those discussed in this proxy statement. If any other matter is properly presented, proxy holders will vote on the matter in their discretion.

Advance Notice of Proxy Holders and Qualified Representatives

Stockholders must provide advance written notice to the Company if they intend to have a legal proxy (other than the persons appointed as proxies on the Company’s proxy card) or qualified representative attend the annual meeting on their behalf. The notice must include the name and address of the legal proxy or qualified representative and must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 2015 in order to allow enough time for the issuance of an admission ticket to such person. Notices should be directed to AMC Networks Inc., Corporate Secretary, 11 Penn Plaza, New York, New York 10001.

Stockholder Proposals for 2016 Annual Meeting

Stockholders who, in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, wish to present proposals at our 2016 annual meeting and wish to have those proposals included in the proxy materials to be distributed by us in connection with our 2016 annual meeting must submit their proposals to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001; Attention: Corporate Secretary on or before January 1, 2016. Any such proposal must meet the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the SEC, including Rule 14a-8, in order for such proposal to be eligible for inclusion in our 2016 proxy statement.

In accordance with our Amended By-Laws, in order for proposals to be properly brought before the 2016 annual meeting, notice of any proposal to be presented by any stockholder must be delivered to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001; Attention: Corporate Secretary, not less than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. If, however, the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, such notice must be given not more than ten days after such date is first announced or disclosed. Any stockholder who gives notice of any such proposal shall deliver the text of the proposal to be presented and a brief written statement of the reasons why such stockholder favors the proposal and set forth the stockholder’s name and address, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Company beneficially owned by the stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in the proposal (other than as a stockholder). Any stockholder desiring to nominate any person for election as a director of the Company shall deliver with such notice a statement in writing setting forth the name of the person to be nominated, the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Company beneficially owned by such person, the information regarding such person required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K adopted by the SEC (or the corresponding provisions of any regulation subsequently adopted by the SEC applicable to the Company), such person’s signed consent to serve as a director of the Company if elected, such stockholder’s name and address and the number and class of all shares of each class of stock of the Company beneficially owned by the stockholder.

 

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Annual Report on Form 10-K

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC, will be sent to any stockholder, without charge, by regular mail or by e-mail upon written request addressed to AMC Networks Inc., 11 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001; Attention: Corporate Secretary. You also may obtain our Annual Report on Form 10-K over the Internet at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, www.sec.gov, or at www.amcnetworks.com by clicking on “Investors,” then “Financial Information” and follow the link from our “SEC Filings” page.

 

LOGO

Anne G. Kelly

Senior Vice President and Secretary

New York, New York

April 30, 2015

 

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LOGO

 

AMC NETWORKS INC.

II PENN PLAZA

NEW YORK, NY 10001

    

Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote the shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

 

Notice of Internet availability of Proxy Materials:

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 8, 2015 (June 4, 2015 for participants in the AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan, Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan or MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan). Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and then follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 8, 2015 (June 4, 2015 for participants in the AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan, Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan or MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to AMC Networks Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Your proxy card must be received by June 8, 2015.

 

If you vote by Internet or by telephone you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by AMC Networks Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and Form 10-Ks electronically via email or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access stockholder communications electronically in future years.

 

TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING YOU MUST OBTAIN AN ADMISSION

TICKET AT WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM

Questions? Please contact us at 1-866-232-3037

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M93263-Z65377-Z65378                                          KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

 

 

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

  DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

CLASS A STOCKHOLDERS

AMC NETWORKS INC.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the spaces provided, the undersigned’s vote is cast FOR the election of the Director nominees listed in Proposal (1) and FOR Proposals (2) and (3), as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following Director nominees:

  

     For

     All

 

    ¨

  

Withhold

All

 

¨

  

For All Except

 

¨

      

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

 

 

                   
                             
                           

 

1.

 

 

    Election of the following nominees as Directors:

                        
   

 

    (01)  Jonathan F. Miller                   (04)  Carl E. Vogel

                     
        (02)  Leonard Tow                           (05)  Robert C. Wright                      
        (03)  David E. Van Zandt                      

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR Proposals 2 and 3:

   For    Against    Abstain     

 

2.

 

 

Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for fiscal year 2015

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

    

 

3.

 

 

    Approval, on an advisory basis, compensation of our Named Executive Officers

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

    
                 
                 
                 
                 
                  
                  
                    
 

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Your signature should appear the same as your name appears. If signing as attorney, executor, trustee or guardian, please indicate the capacity in which signing. When signing as joint tenants, all parties to the joint tenancy must sign. When a corporation gives the proxy, it should be signed by an authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed.

   
           
           
    Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date   Signature (Joint Owners) Date  


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How do I attend the Annual Meeting in person? What do I need to bring?

 

An admission ticket will be required if you desire to attend the Annual Meeting in person. To be admitted to the 2015 Annual Meeting, you must have been a stockholder at the close of business on the record date of April 13, 2015 or be the legal proxy holder or qualified representative of a stockholder, and bring with you your admission ticket and a valid government-issued photo identification card (federal, state or local), such as a driver’s license or passport. Persons without an admission ticket or proper identification may be denied admission to the Annual Meeting.

 

To obtain an admission ticket, go to www.proxyvote.com or call 1-866-232-3037. You will need to enter your 16-digit control number, which can be found on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, voter instruction form and proxy card. The deadline to obtain an admission ticket is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 29, 2015. For questions about admission to the Annual Meeting, please call 1-866-232-3037.

 

Please note that you will need your ticket to be admitted to the meeting whether you vote before or at the meeting, and regardless of whether you are a registered or beneficial stockholder. If you are attending the meeting as a proxy or qualified representative for a stockholder, you will need to bring your legal proxy or authorization letter, in addition to your admission ticket and government-issued photo identification card.

 

Stockholders must provide advance written notice to the Company if they intend to have a legal proxy (other than the persons appointed as proxies on the Company’s proxy card) or qualified representative attend the Annual Meeting on their behalf. The notice must include the name and address of the legal proxy or qualified representative and must be received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 27, 2015 in order to allow enough time for the issuance of an admission ticket to such person. For further details, read Other Matters, “Advance Notice of Proxy Holders and Qualified Representatives” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Please note that cameras, video and audio recording equipment and other similar electronic devices, as well as large bags (including large handbags and briefcases) and packages will need to be checked at the door. Additionally, the Company may impose additional restrictions on items that must be checked at the door as well as the conduct of the meeting. To ensure the safety of all persons, attendees may also be subject to security inspections.

 

Requests for admission tickets will be processed in the order received. Please note that seating is limited, and requests for tickets will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

DIRECTIONS TO THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA

The Paley Center for Media is the site of our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Paley Center for Media is located at 25 West 52nd Street, (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues), New York, New York 10019.

 

BY SUBWAY:

Take any of the following subway lines: E or M to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street; N or R to 49th Street and Seventh Avenue;

1 to 50th Street and Broadway; B, D, F, or M to 47th-50th Street/Rockefeller Center. The Paley Center is located on 52nd Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues).

 

BY CAR OR TAXI:

From the East: Take I-495 West toward New York/Midtown Tunnel/Manhattan. Take the exit toward 38th-40th St.s/37th Street Turn slight left onto East 37th Street. Take the first right onto 3rd Avenue. Turn left onto East 42nd Street. Turn right onto 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. Turn right onto West 52nd Street. The Paley Center will be on the left.

 

From the West: Take NJ-495 East/Lincoln Tunnel toward New York City. Continue onto the Lincoln Tunnel. Take the exit toward Dyer Avenue. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for New York 9A/42nd Street/Uptown/Theater District. Make slight right onto Dyer Avenue. Turn right onto West 42nd Street. Turn left onto Sixth Avenue. Turn right onto West 52nd Street. The Paley Center will be on the left.

Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

The Notice, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 

 

  p    FOLD AND DETACH HERE     p   M93264-Z65377-Z65378

 

   

 

CLASS A PROXY                                                                         AMC NETWORKS INC.

 

Solicited by the Board of Directors for the

Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 9, 2015

 

The undersigned hereby appoints Sean S. Sullivan, James G. Gallagher and Anne G. Kelly, and each of them, jointly and severally, proxies with full power of substitution, to vote all stock of AMC Networks Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, New York, on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, hereby ratifying all the said proxies or their substitutes may do by virtue hereof, and the undersigned authorizes and instructs said proxies to vote as stated on the reverse side. If you sign and return this proxy but do not give any direction, this proxy will be voted “FOR” each of the Director nominees in Proposal (1), “FOR” Proposals (2) and (3) and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

Attention participants in the AMC Networks 401(k) Savings Plan, Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan, MSG Holdings, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan: If shares of AMC Networks Inc. Class A Common Stock are held in any of these plans, you should complete, sign and return this proxy card to instruct Fidelity Management Trust Company, as Trustee of the Plans, how to vote these shares. Your proxy must be received no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 4, 2015 so that the Trustee (who votes the shares on behalf of the Plans’ participants) has adequate time to tabulate the voting instructions. Your voting instructions will be kept confidential. Fidelity Management Trust Company shall not vote shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock allocated to a participant’s account for which it has not received instructions from the Participant. Please read the enclosed Proxy Statement for more information.

 

Important Notice: All meeting attendees will be asked to bring their admission ticket and present a valid, government-issued photo identification card (federal, state, or local), such as a driver’s license or passport, before entering the meeting and proof of stock ownership as of April 13, 2015. In addition, cameras, transmission and other recording devices, including the use of cell phones, will not be permitted at the meeting, and attendees will be subject to security inspections.

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting, the Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMC Networks Inc.

 

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)

 

   


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LOGO

 

AMC NETWORKS INC.

II PENN PLAZA

NEW YORK, NY 10001

    

Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote the shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

 

Notice of Internet availability of Proxy Materials:

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 8, 2015. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and then follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on June 8, 2015. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to AMC Networks Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Your proxy card must be received by June 8, 2015.

 

If you vote by Internet or by telephone you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by AMC Networks Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and Form 10-Ks electronically via email or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access stockholder communications electronically in future years.

 

TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING YOU MUST OBTAIN AN ADMISSION

TICKET AT WWW.PROXYVOTE.COM

Questions? Please contact us at 1-866-232-3037

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

M93265-P65674                                          KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

 

 

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

    DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

CLASS B STOCKHOLDERS

AMC NETWORKS INC.

 

Unless otherwise specified in the spaces provided, the undersigned’s vote is cast FOR the election of the Director nominees listed in Proposal (1) and FOR Proposals (2) and (3), as more fully described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following Director nominees:

  

     For

     All

 

    ¨

  

Withhold

All

 

¨

  

For All Except

 

¨

      

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.

 

 

                   
                             
                           

 

1.

 

 

    Election of the following nominees as Directors:

                        
   

 

    (01)  William J. Bell                  (06)  Thomas C. Dolan

                     
        (02)  Charles F. Dolan               (07)  Alan D. Schwartz                      
        (03)  James L. Dolan                 (08)  Brian G. Sweeney                      
        (04)  Kristin A. Dolan               (09)  Marianne Dolan Weber                      
        (05)  Patrick F. Dolan                      

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR Proposals 2 and 3:

   For    Against    Abstain     

 

2.

 

 

Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for fiscal year 2015

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

    

 

3.

 

 

    Approval, on an advisory basis, compensation of our Named Executive Officers

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

  

 

¨

    
                 
                 
                 
                  
                  
                    
 

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Your signature should appear the same as your name appears. If signing as attorney, executor, trustee or guardian, please indicate the capacity in which signing. When signing as joint tenants, all parties to the joint tenancy must sign. When a corporation gives the proxy, it should be signed by an authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed.

   
           
           
    Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date   Signature (Joint Owners) Date  


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How do I attend the Annual Meeting in person? What do I need to bring?

 

This year an admission ticket will be required if you desire to attend the Annual Meeting in person. To be admitted to the 2015 Annual Meeting, you must have been a stockholder at the close of business on the record date of April 13, 2015 or be the legal proxy holder or qualified representative of a stockholder, and bring with you your admission ticket and a valid government-issued photo identification card (federal, state or local), such as a driver’s license or passport. Persons without an admission ticket or proper identification may be denied admission to the Annual Meeting.

 

To obtain an admission ticket, go to www.proxyvote.com or call 1-866-232-3037. You will need to enter your 16-digit control number, which can be found on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, voter instruction form and proxy card. The deadline to obtain an admission ticket is 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 29, 2015. For questions about admission to the Annual Meeting, please call 1-866-232-3037.

 

Please note that you will need your ticket to be admitted to the meeting whether you vote before or at the meeting, and regardless of whether you are a registered or beneficial stockholder. If you are attending the meeting as a proxy or qualified representative for a stockholder, you will need to bring your legal proxy or authorization letter, in addition to your admission ticket and government-issued photo identification card.

 

Stockholders must provide advance written notice to the Company if they intend to have a legal proxy (other than the persons appointed as proxies on the Company’s proxy card) or qualified representative attend the Annual Meeting on their behalf. The notice must include the name and address of the legal proxy or qualified representative and must be received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on May 27, 2015 in order to allow enough time for the issuance of an admission ticket to such person. For further details, read Other Matters, “Advance Notice of Proxy Holders and Qualified Representatives” in the Proxy Statement.

 

Please note that cameras, video and audio recording equipment and other similar electronic devices, as well as large bags (including large handbags and briefcases) and packages will need to be checked at the door. Additionally, the Company may impose additional restrictions on items that must be checked at the door as well as the conduct of the meeting. To ensure the safety of all persons, attendees may also be subject to security inspections.

 

Requests for admission tickets will be processed in the order received. Please note that seating is limited, and requests for tickets will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

DIRECTIONS TO THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA

The Paley Center for Media is the site of our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Paley Center for Media is located at 25 West 52nd Street, (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues), New York, New York 10019.

 

BY SUBWAY:

Take any of the following subway lines: E or M to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street; N or R to 49th Street and Seventh Avenue;

1 to 50th Street and Broadway; B, D, F, or M to 47th-50th Street/Rockefeller Center. The Paley Center is located on 52nd Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues).

 

BY CAR OR TAXI:

From the East: Take I-495 West toward New York/Midtown Tunnel/Manhattan. Take the exit toward 38th-40th St.s/37th St. Turn slight left onto East 37th Street. Take the first right onto 3rd Avenue. Turn left onto East 42nd Street. Turn right onto 6th Avenue/Avenue of the Americas. Turn right onto West 52nd Street. The Paley Center will be on the left.

 

From the West: Take NJ-495 East/Lincoln Tunnel toward New York City. Continue onto the Lincoln Tunnel. Take the exit toward Dyer Avenue. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for New York 9A/42nd Street/Uptown/Theater District. Make slight right onto Dyer Avenue. Turn right onto West 42nd Street. Turn left onto Sixth Avenue. Turn right onto West 52nd Street. The Paley Center will be on the left.

Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

The Notice, Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 

 

  p    FOLD AND DETACH HERE     p   M93266-P65674

 

   

 

CLASS B PROXY

 

AMC NETWORKS INC.

 

Solicited by the Board of Directors for the

Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 9, 2015

 

The undersigned hereby appoints Sean S. Sullivan, James G. Gallagher and Anne G. Kelly, and each of them, jointly and severally, proxies with full power of substitution, to vote all stock of AMC Networks Inc. (the “Company”) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at The Paley Center for Media, 25 West 52nd Street, New York, New York, on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, hereby ratifying all the said proxies or their substitutes may do by virtue hereof, and the undersigned authorizes and instructs said proxies to vote as stated on the reverse side. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations.

 

Important Notice: All meeting attendees will be asked to bring their admission ticket and present a valid, government-issued photo identification card (federal, state, or local), such as a driver’s license or passport, before entering the meeting and proof of stock ownership as of April 13, 2015. In addition, cameras, transmission and other recording devices, including the use of cell phones, will not be permitted at the meeting, and attendees will be subject to security inspections.

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting, the Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMC Networks Inc.

 

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)