AMC Networks is experiencing significant changes to its availability on Spanish television providers as major platforms like Movistar Plus+, Orange, and Jazztel prepare to remove AMC+ content from their offerings. Previously dubbed the dominant subscription service, AMC+ will no longer be accessible to customers of these leading providers starting from early January 2024. This has sparked concern among viewers reliant on these platforms for binge-worthy content.
Until recently, it was widely believed among consumers and industry watchers alike, according to reports from various outlets, including Andro4all, Movistar Plus+ was the primary service affected by losing AMC's channels. The focus was on the removal of 14 AMC channels from its lineup effective January 1, 2024. Now, as news filters through from various sources, Orange and Jazztel customers too will bid farewell to AMC+ content beginning January 8, 2024.
The situation escalated when users on different forums and Orange's blog began voicing their dissatisfaction about losing AMC+ access directly. This reaction indicates the extent to which viewers prioritized AMC's on-demand content. Orange confirmed to Xatakamovil, stating, "AMC+ will be disappearing from Orange starting on January 8, affecting both Orange TV and Jazztel TV." While the physical channels of AMC will still be available on these platforms, the on-demand viewing will take a substantial hit.
The reasoning behind the disappearance of AMC+ across these platforms remains vague. AMC Networks posted on social media, asserting, "Due to situations beyond AMC Networks’ control, subscribers to Movistar will lose 14 channels and thousands of hours of the finest thematic content on-demand starting January 1." Despite speculation, there has yet to be official disclosure of the precise reasons leading to this decision.
For users worried about where to find AMC's programming after January, available options are limited. According to AMC's official site, their content will nonetheless be available on platforms like Vodafone TV, Apple TV, and Prime Video. This reduced accessibility has left many wondering how best to adapt to the shifting television environment. Meanwhile, Movistar Plus+ has aimed to bolster its offerings with new additions to its catalog to alleviate customer dissatisfaction.
This turn of events also sheds light on the competition among television service providers within Spain. For example, Orange previously made headlines back in May 2022 when it celebrated its partnership with AMC Networks, launching AMC+ which allowed customers to access premium subscription-based streaming content. Since then, Orange TV and Jazztel TV had operated with the promise of rich, diverse content catering to all types of viewers. Now, customers have received disappointing news about the pending removal of on-demand access.
Despite the initial fears following the Movistar cutoff, AMC Networks clarified through various outlets, assuring users of other networks would still retain all AMC linear channels and additional viewing options through services like Prime Video and Tivify. Yet, this reassurance did little to quell the rising discontent among Orange subscribers.
Much speculation surrounds how Orange plans to tackle the impact of losing AMC+ content. Nevertheless, it’s clear Movistar is proactively adjusting its catalog to maintain customer loyalty. It remains to be seen what steps Orange and Jazztel will undertake to retain their viewers and mitigate the fallout from AMC's departure.
Both parties will have to navigate the challenges of content delivery amid increasing competition from streaming services and shifting viewer preferences. The line between traditional broadcasting and streaming models continues to blur, demanding agile strategies from network providers to keep their business relevant.
The evolution of content consumption signals changing dynamics not just for consumers but for firms catering to their entertainment needs. Future clarity remains necessary, and customers of affected services await definitive statements on what will soon be offered in place of AMC+. Until then, viewers may have to take their entertainment pursuits elsewhere.