AMC Networks (AMCX) 10-Q 2 Nov 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 23, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-35106
Entity Registrant Name	AMC Networks Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	27-5403694
Entity Address, Address Line One	11 Penn Plaza,
Entity Address, City or Town	New York,
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10001
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	324-8500
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	AMCX
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001514991
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,754,780
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,484,408

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,071,860	$ 816,170
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,345 and $5,733)	768,506	857,143
Current portion of program rights, net	17,933	426,624
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	174,682	230,360
Total current assets	2,032,981	2,330,297
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $254,312 and $347,302	255,729	283,752
Program rights, net	1,336,612	1,038,060
Intangible assets, net	417,778	524,531
Goodwill	673,810	701,980
Deferred tax asset, net	39,778	51,545
Operating lease right-of-use asset	151,801	170,056
Other assets	477,938	496,465
Total assets	5,386,427	5,596,686
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	80,967	94,306
Accrued liabilities	281,023	251,214
Current portion of program rights obligations	302,061	304,692
Deferred revenue	61,557	63,921
Current portion of long-term debt	76,000	56,250
Current portion of lease obligations	33,519	33,959
Total current liabilities	835,127	804,342
Program rights obligations	198,197	239,813
Long-term debt	2,791,091	3,039,979
Lease obligations	209,549	211,047
Deferred tax liability, net	135,476	136,911
Other liabilities	130,244	163,638
Total liabilities	4,299,684	4,595,730
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	314,397	309,451
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Paid-in capital	320,681	286,491
Accumulated earnings	1,752,740	1,609,428
Treasury stock, at cost (23,790 and 19,808 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)	(1,166,119)	(1,063,181)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(160,457)	(167,711)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity	747,603	665,781
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	24,743	25,724
Total stockholders' equity	772,346	691,505
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	5,386,427	5,596,686
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	643	639
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 115	$ 115

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts receivable, trade, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,345	$ 5,733
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 254,312	$ 347,302
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	45,000,000	45,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	63,348,000	63,886,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	40,557,000	44,078,000
Treasury stock, shares	23,790,000	19,808,000
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,484,000	11,484,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues, net	$ 654,015	$ 718,597	$ 2,034,681	$ 2,275,117
Operating expenses:
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)	333,816	354,992	960,379	1,080,763
Selling, general and administrative	148,769	159,357	488,581	505,233
Depreciation and amortization	27,547	25,619	80,182	75,568
Impairment charges	0	0	130,411	0
Restructuring and other related charges	4,406	10,191	13,879	29,995
Total operating expenses	514,538	550,159	1,673,432	1,691,559
Operating income	139,477	168,438	361,249	583,558
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(33,418)	(39,621)	(105,283)	(118,982)
Interest income	2,994	4,626	11,276	13,571
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	(2,908)	0
Miscellaneous, net	11,138	(1,490)	(10,088)	(16,972)
Total other (expense) income	(19,286)	(36,485)	(107,003)	(122,383)
Income from operations before income taxes	120,191	131,953	254,246	461,175
Income tax expense	(52,195)	(8,727)	(95,490)	(53,807)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	67,996	123,226	158,756	407,368
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,356)	(6,303)	(13,488)	(18,305)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 61,640	$ 116,923	$ 145,268	$ 389,063
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18	$ 2.09	$ 2.72	$ 6.91
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 2.07	$ 2.69	$ 6.80
Weighted average common shares
Basic (in shares)	52,346	55,847	53,374	56,339
Diluted (in shares)	52,904	56,605	53,917	57,218

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 67,996	$ 123,226	$ 158,756	$ 407,368
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	21,475	(33,281)	7,383	(38,490)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	615	(187)	(1,041)	(2,076)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes	22,090	(33,468)	6,342	(40,566)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(144)	335	242	483
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	21,946	(33,133)	6,584	(40,083)
Comprehensive income	89,942	90,093	165,340	367,285
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,648)	(5,217)	(12,818)	(17,048)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders	$ 83,294	$ 84,876	$ 152,522	$ 350,237

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards	Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Earnings	Accumulated EarningsCumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	AMC Networks Stockholders’ Equity	AMC Networks Stockholders’ EquityCumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards	Noncontrolling Interests	Class A Common StockCommon Stock	Class B Common StockCommon Stock
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 345,208		$ 239,767	$ 1,228,942		$ (992,583)	$ (160,194)	$ 316,680		$ 28,528	$ 633	$ 115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	389,063			389,063				389,063
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,842									2,842
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(3,439)									(3,439)
Other comprehensive loss	(41,339)						(40,083)	(40,083)		(1,256)
Share-based compensation expense	50,465		50,465					50,465
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,630		4,630					4,630
Treasury stock acquired	(69,613)		985			(70,598)		(69,613)
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(23,018)		(23,024)					(23,018)			6
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	654,799		272,823	1,618,005		(1,063,181)	(200,277)	628,124		26,675	639	115
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	568,513		258,150	1,501,082		(1,051,022)	(167,144)	541,820		26,693	639	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	116,923			116,923				116,923
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,772									1,772
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(705)									(705)
Settlement of treasury stock	832		832					832
Other comprehensive loss	(34,218)						(33,133)	(33,133)		(1,085)
Share-based compensation expense	13,841		13,841					13,841
Treasury stock acquired	(12,159)					(12,159)		(12,159)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	654,799		272,823	1,618,005		(1,063,181)	(200,277)	628,124		26,675	639	115
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 691,505	$ (1,956)	286,491	1,609,428	$ (1,956)	(1,063,181)	(167,711)	665,781	$ (1,956)	25,724	639	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	$ 145,268			145,268				145,268
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	700									700
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(1,011)									(1,011)
Other comprehensive loss	6,584						7,254	7,254		(670)
Share-based compensation expense	43,141		43,141					43,141
Treasury stock acquired	(102,938)					(102,938)		(102,938)
Restricted stock units converted to shares	(8,947)		(8,951)					(8,947)			4
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	772,346		320,681	1,752,740		(1,166,119)	(160,457)	747,603		24,743	643	115
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	675,145		308,288	1,691,100		(1,166,119)	(182,111)	651,916		23,229	643	115
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders	61,640			61,640				61,640
Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,785									1,785
Distributions to noncontrolling member	(563)									(563)
Other comprehensive loss	21,946						21,654	21,654		292
Share-based compensation expense	12,393		12,393					12,393
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 772,346		$ 320,681	$ 1,752,740		$ (1,166,119)	$ (160,457)	$ 747,603		$ 24,743	$ 643	$ 115

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 158,756	$ 407,368
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	80,182	75,568
Impairment and related charges	130,411	0
Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards	43,141	50,465
Non-cash restructuring and other related charges	6,126	14,026
Amortization and write-off of program rights	622,204	696,326
Amortization of deferred carriage fees	21,088	14,624
Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss	9,242	489
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness	6,039	5,970
Loss on extinguishment of debt	2,908	0
Bad debt expense	340	3,628
Deferred income taxes	12,403	(65,245)
Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable	5,103	20,206
Other, net	(10,696)	(8,481)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)	92,328	6,993
Prepaid expenses and other assets	79,098	(121,375)
Program rights and obligations, net	(565,267)	(676,718)
Income taxes payable	17,265	3,101
Deferred revenue	(2,234)	10,395
Deferred carriage fees, net	(15,057)	(14,409)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities	(49,293)	(22,534)
Net cash provided by operating activities	644,087	400,397
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(34,990)	(69,096)
Return of capital from investees	924	9,232
Acquisition of investment securities	(4,111)	0
Principal payment received on loan to investee	3,750	0
Proceeds from sale of investments	10,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,427)	(59,864)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	6,000	1,521
Principal payments on long-term debt	(242,500)	(12,613)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units	(8,947)	(23,019)
Purchase of treasury stock	(102,938)	(70,598)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	0	4,630
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	(2,404)	(4,059)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(13,955)	(13,545)
Net cash used in financing activities	(364,744)	(117,683)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	254,916	222,850
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	774	(4,350)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	816,170	554,886
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,071,860	$ 773,386

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Description of Business AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments: • National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV and also include our AMC Premiere service. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks. • International and Other : Includes AMC Networks International ("AMCNI"), our international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world; AMC Networks SVOD, consisting of our targeted subscription streaming services (Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, U MC), AMC+ and o ther subscription video on demand ("SVOD") initiatives; Levity, our production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, our independent film distribution business. Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2019 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2020. Risks and Uncertainties In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The rapid spread of the pandemic and the continuously evolving responses to combat it have had a negative impact on the global economy. The impact of COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread are affecting our businesses in a number of ways. Beginning in mid-March, the Company has experienced adverse advertising sales impacts, suspended content production, which has led to delays in the creation and availability of substantially all of its programming, and the temporary closure of its comedy venues. In the third quarter of 2020, t he Company commenced production activities, however substantially all Company employees continue to work remotely, and the Company continues to restrict business travel. If significant portions of our workforce, including key personnel, are unable to work effectively because of illness, government actions or other restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on our businesses could be exacerbated. The Company has evaluated and continues to evaluate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its consolidated financial statements, including the impairment of goodwill (see Note 7) and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the fair value and collectability of receivables. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a material impact on the Company's operations since mid-March 2020. The Company cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread of the pandemic, the impact of governmental regulations that have been, and may continue to be, imposed in response to the pandemic, the effectiveness of actions taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, the availability, safety and efficacy of a vaccine, and global economic conditions. The Company does not expect the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic impact to affect its liquidity position or its ongoing ability to meet the covenants in its debt instruments. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which changed the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that would generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $2.0 million, after taxes, for the cumulative-effect of the adoption. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) . The standard changed the disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract . The standard amended prior guidance to align the accounting for costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs must be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line item in the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The standard aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the standard modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis. See Note 5 for further information. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 - Income Taxes. These changes are effective for the first quarter of 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption and does not expect it to have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations As of September 30, 2020, other than contracts for which the Company has applied the practical expedients, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to future performance obligations was not material to our consolidated revenues. Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) $ 1,014,956 $ 1,121,834 Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) 4,373 7,283 Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) 3,225 9,964 Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) 61,557 63,921 Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2019 was $37.0 million.

Net Income per Share

Net Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income per Share	Net Income per Share The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 52,346 55,847 53,374 56,339 Effect of dilution: Stock options — 7 — 18 Restricted stock units 558 751 543 861 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 52,904 56,605 53,917 57,218 Approximately 1.1 million and 1.5 million restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since a performance condition for these awards had not been met in each of the respective periods. As of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, 0.7 million and 0.3 million, respectively, of restricted stock units and stock options have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, as their impact would have been anti-dilutive. Stock Repurchase Program The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company repurchased 4.0 million shares of its Class A Common Stock at an average purchase price of approximately $25.85 per share. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $385.9 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program. On September 16, 2020, the Company commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $250 million in value of shares of its Class A Common Stock, plus up to an additional 2% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, at a price not greater than $26.50 nor less than $22.50 per share. The Tender Offer expired on October 14, 2020. On October 21, 2020, the Company accepted for purchase 10.8 million shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price of $23.20 per share, for an aggregate cost of $250.6 million. The cost of these shares, and the fees relating to the Tender Offer, will be classified in Treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheet. The settlement of the Tender Offer reduced the availability under the Stock Repurchase Program to $135.3 million.

Restructuring and Other Related

Restructuring and Other Related Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Related Charges	Restructuring and Other Related Charges Restructuring and other related charges of $4.4 million and $13.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, related to restructuring costs associated with termination of distribution in certain territories as well as severance and other personnel related costs associated with restructuring activities. Restructuring and other related charges of $10.2 million and $30.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, primarily related to the AMC Networks SVOD re-organization as well as severance and other personnel related costs incurred at AMCNI associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories. The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 National Networks $ 5,991 $ 6,199 $ 8,714 $ 6,776 International & Other (1,585) 3,992 5,165 23,915 Inter-segment eliminations — — — (696) Total restructuring and other related charges $ 4,406 $ 10,191 $ 13,879 $ 29,995 The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and employee-related costs Other exit costs Total December 31, 2019 $ 27,407 $ 221 $ 27,628 Charges 9,563 4,316 13,879 Cash payments (26,763) (191) (26,954) Non-cash adjustments (1,810) (4,316) (6,126) Currency translation 1 — 1 Balance, September 30, 2020 $ 8,398 $ 30 $ 8,428 Accrued restructuring costs of $8.4 million are included in accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2020.

Program Rights

Program Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program Rights	Program Rights Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials . The new guidance impacts the Company as follows: • Allows for the classification of acquired/licensed program rights as long-term assets. Previously, the Company reported a portion of these rights in current assets. Advances for live programming rights made prior to the live event and acquired/licensed program rights with license terms of less than one year continue to be reported in current assets. • Aligns the capitalization of production costs for episodic television programs with the capitalization of production costs for theatrical content. Previously, theatrical content production costs could be fully capitalized while episodic television production costs were generally limited to the amount of contracted revenues. • Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows: ◦ Individual program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are directly attributable to the specific film or television title (e.g., theatrical revenues, significant in-show advertising on the Company’s programming networks or specific content licensing revenues). ◦ Group program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are not directly attributable to a specific film or television title (e.g., library of program rights for purpose of the Company’s programming networks or subscription revenue for AMC Networks SVOD). The determination of the predominant monetization strategy is made at commencement of production and is based on the means by which we derive third-party revenues from use of the programming. The classification of program rights as individual or group only changes if there is a significant change to the title’s monetization strategy relative to its initial assessment. Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows: September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights, net: Completed $ 288,705 $ 33,288 $ 321,993 In-production and in-development 145,228 14,209 159,437 Total owned original program rights, net $ 433,933 $ 47,497 $ 481,430 Licensed program rights, net: Licensed film and acquired series $ 8,080 $ 581,253 $ 589,333 Licensed originals 235,149 — 235,149 Advances and content versioning costs — 48,633 48,633 Total licensed program rights, net 243,229 629,886 873,115 Program rights, net $ 677,162 $ 677,383 $ 1,354,545 Current portion of program rights, net $ 17,933 Program rights, net (long-term) 1,336,612 $ 1,354,545 Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 74,597 $ 11,854 $ 86,451 $ 235,868 $ 27,831 $ 263,699 Licensed program rights 20,479 100,019 120,498 61,741 296,764 358,505 Program rights amortization $ 95,076 $ 111,873 $ 206,949 $ 297,609 $ 324,595 $ 622,204 Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line or accelerated basis, based on the expected exploitation strategy of the rights, over a period not to exceed the respective license periods. Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs, qualifying for capitalization as program rights are amortized to technical and operating expense over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue, or ultimate revenue (individual-film-forecast-computation method). Projected attributable revenue is based on previously generated revenues for similar content in established markets, primarily consisting of distribution and advertising revenues, and projected program usage. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on several factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, the useful life is updated, which generally results in a write-off of the unamortized cost to technical and operating expense in the consolidated statemen ts of income. Program rights write-offs, included in technical and operating expense, were $24.8 million and $36.9 million f or the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and $1.6 million and $15.2 million f

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The Company holds several investments and loans in non-consolidated entities which are included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Equity method investments were $69.6 million at September 30, 2020 and $69.1 million at December 31, 2019. Marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies publicly traded investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The changes in fair value between measurement dates are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. In April 2020, one of our investments with a cost of $25.0 million, previously classified as a non-marketable equity security, became a publicly traded company. Accordingly, the investment is now classified within marketable equity securities. Investments in marketable equity securities were $39.7 million at September 30, 2020 and $4.4 million at December 31, 2019. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, unrealized gains and losses on marketable equity securities were a loss of $3.7 million and a gain of $10.3 million, respectively, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Non-marketable Equity Securities The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as non-marketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires non-marketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company applies this measurement alternative to its non-marketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, the Company estimates the fair values of its non-marketable equity securities based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Investments in non-marketable equity securities were $34.5 million a t September 30, 2020 and $61.8 million at December 31, 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the Company recognized impairment charges of $20.0 million and $20.2 million, respectively, related to the write-down of certain non-marketable equity securities and a note receivable, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, in September 2020, an observable price change occurred with respect to one of the Company's non-marketable equity securities, resulting in an unrealized gain of $14.9 million, included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) National Networks International Total December 31, 2019 $ 237,103 $ 464,877 $ 701,980 Impairment charge — (25,062) (25,062) Amortization of "second component" goodwill (996) — (996) Foreign currency translation — (2,112) (2,112) September 30, 2020 $ 236,107 $ 437,703 $ 673,810 As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accumulated impairment charges in the International and Other segment totaled $123.1 million and $98.0 million, respectively. The reduction of $1.0 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for National Networks is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the Company's tax returns. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 1 each year. In addition to the annual impairment test, the Company is required to regularly assess whether a triggering event has occurred which would require an interim impairment test. As a result of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company qualitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that goodwill and long-lived assets were impaired as of June 30, 2020. The Company considered the current and expected future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on each of its reporting units. Further, the Company assessed the current forecasts (including significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and enterprise specific discount rates) and the amount of excess fair value over carrying value for each of its reporting units in the 2019 impairment test. In connection with the preparation of the second quarter financial information, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred with respect to its AMCNI reporting unit, which required an interim impairment test to be performed as of June 30, 2020. As such, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for its AMCNI reporting unit. The fair value was determined using a combination of an income approach, using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, and a market comparables approach. The DCF model includes significant assumptions about revenue growth rates, long-term growth rates and enterprise specific discount rates. Additionally, the market comparables approach is determined using guideline company financial multiples. Given the uncertainty in determining assumptions underlying the DCF approach, actual results may differ from those used in the valuations. Based on the valuations performed, in response to current and expected trends across the International television broadcasting markets, the fair value of the Company's AMCNI reporting unit declined below its carrying amount. As a result, in June 2020, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $25.1 million related to the AMCNI reporting unit, included in impairment charges in the condensed consolidated income statement. No impairment charge was required for any of the Company's other reporting units. The determination of fair value of the Company's AMCNI reporting unit represents a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy due to its use of internal projections and unobservable measurement inputs. Changes in significant judgments and estimates could significantly impact the concluded fair value of the reporting unit or the valuation of intangible assets. Changes to assumptions that would decrease the fair value of the reporting unit would result in corresponding increases to the impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. We are unable to predict how long the COVID-19 pandemic conditions will persist, what additional measures may be introduced by governments or private parties or what effect any such additional measures may have on our business. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges related to goodwill. The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 617,178 $ (317,770) $ 299,408 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (24,976) 21,306 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 114,869 (37,705) 77,164 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 778,329 (380,451) 397,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,229 $ (380,451) $ 417,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 616,197 $ (232,193) $ 384,004 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (21,820) 24,462 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 115,873 (19,708) 96,165 Total amortizable intangible assets 778,352 (273,721) 504,631 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,252 $ (273,721) $ 524,531 Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $32.6 million and $34.2 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2020 $ 42,325 2021 37,808 2022 37,763 2023 37,687 2024 37,618 Impairment Test of Long-Lived Assets

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Employee related costs 81,830 $ 89,753 Participations and residuals 91,411 70,682 Interest 37,089 29,767 Other accrued expenses 70,693 61,012 Total accrued liabilities $ 281,023 $ 251,214

Long-term Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	. Long-term Debt The Company's long-term debt consists of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a) Term Loan A Facility $ 693,750 $ 731,250 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 800,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 1,000,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 400,000 600,000 Other debt (b) 1,000 — Total long-term debt 2,894,750 3,131,250 Unamortized discount (19,527) (24,351) Unamortized deferred financing costs (8,132) (10,670) Long-term debt, net 2,867,091 3,096,229 Current portion of long-term debt 76,000 56,250 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 2,791,091 $ 3,039,979 (a) The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at September 30, 2020. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company. (b) A majority owned subsidiary of the Company has credit facilities totaling $7.0 million, which bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate plus 1% and mature on November 23 , 2020. A s of September 30, 2020, there was $1.0 million of outstanding borrowings on the credit facilities. 4.75% Notes due December 2022 In March 2020, the Company redeemed $200 million principal amount of the outstanding $600 million principal amount of its 4.75% Notes due December 2022. In connection with the redemption, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 of $2.9 million representing the redemption premium and the write-off of a portion of the unamortized discount and deferred financing costs.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 151,801 $ 170,056 Finance Property and equipment, net 13,453 15,713 Total lease assets $ 165,254 $ 185,769 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 30,011 $ 30,171 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,508 3,788 $ 33,519 33,959 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 181,032 193,570 Finance Lease obligations 28,517 17,477 209,549 211,047 Total lease liabilities $ 243,068 $ 245,006 For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, impairment charges were recorded related to certain operating lease right-of-use assets at the AMCNI business. See Note 7 for additional details regarding the impairment test of long-lived assets.
Leases	Leases The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 151,801 $ 170,056 Finance Property and equipment, net 13,453 15,713 Total lease assets $ 165,254 $ 185,769 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 30,011 $ 30,171 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,508 3,788 $ 33,519 33,959 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 181,032 193,570 Finance Lease obligations 28,517 17,477 209,549 211,047 Total lease liabilities $ 243,068 $ 245,006 For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, impairment charges were recorded related to certain operating lease right-of-use assets at the AMCNI business. See Note 7 for additional details regarding the impairment test of long-lived assets.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels: • Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. • Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable. The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At September 30, 2020: Assets Cash equivalents $ 295,051 $ — $ — $ 295,051 Marketable securities 39,699 — — 39,699 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,366 — 1,366 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 3,007 $ — $ 3,007 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,568 — 3,568 At December 31, 2019: Assets Cash equivalents $ 191,214 $ — $ — $ 191,214 Marketable securities 4,448 — — 4,448 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,884 — 1,884 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 1,966 $ — $ 1,966 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,888 — 1,888 The Company's cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. The Company's interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency derivatives are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III. Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting and impairment testing. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy. Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 687,991 $ 679,875 4.75% Notes due August 2025 789,648 828,160 5.00% Notes due April 2024 990,436 1,019,700 4.75% Notes due December 2022 398,016 400,000 Other debt 1,000 1,000 $ 2,867,091 $ 2,928,735 (In thousands) December 31, 2019 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 723,560 $ 724,303 4.75% Notes due August 2025 788,247 803,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 988,609 1,020,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 595,813 605,250 $ 3,096,229 $ 3,152,553 Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Interest Rate Risk To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $100.0 million that are designated as hedging instruments. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts mature in December 2021. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain accounts payable and trade receivables (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities $ 3,007 $ 1,966 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 775 $ 891 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 591 993 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities $ 906 $ 687 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 2,662 1,202 The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ 9 $ (265) Interest expense $ 606 $ 78 (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (2,401) $ (2,190) Interest expense $ 1,360 $ 113 The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net $ (1,300) $ 510 $ (2,018) $ 556

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, income tax expense was $52.2 million and $95.5 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 43% and 38%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to tax expense of $20.0 million and $25.6 million resulting from an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits, tax expense from foreign operations of $0.4 million and $9.8 million, state and local income tax expense of $3.5 million and $9.1 million, tax expense of $1.7 million and $4.7 million related to non-deductible compensation and tax expense of $2.7 million and tax benefit of $6.0 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest), respectively. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is primarily due to audit settlements and the filing of state income tax returns under voluntary disclosure agreements. The increase in valuation allowance is primarily due to a change in judgement about the realizability of foreign net operating losses and other deferred tax assets. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the effect in available carryback and carryforward periods), projected taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, income tax expense was $8.7 million and $53.8 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 7% and 12%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to a tax benefit of $13.6 million from foreign operations and a tax benefit of $11.5 million from a deferred tax adjustment to record the impact of an investment tax credit under the deferral method of accounting, partially offset by state and local income tax expense of $4.3 million and tax expense of $2.0 million resulting from a net increase in valuation allowances for foreign tax assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to a tax benefit of $21.5 million resulting from a net decrease in valuation allowances for foreign tax assets, a tax benefit of $15.6 million from foreign operations, a tax benefit of $11.5 million from a deferred tax adjustment to record the impact of an investment tax credit under the deferral method of accounting, and a tax benefit of $5.6 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest), partially offset by state and local income tax expense of $11.6 million. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily due to the expected utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards and the benefit of foreign operations is due to a deferred tax benefit resulting from the reorganization of intellectual property amongst the Company's international subsidiaries in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions is primarily due to an audit settlement and the filing of state income tax returns under a voluntary disclosure agreement. At September 30, 2020, the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $33.2 million, expiring on various dates from 2022 through 2030. These carryforwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of $31.8 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, $1.0 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments As of September 30, 2020, the Company's contractual obligations not reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet increased $129.1 million, as compared to December 31, 2019, to $1,063.0 million. The increase primarily relates to additional commitments for program rights and marketing commitments. Legal Matters On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "2013 Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between the parties related thereto. The Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On August 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint"), in which they retracted their claims for wrongful termination and failure to apply production tax credits in calculating Plaintiffs' contingent compensation. Plaintiffs also added a claim that Darabont is entitled to a larger share, on a percentage basis, of contingent compensation than he is currently being accorded. On September 26, 2016, Plaintiffs filed their note of issue and certificate of readiness for trial, which included a claim for damages of no less than $280 million. The parties each filed motions for summary judgment. Oral arguments of the summary judgment motions took place on September 15, 2017. On April 19, 2018, the Court granted the Company’s motion for leave to submit supplemental summary judgment briefing. A hearing on the supplemental summary judgment submissions was held on June 13, 2018. On December 10, 2018, the Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment and granted in part Defendants' motion for summary judgment, dismissing four of Plaintiffs' causes of action. The Company believes that the remaining claims are without merit, denies the allegations and continues to defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. On January 18, 2018, the 2013 Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. The claims in the action allegedly arise from Plaintiffs' audit of their participation statements covering the accounting period from inception of The Walking Dead through September 30, 2014. Plaintiffs seek no less than $20 million in damages on claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. The Company filed an Answer to the Complaint on April 16, 2018. On August 30, 2018, Plaintiff's filed an Amended Complaint, and on September 19, 2018, the Company answered. The parties have agreed to consolidate this action for a joint trial with the action Plaintiffs filed in the New York Supreme Court on December 17, 2013. Following the conclusion of discovery, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment seeking the dismissal of the second action, which was denied on April 13, 2020. Due to the continued impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the New York State courts, the joint trial, originally scheduled to begin on June 1, 2020, has been further delayed and is currently scheduled to begin on April 26, 2021. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and will defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the "California Plaintiffs") filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead , as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead , and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On August 15, 2017, two of the California Plaintiffs, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert (and their associated loan-out companies), along with Charles Eglee and his loan-out company, United Bongo Drum, Inc., filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court alleging nearly identical claims as the California Action (the "New York Action"). Hurd, Alpert, and Eglee filed the New York Action in connection with their contract claims involving The Walking Dead because their agreements contained exclusive New York jurisdiction provisions. On October 23, 2017, the parties stipulated to discontinuing the New York Action without prejudice and consolidating all of the claims in the California Action. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. The Company filed an Answer on April 30, 2018 and believes that the asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. On August 8, 2019, the judge in the California Action ordered a trial to resolve certain issues of contract interpretation only . The trial commenced on February 10, 2020 and concluded on March 10, 2020 after eight days of trial. On July 22, 2020, the judge in the California Action issued a Statement of Decision finding in the Company's favor on all seven matters of contract interpretation before the court in this first phase trial. On October 30, 2020, the judge in the California Action set a tentative trial date of September 8, 2021 with regard to claims not addressed in the first phase trial. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company. The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.

Equity Plans

Equity Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Equity Plans	Equity Plans In June 2020, AMC Networks granted 54,535 restricted stock units ("RSUs") under the 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors to non-employee directors that vested on the date of grant. In March 2020, AMC Networks granted 1,171,956 RSUs to certain executive officers and employees under the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Plan. The RSUs vest ratably over a three During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 477,764 RSUs and 325,836 PRSUs of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock previously issued to employees of the Company vested. On the vesting dat e, 199,377 RSUs and 142,882 PRSUs were surrendered to the Company to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations an d 278,387 RSU and 182,954 PRS U new shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock were issued. The units surrendered to satisfy the employees' statutory minimu m tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment tax had an aggregate value of $8.9 million, which has been reflected as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense was $12.4 million and $43.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and $13.8 million and $50.5 million the for three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, there was $47.4 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to outstanding unvested share-based awards. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 1.7 years.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 309,451 Net earnings 12,788 Distributions (12,945) Other 5,103 September 30, 2020 $ 314,397

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $1.2 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $3.6 million and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to transactions with its related parties amounted to $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $0.6 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Cash Flows

Cash Flows	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Flows	Cash Flows The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows: (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Finance lease additions $ 14,260 $ — Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 2,105 1,659 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid 91,940 104,698 Income taxes paid, net 60,335 121,110

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: National Networks and International and Other. These operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately. The Company generally allocates all corporate overhead costs within operating expenses to the Company's two operating segments based upon their proportionate estimated usage of services, including such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology) as well as sales support functions and creative and production services. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure. The Company defines AOI as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, cloud computing amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges and including the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority-owned equity method investees. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure, and other information as to the continuing operations of the Company's operating segments below. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 164,216 $ 18,923 $ (37) $ 183,102 Distribution 297,933 180,369 (7,389) 470,913 Consolidated revenues, net $ 462,149 $ 199,292 $ (7,426) $ 654,015 Operating income (loss) $ 129,842 $ 11,198 $ (1,563) $ 139,477 Share-based compensation expense 9,922 2,472 — 12,394 Depreciation and amortization 13,422 14,125 — 27,547 Restructuring and other related charges 5,991 (1,585) — 4,406 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 1,667 — 1,667 Adjusted operating income $ 159,177 $ 27,877 $ (1,563) $ 185,491 (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 194,452 $ 18,872 $ (24) 213,300 Distribution 364,540 163,967 (23,210) 505,297 Consolidated revenues, net $ 558,992 $ 182,839 $ (23,234) $ 718,597 Operating income (loss) $ 182,479 $ (11,501) $ (2,540) 168,438 Share-based compensation expense 11,684 2,157 — 13,841 Depreciation and amortization 8,048 17,571 — 25,619 Restructuring and other related charges 6,199 3,992 — 10,191 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 1,246 — 1,246 Adjusted operating income $ 208,410 $ 13,465 $ (2,540) $ 219,335 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 564,876 $ 53,097 $ (38) $ 617,935 Distribution 960,062 477,668 (20,984) 1,416,746 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,524,938 $ 530,765 $ (21,022) $ 2,034,681 Operating income (loss) $ 512,598 $ (147,226) $ (4,123) $ 361,249 Share-based compensation expense 34,754 8,387 — 43,141 Depreciation and amortization 30,633 49,549 — 80,182 Impairment charges — 130,411 — 130,411 Restructuring and other related charges 8,714 5,165 — 13,879 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 4,361 — 4,361 Adjusted operating income $ 586,699 $ 50,647 $ (4,123) $ 633,223 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 653,031 $ 63,613 $ (75) $ 716,569 Distribution 1,126,819 469,841 (38,112) 1,558,548 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,779,850 $ 533,454 $ (38,187) $ 2,275,117 Operating income (loss) $ 648,180 $ (52,532) $ (12,090) $ 583,558 Share-based compensation expense 41,774 8,691 — 50,465 Depreciation and amortization 24,839 50,729 — 75,568 Restructuring and other related charges 6,776 23,915 (696) 29,995 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 4,434 — 4,434 Adjusted operating income $ 721,569 $ 35,237 $ (12,786) $ 744,020 Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Inter-segment revenues National Networks $ (7,166) $ (18,140) $ (17,346) $ (29,790) International and Other (260) (5,094) (3,676) (8,397) $ (7,426) $ (23,234) $ (21,022) $ (38,187) The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenues United States $ 497,677 $ 579,913 $ 1,646,065 $ 1,847,491 Europe 110,448 108,365 274,763 299,782 Other 45,890 30,319 113,853 127,844 $ 654,015 $ 718,597 $ 2,034,681 $ 2,275,117 The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Property and equipment, net United States $ 241,541 $ 244,175 Europe 13,985 25,925 Other 203 13,652 $ 255,729 $ 283,752 For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, impairment charges were recorded related to certain property and equipment in Europe and Other. See Note 7 for additional details regarding the impairment test of long-lived assets.

Description of Business and B_2

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Unaudited Interim Financial Statements These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2019 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2019 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2020. Risks and Uncertainties In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The rapid spread of the pandemic and the continuously evolving responses to combat it have had a negative impact on the global economy. The impact of COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread are affecting our businesses in a number of ways. Beginning in mid-March, the Company has experienced adverse advertising sales impacts, suspended content production, which has led to delays in the creation and availability of substantially all of its programming, and the temporary closure of its comedy venues. In the third quarter of 2020, t he Company commenced production activities, however substantially all Company employees continue to work remotely, and the Company continues to restrict business travel. If significant portions of our workforce, including key personnel, are unable to work effectively because of illness, government actions or other restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on our businesses could be exacerbated. The Company has evaluated and continues to evaluate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its consolidated financial statements, including the impairment of goodwill (see Note 7) and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the fair value and collectability of receivables. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a material impact on the Company's operations since mid-March 2020. The Company cannot reasonably predict the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the extent of any adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition, which will depend on, among other things, the duration and spread of the pandemic, the impact of governmental regulations that have been, and may
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which changed the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities and loans, and requires entities to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that would generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $2.0 million, after taxes, for the cumulative-effect of the adoption. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) . The standard changed the disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The adoption of the standard did not have any effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract . The standard amended prior guidance to align the accounting for costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs must be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement and presented in the same line item in the income statement as the fees associated with the hosting element (service) of the arrangement. The adoption of the standard did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. The standard aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the standard modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 926-20 and the impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements in ASC 920-350. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis. See Note 5 for further information. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 - Income Taxes. These changes are effective for the first quarter of 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption and does not expect it to have material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Program Rights	Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials . The new guidance impacts the Company as follows: • Allows for the classification of acquired/licensed program rights as long-term assets. Previously, the Company reported a portion of these rights in current assets. Advances for live programming rights made prior to the live event and acquired/licensed program rights with license terms of less than one year continue to be reported in current assets. • Aligns the capitalization of production costs for episodic television programs with the capitalization of production costs for theatrical content. Previously, theatrical content production costs could be fully capitalized while episodic television production costs were generally limited to the amount of contracted revenues. • Introduces the concept of “predominant monetization strategy” to classify capitalized program rights for purposes of amortization and impairment as follows: ◦ Individual program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are directly attributable to the specific film or television title (e.g., theatrical revenues, significant in-show advertising on the Company’s programming networks or specific content licensing revenues). ◦ Group program rights - programming value is predominantly derived from third-party revenues that are not directly attributable to a specific film or television title (e.g., library of program rights for purpose of the Company’s programming networks or subscription revenue for AMC Networks SVOD). The determination of the predominant monetization strategy is made at commencement of production and is based on the means by which we derive third-party revenues from use of the programming. The classification of program rights as individual or group only changes if there is a significant change to the title’s monetization strategy relative to its initial assessment. Rights to programming, including feature films and episodic series, acquired under license agreements are stated at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value. Such licensed rights along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability. If such uncertainty exists, those rights and obligations are recorded at the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved or the license period begins. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line or accelerated basis, based on the expected exploitation strategy of the rights, over a period not to exceed the respective license periods. Owned original programming costs, including estimated participation and residual costs, qualifying for capitalization as program rights are amortized to technical and operating expense over their estimated useful lives, commencing upon the first airing, based on attributable revenue for airings to date as a percentage of total projected attributable revenue, or ultimate revenue (individual-film-forecast-computation method). Projected attributable revenue is based on previously generated revenues for similar content in established markets, primarily consisting of distribution and advertising revenues, and projected program usage. Projected program usage is based on the Company's current expectation of future exhibitions taking into

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets) $ 1,014,956 $ 1,121,834 Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets) 4,373 7,283 Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets) 3,225 9,964 Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue) 61,557 63,921

Net Income per Share (Tables)

Net Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 52,346 55,847 53,374 56,339 Effect of dilution: Stock options — 7 — 18 Restricted stock units 558 751 543 861 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 52,904 56,605 53,917 57,218

Restructuring and Other Relat_2

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs	The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 National Networks $ 5,991 $ 6,199 $ 8,714 $ 6,776 International & Other (1,585) 3,992 5,165 23,915 Inter-segment eliminations — — — (696) Total restructuring and other related charges $ 4,406 $ 10,191 $ 13,879 $ 29,995 The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs: (In thousands) Severance and employee-related costs Other exit costs Total December 31, 2019 $ 27,407 $ 221 $ 27,628 Charges 9,563 4,316 13,879 Cash payments (26,763) (191) (26,954) Non-cash adjustments (1,810) (4,316) (6,126) Currency translation 1 — 1 Balance, September 30, 2020 $ 8,398 $ 30 $ 8,428

Program Rights (Tables)

Program Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy	Total capitalized produced and licensed content by predominant monetization strategy is as follows: September 30, 2020 (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights, net: Completed $ 288,705 $ 33,288 $ 321,993 In-production and in-development 145,228 14,209 159,437 Total owned original program rights, net $ 433,933 $ 47,497 $ 481,430 Licensed program rights, net: Licensed film and acquired series $ 8,080 $ 581,253 $ 589,333 Licensed originals 235,149 — 235,149 Advances and content versioning costs — 48,633 48,633 Total licensed program rights, net 243,229 629,886 873,115 Program rights, net $ 677,162 $ 677,383 $ 1,354,545 Current portion of program rights, net $ 17,933 Program rights, net (long-term) 1,336,612 $ 1,354,545
Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights	Amortization, including write-offs, of owned and licensed program rights is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (In thousands) Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Predominantly Monetized Individually Predominantly Monetized as a Group Total Owned original program rights $ 74,597 $ 11,854 $ 86,451 $ 235,868 $ 27,831 $ 263,699 Licensed program rights 20,479 100,019 120,498 61,741 296,764 358,505 Program rights amortization $ 95,076 $ 111,873 $ 206,949 $ 297,609 $ 324,595 $ 622,204

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows: (In thousands) National Networks International Total December 31, 2019 $ 237,103 $ 464,877 $ 701,980 Impairment charge — (25,062) (25,062) Amortization of "second component" goodwill (996) — (996) Foreign currency translation — (2,112) (2,112) September 30, 2020 $ 236,107 $ 437,703 $ 673,810
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 617,178 $ (317,770) $ 299,408 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (24,976) 21,306 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 114,869 (37,705) 77,164 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 778,329 (380,451) 397,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,229 $ (380,451) $ 417,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 616,197 $ (232,193) $ 384,004 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (21,820) 24,462 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 115,873 (19,708) 96,165 Total amortizable intangible assets 778,352 (273,721) 504,631 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,252 $ (273,721) $ 524,531
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Estimated Useful Lives Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 617,178 $ (317,770) $ 299,408 6 to 25 years Advertiser relationships 46,282 (24,976) 21,306 11 years Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 114,869 (37,705) 77,164 3 to 20 years Total amortizable intangible assets 778,329 (380,451) 397,878 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,229 $ (380,451) $ 417,778 (In thousands) December 31, 2019 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Amortizable intangible assets: Affiliate and customer relationships $ 616,197 $ (232,193) $ 384,004 Advertiser relationships 46,282 (21,820) 24,462 Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets 115,873 (19,708) 96,165 Total amortizable intangible assets 778,352 (273,721) 504,631 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trademarks 19,900 — 19,900 Total intangible assets $ 798,252 $ (273,721) $ 524,531
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is: (In thousands) Years Ending December 31, 2020 $ 42,325 2021 37,808 2022 37,763 2023 37,687 2024 37,618

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities consist of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Employee related costs 81,830 $ 89,753 Participations and residuals 91,411 70,682 Interest 37,089 29,767 Other accrued expenses 70,693 61,012 Total accrued liabilities $ 281,023 $ 251,214

Long-term Debt (Tables)

Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments	The Company's long-term debt consists of the following: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a) Term Loan A Facility $ 693,750 $ 731,250 Senior Notes: 4.75% Notes due August 2025 800,000 800,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 1,000,000 1,000,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 400,000 600,000 Other debt (b) 1,000 — Total long-term debt 2,894,750 3,131,250 Unamortized discount (19,527) (24,351) Unamortized deferred financing costs (8,132) (10,670) Long-term debt, net 2,867,091 3,096,229 Current portion of long-term debt 76,000 56,250 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 2,791,091 $ 3,039,979 (a) The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at September 30, 2020. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company. (b) A majority owned subsidiary of the Company has credit facilities totaling $7.0 million, which bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate plus 1% and mature on November 23 , 2020. A s of September 30, 2020, there was $1.0 million of outstanding borrowings on the credit facilities.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of Leases Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table summarizes the leases included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets Operating Operating lease right-of-use asset $ 151,801 $ 170,056 Finance Property and equipment, net 13,453 15,713 Total lease assets $ 165,254 $ 185,769 Liabilities Current: Operating Current portion of lease obligations $ 30,011 $ 30,171 Finance Current portion of lease obligations 3,508 3,788 $ 33,519 33,959 Noncurrent: Operating Lease obligations $ 181,032 193,570 Finance Lease obligations 28,517 17,477 209,549 211,047 Total lease liabilities $ 243,068 $ 245,006

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: (In thousands) Level I Level II Level III Total At September 30, 2020: Assets Cash equivalents $ 295,051 $ — $ — $ 295,051 Marketable securities 39,699 — — 39,699 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,366 — 1,366 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 3,007 $ — $ 3,007 Foreign currency derivatives — 3,568 — 3,568 At December 31, 2019: Assets Cash equivalents $ 191,214 $ — $ — $ 191,214 Marketable securities 4,448 — — 4,448 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,884 — 1,884 Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ — $ 1,966 $ — $ 1,966 Foreign currency derivatives — 1,888 — 1,888
Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 687,991 $ 679,875 4.75% Notes due August 2025 789,648 828,160 5.00% Notes due April 2024 990,436 1,019,700 4.75% Notes due December 2022 398,016 400,000 Other debt 1,000 1,000 $ 2,867,091 $ 2,928,735 (In thousands) December 31, 2019 Carrying Estimated Debt instruments: Term loan A facility $ 723,560 $ 724,303 4.75% Notes due August 2025 788,247 803,000 5.00% Notes due April 2024 988,609 1,020,000 4.75% Notes due December 2022 595,813 605,250 $ 3,096,229 $ 3,152,553

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets	The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: (In thousands) Balance Sheet September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Accrued liabilities $ 3,007 $ 1,966 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Assets: Foreign currency derivatives Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 775 $ 891 Foreign currency derivatives Other assets 591 993 Liabilities: Foreign currency derivatives Accrued liabilities $ 906 $ 687 Foreign currency derivatives Other liabilities 2,662 1,202
Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments	The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ 9 $ (265) Interest expense $ 606 $ 78 (In thousands) Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings Gain or (Loss) Reclassified Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: Interest rate swap contracts $ (2,401) $ (2,190) Interest expense $ 1,360 $ 113
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows: (In thousands) Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Foreign currency derivatives Miscellaneous, net $ (1,300) $ 510 $ (2,018) $ 556

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_2

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ 309,451 Net earnings 12,788 Distributions (12,945) Other 5,103 September 30, 2020 $ 314,397

Cash Flows (Tables)

Cash Flows (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data	The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows: (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: Finance lease additions $ 14,260 $ — Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid 2,105 1,659 Supplemental Data: Cash interest paid 91,940 104,698 Income taxes paid, net 60,335 121,110

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment	(In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 164,216 $ 18,923 $ (37) $ 183,102 Distribution 297,933 180,369 (7,389) 470,913 Consolidated revenues, net $ 462,149 $ 199,292 $ (7,426) $ 654,015 Operating income (loss) $ 129,842 $ 11,198 $ (1,563) $ 139,477 Share-based compensation expense 9,922 2,472 — 12,394 Depreciation and amortization 13,422 14,125 — 27,547 Restructuring and other related charges 5,991 (1,585) — 4,406 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 1,667 — 1,667 Adjusted operating income $ 159,177 $ 27,877 $ (1,563) $ 185,491 (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 194,452 $ 18,872 $ (24) 213,300 Distribution 364,540 163,967 (23,210) 505,297 Consolidated revenues, net $ 558,992 $ 182,839 $ (23,234) $ 718,597 Operating income (loss) $ 182,479 $ (11,501) $ (2,540) 168,438 Share-based compensation expense 11,684 2,157 — 13,841 Depreciation and amortization 8,048 17,571 — 25,619 Restructuring and other related charges 6,199 3,992 — 10,191 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 1,246 — 1,246 Adjusted operating income $ 208,410 $ 13,465 $ (2,540) $ 219,335 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 564,876 $ 53,097 $ (38) $ 617,935 Distribution 960,062 477,668 (20,984) 1,416,746 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,524,938 $ 530,765 $ (21,022) $ 2,034,681 Operating income (loss) $ 512,598 $ (147,226) $ (4,123) $ 361,249 Share-based compensation expense 34,754 8,387 — 43,141 Depreciation and amortization 30,633 49,549 — 80,182 Impairment charges — 130,411 — 130,411 Restructuring and other related charges 8,714 5,165 — 13,879 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 4,361 — 4,361 Adjusted operating income $ 586,699 $ 50,647 $ (4,123) $ 633,223 (In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 National International Inter-segment Consolidated Revenues, net Advertising $ 653,031 $ 63,613 $ (75) $ 716,569 Distribution 1,126,819 469,841 (38,112) 1,558,548 Consolidated revenues, net $ 1,779,850 $ 533,454 $ (38,187) $ 2,275,117 Operating income (loss) $ 648,180 $ (52,532) $ (12,090) $ 583,558 Share-based compensation expense 41,774 8,691 — 50,465 Depreciation and amortization 24,839 50,729 — 75,568 Restructuring and other related charges 6,776 23,915 (696) 29,995 Majority-owned equity investees AOI — 4,434 — 4,434 Adjusted operating income $ 721,569 $ 35,237 $ (12,786) $ 744,020
Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations	Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment. (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Inter-segment revenues National Networks $ (7,166) $ (18,140) $ (17,346) $ (29,790) International and Other (260) (5,094) (3,676) (8,397) $ (7,426) $ (23,234) $ (21,022) $ (38,187)
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Area	The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenues United States $ 497,677 $ 579,913 $ 1,646,065 $ 1,847,491 Europe 110,448 108,365 274,763 299,782 Other 45,890 30,319 113,853 127,844 $ 654,015 $ 718,597 $ 2,034,681 $ 2,275,117
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets	The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location: (In thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Property and equipment, net United States $ 241,541 $ 244,175 Europe 13,985 25,925 Other 203 13,652 $ 255,729 $ 283,752

Description of Business and B_3

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)networksegment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment		2
Number of national programming networks | network		5
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member
Decrease to retained earnings		$ (1,752,740)	$ (1,609,428)
Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease to retained earnings			$ 2,000

Revenue Recognition (Narrative)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue recognized	$ 37

Revenue Recognition (Contract w

Revenue Recognition (Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)	$ 1,014,956	$ 1,121,834
Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)	4,373	7,283
Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)	3,225	9,964
Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)	$ 61,557	$ 63,921

Net Income per Share (Reconcili

Net Income per Share (Reconciliation Between Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	52,346	55,847	53,374	56,339
Effect of dilution:
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	52,904	56,605	53,917	57,218
Stock options
Effect of dilution:
Effect of dilution (in shares)	0	7	0	18
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilution:
Effect of dilution (in shares)	558	751	543	861

Net Income per Share (Narrative

Net Income per Share (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	Oct. 21, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 16, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS			0.7	0.3
Amount authorized under Stock Repurchase Program			$ 1,500,000,000
Available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program			385,900,000
Aggregate cost		$ 12,159,000	$ 102,938,000	$ 69,613,000
Subsequent Event
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program	$ 135,300,000
Aggregate cost	$ 250,600,000
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from EPS			1.1	1.5
Class A Common Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Amount authorized under Stock Repurchase Program					$ 250,000,000
Number of shares repurchased			4
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)			$ 25.85
Additional outstanding shares available in offering (up to)					2.00%
Class A Common Stock | Subsequent Event
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased	10.8
Average purchase price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.20
Class A Common Stock | Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)					$ 26.50
Class A Common Stock | Minimum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)					$ 22.50

Restructuring and Other Relat_3

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and other related charges	$ 4,406	$ 10,191	$ 13,879	$ 29,995
Accrued restructuring costs	$ 8,428		$ 8,428		$ 27,628

Restructuring and Other Relat_4

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Summary of Restructuring and Other Related Charges by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	$ 4,406	$ 10,191	$ 13,879	$ 29,995
Operating segments | National Networks
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	5,991	6,199	8,714	6,776
Operating segments | International and Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	(1,585)	3,992	5,165	23,915
Inter-segment eliminations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total restructuring and other related charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (696)

Restructuring and Other Relat_5

Restructuring and Other Related Charges (Summary of Accrued Restructuring Costs) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2019	$ 27,628
Charges	13,879
Cash payments	(26,954)
Non-cash adjustments	(6,126)
Currency translation	1
Balance, September 30, 2020	8,428
Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2019	27,407
Charges	9,563
Cash payments	(26,763)
Non-cash adjustments	(1,810)
Currency translation	1
Balance, September 30, 2020	8,398
Other exit costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2019	221
Charges	4,316
Cash payments	(191)
Non-cash adjustments	(4,316)
Currency translation	0
Balance, September 30, 2020	$ 30

Program Rights (Program Rights

Program Rights (Program Rights by Predominant Monetization Strategy) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Predominantly Monetized Individually
Completed	$ 288,705
In-production and in-development	145,228
Total owned original program rights, net	433,933
Licensed film and acquired series	8,080
Licensed originals	235,149
Advances and content versioning costs	0
Total licensed program rights, net	243,229
Program rights, net	677,162
Predominantly Monetized as a Group
Completed	33,288
In-production and in-development	14,209
Total owned original program rights, net	47,497
Licensed film and acquired series	581,253
Licensed originals	0
Advances and content versioning costs	48,633
Total licensed program rights, net	629,886
Program rights, net	677,383
Total
Completed	321,993
In-production and in-development	159,437
Total owned original program rights, net	481,430
Licensed film and acquired series	589,333
Licensed originals	235,149
Advances and content versioning costs	48,633
Total licensed program rights, net	873,115
Program rights, net	1,354,545
Current portion of program rights, net	17,933
Program rights, net (long-term)	$ 1,336,612

Program Rights (Amortization of

Program Rights (Amortization of Owned and Licensed Program Rights) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Owned original program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	$ 74,597	$ 235,868
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	11,854	27,831
Total	86,451	263,699
Licensed program rights
Predominantly Monetized Individually	20,479	61,741
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	100,019	296,764
Total	120,498	358,505
Predominantly Monetized Individually	95,076	297,609
Predominantly Monetized as a Group	111,873	324,595
Total	$ 206,949	$ 622,204

Program Rights (Narrative) (Det

Program Rights (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Entertainment [Abstract]
Program rights write-offs	$ 24.8	$ 1.6	$ 36.9	$ 15.2

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 69.6	$ 69.6			$ 69.1
Investments in marketable equity securities	39.7	39.7			4.4
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(3.7)	10.3
Investments in non-marketable equity securities	$ 34.5	34.5			$ 61.8
Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable		20	$ 20.2
Unrealized gain		$ 14.9
Reclassified from Non-marketable Security to Marketable Security
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments in marketable equity securities				$ 25

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 701,980
Impairment charge	(25,062)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(996)
Foreign currency translation	(2,112)
Ending balance	673,810
National Networks
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	237,103
Impairment charge	0
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	(996)
Foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	236,107
International and Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	464,877
Impairment charge	(25,062)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill	0
Foreign currency translation	(2,112)
Ending balance	$ 437,703

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill		$ (996)
Impairment charge related to goodwill		25,062
Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets		32,600	$ 34,200
Impairment charge related to intangible assets	$ 105,300
AMCNI
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to goodwill		25,100
National Networks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill		(996)
Impairment charge related to goodwill		0
International and Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated impairment charges	$ 123,100	123,100		$ 98,000
Reduction in carrying amount of goodwill		0
Impairment charge related to goodwill		$ 25,062

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 778,329	$ 778,352
Accumulated Amortization	(380,451)	(273,721)
Net	397,878	504,631
Trademarks	19,900	19,900
Total intangible assets, gross	798,229	798,252
Total intangible assets, net	417,778	524,531
Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	617,178	616,197
Accumulated Amortization	(317,770)	(232,193)
Net	299,408	384,004
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	46,282	46,282
Accumulated Amortization	(24,976)	(21,820)
Net	$ 21,306	24,462
Estimated useful lives (in years)	11 years
Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 114,869	115,873
Accumulated Amortization	(37,705)	(19,708)
Net	$ 77,164	$ 96,165
Minimum | Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	6 years
Minimum | Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	3 years
Maximum | Affiliate and customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	25 years
Maximum | Trade names and other amortizable intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives (in years)	20 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 42,325
2021	37,808
2022	37,763
2023	37,687
2024	$ 37,618

Accrued Liabilities (Details)

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Employee related costs	$ 81,830	$ 89,753
Participations and residuals	91,411	70,682
Interest	37,089	29,767
Other accrued expenses	70,693	61,012
Total accrued liabilities	$ 281,023	$ 251,214

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long

Long-term Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 2,894,750,000	$ 3,131,250,000
Unamortized discount	(19,527,000)	(24,351,000)
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(8,132,000)	(10,670,000)
Long-term debt, net	2,867,091,000	3,096,229,000
Current portion of long-term debt	76,000,000	56,250,000
Long-term debt	$ 2,791,091,000	3,039,979,000
4.75% Notes due August 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%
5.00% Notes due April 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%
4.75% Notes due December 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%
Senior Notes | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 800,000,000	800,000,000
Senior Notes | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Senior Notes | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	400,000,000	600,000,000
Senior Notes | Other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,000,000	0
Credit facilities | Subsidiary credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,000,000
Total credit facilities	$ 7,000,000
Credit facilities | Subsidiary credit facilities | Prime rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, basis spread on rate	1.00%
Credit facilities | Subsidiary credit facilities | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.50%
Secured debt | Term Loan A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 693,750,000	$ 731,250,000
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining undrawn capacity	$ 500,000,000

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 2,867,091,000		$ 2,867,091,000			$ 3,096,229,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,908,000	$ 0
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%		4.75%		4.75%
Principal amount redeemed					$ 200,000,000
Principal amount					$ 600,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 2,900,000

Leases (Summary of Lease Assets

Leases (Summary of Lease Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease asset	$ 151,801	$ 170,056
Finance lease asset	13,453	15,713
Total lease assets	165,254	185,769
Operating lease liability, current	30,011	30,171
Finance lease liability, current	3,508	3,788
Total lease liabilities, current	33,519	33,959
Operating lease liability, noncurrent	181,032	193,570
Finance lease liability, noncurrent	28,517	17,477
Total lease liabilities, noncurrent	209,549	211,047
Total lease liabilities	$ 243,068	$ 245,006

Fair Value Measurement (Financi

Fair Value Measurement (Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	$ 295,051	$ 191,214
Marketable securities	39,699	4,448
Derivatives	1,366	1,884
Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	3,007	1,966
Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	3,568	1,888
Level I
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	295,051	191,214
Marketable securities	39,699	4,448
Derivatives	0	0
Level I | Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Level I | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Level II
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities	0	0
Derivatives	1,366	1,884
Level II | Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	3,007	1,966
Level II | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	3,568	1,888
Level III
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Level III | Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	0	0
Level III | Foreign currency derivatives
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement (Carryin

Fair Value Measurement (Carrying Values and Fair Values of the Company's Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
4.75% Notes due August 2025
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%
5.00% Notes due April 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.00%
4.75% Notes due December 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.75%
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	$ 2,867,091	$ 3,096,229
Carrying Amount | Term Loan A Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	687,991	723,560
Carrying Amount | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	789,648	788,247
Carrying Amount | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	990,436	988,609
Carrying Amount | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	398,016	595,813
Carrying Amount | Other debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	1,000
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	2,928,735	3,152,553
Estimated Fair Value | Term Loan A Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	679,875	724,303
Estimated Fair Value | 4.75% Notes due August 2025
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	828,160	803,000
Estimated Fair Value | 5.00% Notes due April 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	1,019,700	1,020,000
Estimated Fair Value | 4.75% Notes due December 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	400,000	$ 605,250
Estimated Fair Value | Other debt
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	$ 1,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts	$ 100,000

Derivative Financial Instrume_4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Included in Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest Rate Swap | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap contracts liabilities	$ 3,007	$ 1,966
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative assets	775	891
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Other assets
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative assets	591	993
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Accrued liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative liabilities	906	687
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency derivatives | Other liabilities
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency derivative liabilities	$ 2,662	$ 1,202

Derivative Financial Instrume_5

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Gains and Losses Related to Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in OCI	$ 615	$ (187)	$ (1,041)	$ (2,076)
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Earnings	606	78	1,360	113
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in OCI	$ 9	$ (265)	$ (2,401)	$ (2,190)

Derivative Financial Instrume_6

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Foreign currency derivatives | Miscellaneous, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain on derivative instrument	$ (1,300)	$ 510	$ (2,018)	$ 556

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 52,195	$ 8,727	$ 95,490	$ 53,807
Effective tax rate	43.00%	7.00%	38.00%	12.00%
Federal statutory rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Tax expense (benefit) from change in valuation allowance	$ 20,000	$ 2,000	$ 25,600	$ 21,500
Tax expense from foreign operations	400		9,800	5,600
State and local income tax expense	3,500	4,300	9,100	11,600
Tax expense relating to a disallowed deduction	1,700		4,700
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions	2,700		(6,000)
Tax benefit from foreign operations		13,600		15,600
Tax benefit from deferred tax adjustment		$ 11,500		$ 11,500
Foreign tax credit carry forwards	33,200		33,200
Valuation allowance	31,800		31,800
Second component of tax deductible goodwill, net of tax	$ 1,000		$ 1,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in contractual obligations not reflected in the balance sheet	$ 129,100,000
Contractual obligation	1,063,000,000
Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Claim for damages	280,000,000
Threatened Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Claim for damages	$ 20,000,000

Equity Plans (Narrative) (Detai

Equity Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units					$ 8,947	$ 23,019
Share-based compensation expense			$ 12,394	$ 13,841	$ 43,141	$ 50,465
Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, remaining period of recognition					1 year 8 months 12 days
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding					199,377
Total unrecognized share-based compensation costs			$ 47,400		$ 47,400
RSUs | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares vested in period					477,764
New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued					278,387
PRSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares surrendered to the Company for tax withholding					142,882
PRSUs | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares vested in period					325,836
New shares of Company's Class A common stock issued					182,954
2016 Employee Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)		1,171,956
Vesting period (in years)					3 years
2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)	54,535
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One | 2016 Employee Stock Plan | RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted in period (in units)		380,142

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int_3

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 309,451
Net earnings	12,788
Distributions	(12,945)
Other	5,103
Ending balance	$ 314,397

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Net revenues from related parties	$ 1.2	$ 1.2	$ 3.6	$ 3.5
Selling, general and administrative charges from related parties	$ 0.5	$ 0.2	$ 0.6	$ 1

Cash Flows (Summary of Non-Cash

Cash Flows (Summary of Non-Cash Activities and Other Supplemental Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Finance lease additions	$ 14,260	$ 0
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid	2,105	1,659
Supplemental Data:
Cash interest paid	91,940	104,698
Income taxes paid, net	$ 60,335	$ 121,110

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information (Summary of

Segment Information (Summary of Continuing Operations by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 654,015	$ 718,597	$ 2,034,681	$ 2,275,117
Operating income	139,477	168,438	361,249	583,558
Share-based compensation expense	12,394	13,841	43,141	50,465
Depreciation and amortization	27,547	25,619	80,182	75,568
Impairment charges	0	0	130,411	0
Restructuring and other related charges	4,406	10,191	13,879	29,995
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	1,667	1,246	4,361	4,434
Adjusted operating income	185,491	219,335	633,223	744,020
Operating segments | National Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	462,149	558,992	1,524,938	1,779,850
Operating income	129,842	182,479	512,598	648,180
Share-based compensation expense	9,922	11,684	34,754	41,774
Depreciation and amortization	13,422	8,048	30,633	24,839
Impairment charges			0
Restructuring and other related charges	5,991	6,199	8,714	6,776
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	0	0	0	0
Adjusted operating income	159,177	208,410	586,699	721,569
Operating segments | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	199,292	182,839	530,765	533,454
Operating income	11,198	(11,501)	(147,226)	(52,532)
Share-based compensation expense	2,472	2,157	8,387	8,691
Depreciation and amortization	14,125	17,571	49,549	50,729
Impairment charges			130,411
Restructuring and other related charges	(1,585)	3,992	5,165	23,915
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	1,667	1,246	4,361	4,434
Adjusted operating income	27,877	13,465	50,647	35,237
Inter-segment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(7,426)	(23,234)	(21,022)	(38,187)
Operating income	(1,563)	(2,540)	(4,123)	(12,090)
Share-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Impairment charges			0
Restructuring and other related charges	0	0	0	(696)
Majority-owned equity investees AOI	0	0	0	0
Adjusted operating income	(1,563)	(2,540)	(4,123)	(12,786)
Inter-segment eliminations | National Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(7,166)	(18,140)	(17,346)	(29,790)
Inter-segment eliminations | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(260)	(5,094)	(3,676)	(8,397)
Advertising
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	183,102	213,300	617,935	716,569
Advertising | Operating segments | National Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	164,216	194,452	564,876	653,031
Advertising | Operating segments | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	18,923	18,872	53,097	63,613
Advertising | Inter-segment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(37)	(24)	(38)	(75)
Distribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	470,913	505,297	1,416,746	1,558,548
Distribution | Operating segments | National Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	297,933	364,540	960,062	1,126,819
Distribution | Operating segments | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	180,369	163,967	477,668	469,841
Distribution | Inter-segment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ (7,389)	$ (23,210)	$ (20,984)	$ (38,112)

Segment Information (Summary _2

Segment Information (Summary of Inter-Segment Eliminations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 654,015	$ 718,597	$ 2,034,681	$ 2,275,117
Inter-segment eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(7,426)	(23,234)	(21,022)	(38,187)
Inter-segment eliminations | National Networks
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	(7,166)	(18,140)	(17,346)	(29,790)
Inter-segment eliminations | International and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ (260)	$ (5,094)	$ (3,676)	$ (8,397)

Segment Information (Revenues b

Segment Information (Revenues by geographic region) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 654,015	$ 718,597	$ 2,034,681	$ 2,275,117
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	497,677	579,913	1,646,065	1,847,491
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	110,448	108,365	274,763	299,782
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 45,890	$ 30,319	$ 113,853	$ 127,844

Segment Information (Long-lived

Segment Information (Long-lived Assets by Geographic Location) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 255,729	$ 283,752
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	241,541	244,175
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	13,985	25,925
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 203	$ 13,652