A+E Networks® UK moves its broadcast operations in EMEA to the cloud with Amagi and Amazon Web Services

Amagi, a global leader in cloud-based technology for broadcast and streaming TV, today announced that A+E Networks® UK has transitioned its playout and service delivery for its entire bouquet of 30 channels in Europe to Amagi’s cloud platform running on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The channels consist of 23 from A+E Networks UK, based in London and 7 from A+E Networks® Italia based in Rome. A+E Networks® UK, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, is a leading media network reaching 58 million homes across 100 countries. A+E Networks UK has partnered with over 360 pay TV operators to broadcast channels throughout regions such as Poland, the Nordics, Benelux, Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The complete bouquet of A+E Networks UK 30 channels across EMEA will now be delivered and managed by Amagi.

"This partnership is an important milestone in our goal to create an effective, scalable and future-facing operations in the cloud that is well positioned in our supply chain," said Matt Westrup, Vice President of Technology & Operations, A+E Networks® EMEA. "It allows us greater flexibility to manage our evolving EMEA portfolio. With the level of visibility, agility and control that the cloud offers, we can now manage our broadcast operations in EMEA remotely and this has been a huge advantage for us especially during the COVID-19 pandemic".

For A+E Networks UK, Amagi deployed CLOUDPORT, its award-winning cloud platform built on AWS cloud infrastructure to support end-to-end broadcast workflows and managed playout services. Initially set up as a business continuity playout option, the operation was transitioned to be the primary facility in a matter of weeks. Over 50,000 hours of content was ingested on to the cloud, and playout and delivery of 30 channels were managed over IP, satellite and fibre infrastructure. The service is equipped with an SLA-driven 24x7 monitoring using advanced technology tools, and L1, L2 and L3 support personnel. Amagi has 60+ strong Network Operations Centre with a full stack of home-grown monitoring technology platform that allows for effective end-to-end monitoring and management of the entire broadcast infrastructure.

"A+E Networks UK has been at the forefront of delivering exciting and original programming to viewers across EMEA", said Baskar Subramanian, CEO, Amagi. "Our partnership with a renowned brand such as A+E Networks UK is yet another testament to the broadcast-grade reliability and operational maturity that Amagi’s cloud managed services on AWS is delivering on a global scale. We are excited to bring the unparalleled advantages of cloud technologies to A+E Networks UK, enabling them to innovate and distribute their unique content to viewers in Europe."

"A+E Networks UK continues to demonstrate its vision and leadership among broadcasters," said Mike Callahan, Head of Media Solutions Marketing, Amazon Web Services, Inc. "Its 30 channels include some of the most watched content throughout Europe. By transitioning its primary broadcast workflow to Amagi’s cloud playout solution, A+E Networks has once again shown that AWS provides the resilience, scale, and flexibility needed for professional broadcast production and delivery."

Amagi manages 350+ channels, with deployments in more than 40 countries. Amagi clients include NBCUniversal, Warner Media, Vice TV, Discovery, Fox Networks, IMG, MGM, Tastemade, PeopleTV, ShortsTV, PBS America, and Tegna.

For more information about Amagi and its cloud-based broadcast solutions, visit www.amagi.com.

About Amagi (www.amagi.com)

Amagi is one of the world’s largest cloud-managed broadcast services company. Amagi brings simplicity, advanced automation, and transparency to the entire broadcast operation, be it for traditional TV or next-gen multiscreen platforms. Amagi has deployments in over 40 countries, enabling TV networks to launch, operate, and monetize channels anywhere in the world. Amagi has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and London, broadcast operations in New Delhi, and an innovation center in Bangalore.

Amagi Contact:

Sanjay Kirimanjeshwar
Head of Global Marketing
sanjay@amagi.com

About A+E Networks® UK

A+E Networks® UK, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, is a leading media network reaching 58 million homes across 100 countries. With our global portfolio of popular, high-performing and creative brands - HISTORY®, Crime+Investigation®, Lifetime®, HISTORY2® and UK free to air BLAZE® - we have entertained and inspired audiences for over 20 years; telling the stories that need to be told. Our award-winning factual and entertainment content includes global hit franchises like Forged in Fire and Born this Way, must see dramas Knightfall and Vikings as well as original local commissions including: Al Murray’s Why Does Everyone Hate the English and Murdertown with Katherine Kelly (UK), Married at First Sight (Africa) and The Hunt for Baltic Gold (Poland). We complement our programming with innovative talent-led exclusive digital content and top rated podcasts. We currently partner with over 360 operators broadcasting throughout the Nordics, Benelux, Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We have offices in London, Warsaw, and Johannesburg. www.aenetworks.tv