WASHINGTON — Bethesda-based video-streaming and film company RLJ Entertainment, formed by BET founder Robert Johnson four years ago, is getting a significant investment from AMC Networks.
AMC will loan RLJ Entertainment $65 million in exchange for the right to acquire up to 50 percent of the company.
RLJ Entertainment runs Acorn TV, a video-streaming service that features British programming and Urban Movie Channel, whose programing focuses on African Americans.
AMC’s properties include its flagship AMC cable channel, BBC America, SundanceTV, IFC Films and WE tv, a network focused on programming for African American audiences.
RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn TV has 370,000 subscribers — nearly double what it had a year ago.
RLJ Entertainment says it will use the AMC investment and support to accelerate the distribution and development of content and independent films.
