Foody Link: A. Zombie for president brings Walking Dead back to Dish Network (2012)

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In 2012 Dish Network dropped AMC Network channels, AMC, WE tv, IFC, and Sundance from its roster. The satellite cable provider sited fees associated with the new contract weren’t a good value for its subscribers. Fans and execs at AMC Network weren’t pleased with this change and publicly expressed their displeasure. One unique way was with a presidential campaign for one A. Zombie.

AMC Networks introduced the independent candidate, A. Zombie, who was running for president on the campaign to bring back the AMC Network channels to Dish Network subscribers. AMC took the drop from Dish Network seriously as it began in July 2012, and by August, fans had already missed a portion of the new season of Breaking Bad.

The Walking Dead was scheduled for an October 14 release date that year and fans weren’t happy with the notion that they wouldn’t be able to watch their favorite show.

The Walking Dead season 3

On August 20, 2012, the first campaign stop for A. Zombie was in San Diego. Mr. Zombie was joined by his wife Patty, who stated that her husband has dedicated his life and after-life to bringing equal viewing opportunities to all.

The A. Zombie Campaign schedule included stops in Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, along with stops at both Republican and Democratic National Conventions in Tampa and Charlotte, NC.

The campaign was successful as CNN reports by October 22, 2012, an agreement was drawn between Dish Network and AMC Network to restore the AMC channels to Dish’s lineup of programming. AMC was added immediately, just in time to allow subscribers to view the second episode of The Walking Dead’s third season. WE tv, IFC, and Sundance were restored by November 1, 2012.

It was a fantastic way to show fans’ support and AMC’s determination to fight for their lineup of shows, including The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad and Mad Men.