Anchorage-based telecommunications company GCI said Monday that it will drop AMC Networks and Univision in 2016 because of price hikes from both of those networks.
GCI, the largest cable provider in Alaska, said in a press release that AMC Networks proposed "an almost 200 percent cost increase for all the network's channels as a condition of carrying AMC." GCI will not carry the channels AMC, We or IFC, but it will continue to carry BBC America.
The release also said that 750 other TV operators around the country might not renew their contracts with AMC because of the fee increases. On its website, AMC is urging viewers to contact their providers and tell them to keep the channels.
GCI will also add several new channels next year, including One World Sports, Discovery Family and Outside Television.
Alaskans will still be able to watch the popular AMC show "The Walking Dead" via GCI's TiVo service and other online outlets. GCI is also offering existing TiVo customers a $50 gift card to access new content through VUDU and Netflix. Customers can call 844-754-3711 to request that card.
GCI spokeswoman Heather Handyside said that "Univision's high-cost proposal just didn't make sense for our customers," and that GCI carries other Spanish-language options including Telemundo.
In mid-December, the Matanuska Telephone Association -- which provides phone, Internet and TV service -- said it was also in negotiations with AMC Networks over the cost increase.
In addition to AMC and Univision, GCI will no longer carry Reelz, Pop or TVG in 2016.