Thanks to AMC Networks’ ongoing battle with DISH Network, we’ve gotten a pretty fun viral campaign. First we had both a viral video for The Walking Dead that had zombies scaring New Yorkers, then a contest where you could win $4,000 and other prizes. Their next endeavor is a campaign of a different kind. Get the details after the jump.
AMC Networks, which includes such channels as AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv, has been in a war with DISH Network for the past few months, and as of right now, none of those channels are on the satellite provider. AMC has been urging fans of their channels to switch to a different cable provider, even having a website dedicated to just that. This viral campaign works to both promote the company’s new shows (mainly The Walking Dead), and to reach out to the public about the issue.
This latest effort has a zombie running for President. You can learn all about the undead candidate at AZombieForPresident.com, including his positions, a letter requesting admission to the upcoming Presidential debates, and dates for his bus tour. There apparently will be a campaign video up soon, but until then, read the official press release below.
New York, NY — August 20, 2012 – The 2012 Presidential race is about to get more lively thanks to something quite dead – the news that A. Zombie, America’s first Zombie Presidential candidate, is entering the race.
A formidable third party contender for the nation’s highest office, A. Zombie is slated to announce his candidacy at a high-energy rally on Monday, August 20th at Westfield Horton Plaza in San Diego. The candidate and his human wife, Patty Morgan-Zombie, will then commence a cross-country bus tour that will take them to six major U.S. cities including Tampa and Charlotte, where they will bring their pro-zombie message to the Republican and Democratic Conventions.
“My husband is someone who has dedicated his life and his afterlife to bringing equal viewing opportunities to all Americans,” said Mrs. Zombie. He’s the right man to lead the fight to bring zombies to everyone in America, and he won’t stop — even if it kills him, again.”
The A. Zombie for President Campaign is organized by AMC Networks, home to AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel. Satellite company DISH dropped these networks earlier this year because of an unrelated lawsuit and is now in the disadvantaged position of being the nation’s only major television provider without these channels and their popular shows.
A one-issue candidate, A. Zombie’s mission is to rally zombie fans around the country who don’t have access to these networks and shows to find an alternative television provider before the highly-anticipated third season premiere on October 14, 2012 of A. Zombie’s favorite show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the most watched basic cable scripted drama series among DISH subscribers, according to the Nielsen company.
At present, A. Zombie’s campaign juggernaut is slated to motor to: San Diego (August 20); Dallas (August 24); Tampa for the Republican Convention (August 28); Atlanta (September 1); Charlotte for the Democratic Convention (September 3 – 4) and New York City (September 5).
For more information about the campaign, please visit: www.azombieforpresident.com.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.
Season 3 of The Walking Dead premieres on October 14th.