A+E Networks

The story of A+E Networks isn't a typical startup narrative; it's a tale of corporate media evolution. The company's roots trace back to 1984 with the launch of the Arts & Entertainment Network (A&E). This was a joint venture between Hearst and ABC, which itself was a merger of two existing channels: the Alpha Repertory Television Service (ARTS) and The Entertainment Channel. Around the same time, the Rockefeller family, along with other partners, launched The History Channel, which would later become a cornerstone of the A+E portfolio. A significant event in the company's journey was the 1995 formation of A&E Television Networks (AETN) through the merger of A&E and The History Channel. This move consolidated these two powerful brands under one umbrella. The modern A+E Networks as we know it today was formed in 2012 when A&E Television Networks acquired a stake in Lifetime Entertainment Services, bringing another major player into its fold. Today, A+E Networks is a private company, jointly owned by Hearst and The Walt Disney Company (which acquired ABC). It operates as a global media and entertainment brand, with a portfolio that includes A&E, History, Lifetime, and more. Its journey wasn't one of a public offering or venture capital rounds, but one of strategic mergers and acquisitions between established media giants, creating a powerhouse of content that blends historical programming with popular entertainment.