AMC Networks has bought its cable channel partner BBC America, the company announced Friday.

The entertainment giant spent $49 million in cash to acquire full control of the channel from BBC Studios, which held a 50.1 percent stake in the network.

The channel was originally launched in 1998 by the commercial arm of the BBC, then known as BBC Worldwide, which allowed the British public broadcaster to present its comedies and dramas to audiences in the United States, while allowing it to take advantage of various advertising opportunities.

BBC America was originally distributed by Discovery Communications, but the partnership ended in 2014 when AMC Networks acquired a minority stake in the channel. It continued to operate under a license agreement with BBC Studios, during which it replaced a considerable amount of British programming with reruns of Star Trek, Law & Order, Bones and Hollywood films.

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That said, the partnership between the BBC and AMC has spawned a handful of hits like “Orphan Black” and “Killing Eve,” which first aired on BBC America before moving to AMC Plus and other platforms. The channel also offered reruns of “Doctor Who” until the show moved Disney Plus.

AMC Networks has yet to detail plans for the channel, and executives have not said whether they will retain the BBC branding in the long term.

“We still maintain a close commercial relationship with BBC Studios to ensure the brand and programming remain top-notch,” Patrick O’Connell, chief financial officer at AMC Networks, said in a conference call with investors. “We will continue to fully strengthen BBC America as we did prior to the transaction.”

BBC Studios executives seem more optimistic that at least some of their programming will remain on BBC America for years to come.

“We are delighted to continue our commercial partnership with AMC Networks, ensuring the continued growth and success of the BBC America brand and its programming,” Rebecca Glashow, CEO of BBC Studios’ global media and streaming business, said in a statement.

The acquisition of BBC America comes as AMC’s cable business continues to be hit by TV fans ditching cable and satellite for cheaper, streaming-only options. That higher loss — the industry calls it “cord cutting” — has reduced distribution and advertising revenue.

FridayAMC Networks said third quarter (Q3) cable distribution revenue was $316 million, down 5% from last year. Cable advertising revenue fell 10% to $133 million.

In addition to BBC America, AMC Networks owns the flagship channel AMC, as well as IFC, Sundance Now and We TV. The company also owns the domestic distribution rights for BBC News, which it offers as an ad-supported free-to-air streaming TV channel.