The logos of AMC Networks and BBC America. (Graphic by The Desk)

AMC Networks has bought out its partner for the cable channel BBC America, the company announced on 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 service broadcaster to present its comedies and dramas to a stateside audience while allowing it to tap into 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 licensing agreement with BBC Studios, during which it replaced a considerable amount of British programming with re-runs of “Star Trek,” “Law & Order,...