Ion Media Networks, the largest TV station group in the United States, extended its distribution agreement with SES Americom, the satellite operator announced June 26.

Ion has distributed programming via AMC-1 since 1998, and the programming distribution agreement extension will keep Ion on the satellite through its expected lifetime. AMC-1, located at 103.1° West, was placed in orbit in 1996 and has an expected lifetime of 15 years.

“Ion Media Networks has grown its penetration levels across cable, broadcast and [direct-to-home] markets and added new programs and capabilities during our relationship with SES Americom,” Mark Greenlee, Ion’s vice president of operations, said in a statement. “This new agreement provides Ion Media with the flexibility we need to continue building our business with new programs and formats across multiple platforms.”

Financial details of the agreement were not announced.