Exhibit 10.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), made on April 2, 2018, to be
effective as of April 1, 2018 (“Effective Date”), is entered into by and between
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (the “Company”), and William E. Niles (“Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

The Company and Executive are parties to an Employment Agreement, dated as of
May 31, 2011, as thereafter amended (the “Original Agreement”).

The Company desires to continue to employ Executive, and Executive desires to
accept such employment, under the terms and conditions set forth herein. The
Company and the Executive desire to amend and restate in its entirety the
Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein
contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:

ARTICLE I

EMPLOYMENT; TERM; DUTIES

1.1    Employment. Upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, the
Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as
Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the request of the Board of Directors of the
Company, Executive shall resign from the position of Chief Executive Officer and
resume Executive’s prior position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary and such request shall not be a violation of the terms of this
Agreement.

1.2    Term. Subject to Article IV below, Executive’s employment hereunder shall
begin as of the Effective Date and terminate at the close of business on
February 28, 2020 or such earlier date as provided for herein (the “Term”).

1.3    Duties. During the Term, Executive shall perform such executive duties
for the Company and/or its subsidiaries or affiliates (together, “Affiliates”),
consistent with his position hereunder. Executive shall devote his entire
productive business time, attention and energies to the performance of his
duties hereunder. Executive shall use his best efforts to advance the interests
and business of the Company and its Affiliates. Executive shall abide by the
rules, regulations and policies of the Company, as may be in effect from time to
time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Term, Executive may act for his
own account in passive-type investments as provided in Section 5.3, or as a
member of boards of directors of other companies, where the time allocated for
those activities does not materially interfere with or create a conflict of
interest with the discharge of his duties for the Company.

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1.4    Reporting. Executive shall report directly to the Board of Directors of
the Company.

1.5    Location. Except for services rendered during business trips as may be
reasonably necessary, Executive shall render his services under this Agreement
primarily from the principal executive offices of the Company in the Denver,
Colorado metropolitan area.

1.6    Exclusive Agreement. Executive represents and warrants to the Company
that there are no agreements or arrangements, whether written or oral, in effect
which would prevent Executive from rendering his exclusive services to the
Company during the Term.

ARTICLE II

COMPENSATION

2.1    Compensation. For all services rendered by Executive hereunder and all
covenants and conditions undertaken by him pursuant to this Agreement, the
Company shall pay, and Executive shall accept, as full compensation, the amounts
set forth in this Article II.

2.2    Base Salary. Executive’s base salary shall be an annual salary of
$500,000 (“Base Salary”), payable by the Company in accordance with the
Company’s normal payroll practices. The Base Salary shall be reviewed on an
annual basis during the Term for increase in the sole discretion of the
compensation committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the
Company.

2.3    Bonus. For each fiscal year during the Term, in addition to the Base
Salary, Executive shall be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus of 75% of
Executive’s Base Salary (the “Target Bonus”). Executive’s entitlement to any
bonus will be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, based upon the
achievement of such criteria as the Committee may establish in its sole
discretion with respect to each fiscal year of the Term. Nothing in this
Agreement shall be construed to guarantee the payment of any bonus to Executive.
For the Purpose of calculating severance, the term “Target Bonus” shall mean an
amount equal to 75% of Executive’s then Base Salary.

2.4    Deductions. The Company shall deduct from the compensation described in
Sections 2.2 and 2.3, and from any other compensation payable pursuant to this
Agreement, any federal, state or local withholding taxes, social security
contributions and any other amounts which may be required to be deducted or
withheld by the Company pursuant to any federal, state or local laws, rules or
regulations.

2.5    Disability Adjustment. Any compensation otherwise payable to Executive
pursuant to Sections 2.2 and 2.3 in respect of any period during which Executive
is Disabled (as defined in Section 4.4) shall be reduced by any amounts payable
to Executive for loss of earnings or the like under any insurance plan or policy
sponsored by the Company.

ARTICLE III

BENEFITS; EXPENSES

3.1    Benefits. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in
such group life, health, accident, disability or hospitalization insurance
plans, pension plans and retirement plans as the Company may make available to
its other senior executive employees as a group, subject to the terms and
conditions

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of any such plans. Executive’s participation in all such plans shall be at a
level, and on terms and conditions, that are commensurate with his positions and
responsibilities at the Company.

3.2    Expenses. The Company agrees that Executive is authorized to incur
reasonable and appropriate expenses in the performance of his duties hereunder
and in promoting the business of the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Company’s Travel & Entertainment Policy (as the same may be modified or amended
by the Company from time to time in its sole discretion).

3.3    Vacation. Executive shall accrue a total of one hundred sixty (160) hours
of vacation per year following the date of this Agreement.  If, at any time
during the Term, Executive accumulates two hundred forty (240) hours of earned
but unused vacation time (the “Accrual Cap”), Executive will not accrue
additional vacation time until he has taken a portion of the previously earned
vacation.  Executive will again accrue paid vacation time when his accumulated
amount of earned but unused vacation time falls below the Accrual Cap.  Upon
termination of Executive’s employment, any accrued but unused vacation time will
be paid to Executive.

3.4    Key Man Insurance. The Company may secure in its own name or otherwise,
and at its own expense, life, health, accident and other insurance covering
Executive alone or with others, and Executive shall not have any right, title or
interest in or to such insurance other than as expressly provided herein.
Executive agrees to assist the Company in procuring such insurance by submitting
to the usual and customary medical and other examinations to be conducted by
such physicians as the Company or such insurance company may designate and by
signing such applications and other written instruments as may be required by
the insurance companies to which application is made for such insurance.
Executive’s failure to submit to such usual and customary medical and other
examinations shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

TERMINATION; DEATH; DISABILITY

4.1    Termination of Employment For Cause. In addition to any other remedies
available to the Company at law, in equity or as set forth in this Agreement,
the Company shall have the right, upon written notice to Executive, to terminate
Executive’s employment hereunder at any time for “Cause” (a “Termination For
Cause”). In the event of a Termination For Cause, Executive’s employment will
terminate and the Company shall have no further liability or obligation to
Executive (other than the Company’s obligation to pay Base Salary and vacation
time accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination and reimbursement of
expenses incurred prior to the date of termination in accordance with Section
3.2 above).

For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean: (a) any act or omission that
constitutes a breach by Executive of any of his material obligations under this
Agreement; (b) the continued failure or refusal of Executive (i) to
substantially perform the material duties required of him as an Executive of the
Company and/or (ii) to comply with reasonable directions of the Board of
Directors; (c) any material violation by Executive of any (i) policy, rule or
regulation of the Company or (ii) any law or regulation applicable to the
business of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (d) Executive’s material act
or omission constituting fraud, dishonesty or misrepresentation, occurring
subsequent to the commencement of his employment with the Company; (e)
Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of his duties hereunder; (f)
Executive’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any crime
(whether or not involving the Company) which constitutes a felony or crime of
moral turpitude or is punishable by imprisonment of thirty (30) days or more,
provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall obligate the Company to
pay Base Salary

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or any bonus compensation or benefits during any period that Executive is unable
to perform his duties hereunder due to any incarceration, and provided, further,
that nothing shall prevent Executive’s termination under any other subsection of
this Section 4.1 if it provides independent grounds for termination; or (g) any
other misconduct by Executive that is materially injurious to the financial
condition or business reputation of, or is otherwise materially injurious to,
the Company or any of its Affiliates.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no purported Termination For Cause pursuant to
(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g) of the preceding paragraph of this Section 4.1
shall be effective unless all of the following provisions shall have been
complied with: (i) Executive shall be given written notice by the Company of its
intention to effect a Termination For Cause, such notice to state in detail the
particular circumstances that constitute the grounds on which the proposed
Termination For Cause is based; and (ii) Executive shall have ten (10) business
days after receiving such notice in which to cure such grounds, to the extent
such cure is possible, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

4.2    Termination of Employment Without Cause. During the Term, the Company may
at any time, in its sole discretion, terminate the employment of Executive
hereunder for any reason (other than those set forth in Section 4.1 above) upon
written notice (the “Termination Notice”) to Executive (a “Termination Without
Cause”). In such event, the Company shall pay Executive an amount equal to the
sum of the following:

(a)    any Base Salary and vacation time accrued but unpaid as of the date of
termination;

(b)    subject to Sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 and 5.3 below, an amount (the
“Severance Payment”) equal to the sum of:

(i) if the termination of Executive’s employment occurs prior to a Change in
Control (as defined in Section 4.9), the product of (i) the sum of Executive’s
Base Salary plus the Target Bonus, both as in effect immediately prior to such
Termination Without Cause multiplied by (ii) 2; or

(ii) if the termination of Executive’s employment occurs concurrently with or
following a Change in Control, the product of (i) the sum of Executive’s Base
Salary plus the Target Bonus, both as in effect immediately prior to such
Termination Without Cause multiplied by (ii) 2.5;

(c)    any Bonus to which Executive has become entitled for the calendar year
prior to the year in which such Termination Without Cause occurs but which
remains unpaid at the date of termination (“Unpaid Bonus”); and

(d)    any reimbursement for expenses incurred in accordance with Section 3.2.

Any Severance Payment to which Executive becomes entitled shall be payable in
cash in a lump sum no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of
termination of Executive’s employment (or, if such day is not a business day, on
the first business day thereafter).

In addition, subject to Sections 4.5 and 4.6 below, to the extent such coverage
is available and is elected by Executive under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall contribute to the health
insurance plan maintained by the Company and covering the Executive and his
dependents as of the date of termination, or any successor plan maintained by
the Company, that amount that reflects the proportionate part of the premium for
such coverage that is paid by the Company as

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of the date of termination (the “Benefits Payments”), such Benefits Payments to
be made monthly in accordance with the Company’s normal procedures for the
payment of health insurance premiums, throughout the period beginning on the
date of termination and ending on the earlier of the 24-month anniversary of the
date of termination and the expiration of the coverage period specified in
COBRA, such period to be determined as of the date of termination (the
“Reimbursement Period”) (i.e., Executive shall bear responsibility for that
portion of the health insurance premiums in excess of the Benefits Payments),
or, alternately, in the Company’s sole discretion, the Company shall reimburse
Executive the amount of the Benefits Payment on a monthly basis during the
Reimbursement Period, upon Executive’s submission to the Company of adequate
proof of payment of the full COBRA premium by Executive; provided, however, that
if Executive becomes employed with another employer during the Reimbursement
Period and is eligible to receive health and/or medical benefits that are
substantially comparable to those offered by the Company under such other
employer’s plans, as determined by the Company, the Company’s payment obligation
under this paragraph shall end. Executive will notify the Company of his
eligibility for such other employer-provided benefits within thirty (30) days of
attaining of such eligibility. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that
the Company’s payment obligation under this paragraph would violate the
nondiscrimination rules applicable to non-grandfathered group health plans, or
result in the imposition of penalties under the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the related regulations and guidance promulgated
thereunder (“PPACA”), the Company and Executive agree to reform this paragraph
in a manner as is necessary to comply with PPACA while still providing
economically equivalent benefits. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall be
responsible for paying any U.S. federal or state income taxes associated with
the Benefits Payments.

At least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Term, the Company shall
deliver a written notice to Executive stating either (i) that the Company does
not intend to offer Executive a new employment agreement to take effect at the
expiration of the Term (a “Non-Renewal Notice”) or (ii) that the Company offers
Executive a new employment agreement to take effect at the expiration of the
Term upon terms (other than the length of the term of such new employment
agreement) that are, in material respects, taken as a whole, at least as
favorable to Executive as the terms of this Agreement, and the material terms of
such offer shall be summarized or set forth in the notice (“Renewal Notice”). If
the Company delivers a Non-Renewal Notice, or if the Company fails to deliver
either a Renewal Notice or a Non-Renewal Notice on a timely basis as provided in
the immediately preceding sentence, Executive’s employment shall be terminated
at the expiration of the Term (or at such earlier date as may be set forth in
the Non-Renewal Notice), and such termination shall be a Termination Without
Cause, whereupon, subject to Sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 and 5.3 below,
Executive shall be entitled to receive the amounts and benefits as provided
under this Section 4.2.

Executive acknowledges that the payments and benefits described in this Section
4.2, together with any rights or benefits under any written plan or agreement
which have vested on or prior to the termination date of Executive’s employment
under this Section 4.2, constitute the only payments which Executive shall be
entitled to receive from the Company hereunder in the event of any termination
of his employment pursuant to this Section 4.2, and the Company shall have no
further liability or obligation to him hereunder or otherwise in respect of his
employment.

4.3    Termination of Employment With Good Reason. In addition to any other
remedies available to Executive at law, in equity or as set forth in this
Agreement, Executive shall have the right during the Term, upon written notice
to the Company, to terminate his employment hereunder upon the occurrence of any
of the following events without the prior written consent of Executive: (a) a
reduction in Executive’s then current Base Salary; (b) the relocation by the
Company of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 35
miles from Executive’s principal place of employment prior to such relocation,
without Executive’s consent, or (c) a breach by the Company of any material
provision of this Agreement (a

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“Termination With Good Reason”). For the avoidance of doubt, the change in
Executive’s position as described in Section 1.1 shall not give rise to an event
constituting a Termination With Good Reason.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no purported Termination With Good Reason
pursuant to Section 4.3(a), (b) or (c) shall be effective unless all of the
following provisions shall have been complied with: (i) the Company shall be
given written notice by Executive of the intention to effect a Termination With
Good Reason, such notice to state in detail the particular circumstances that
constitute the grounds on which the proposed Termination With Good Reason is
based and to be given no later than ninety (90) days after the initial
occurrence of such circumstances; (ii) the Company shall have thirty (30) days
after receiving such notice in which to cure such grounds, to the extent such
cure is possible and (iii) if the Company fails to cure such grounds within such
30-day period, Executive terminates his employment hereunder on the last day of
such 30-day period.

In the event that a Termination With Good Reason occurs, then, subject to
Sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 and 5.3 below, Executive shall have the same entitlement
to the same amounts and benefits as provided under Section 4.2 for a Termination
Without Cause.

Executive acknowledges that the payments and benefits referred to in this
Section 4.3, together with any rights or benefits under any written plan or
agreement which have vested on or prior to the termination date of Executive’s
employment under this Section 4.3, constitute the only payments which Executive
shall be entitled to receive from the Company hereunder in the event of any
termination of his employment pursuant to this Section 4.3, and the Company
shall have no further liability or obligation to him hereunder or otherwise in
respect of his employment.

4.4    Death; Disability. In the event that Executive dies or becomes Disabled
(as defined herein) during the Term, Executive’s employment shall terminate when
such death or Disability occurs and the Company shall pay Executive (or his
legal representative, as the case may be) as follows:

(a)    any Base Salary and vacation time accrued but unpaid as of the date of
death or termination for Disability payable in a single lump sum cash payment
within thirty (30) days of such termination of employment;

(b)    any reimbursement for expenses incurred in accordance with Section 3.2.;
and
        
(c)    an amount equal to 18 months of Base Salary in effect immediately prior
to such death or Disability payable in a single cash lump sum on the 60th
business day following the termination date.

For the purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be deemed to be “Disabled”
or have a “Disability” if, because of Executive’s physical or mental disability,
he has been substantially unable to perform his duties hereunder for twelve (12)
work weeks in any twelve (12) month period. Executive shall be considered to
have been substantially unable to perform his duties hereunder only if he is
either (a) unable to reasonably and effectively carry out his duties with
reasonable accommodations by the Company or (b) unable to reasonably and
effectively carry out his duties because any reasonable accommodation which may
be required would cause the Company undue hardship. In the event of a
disagreement concerning Executive’s purported Disability, Executive shall submit
to such examinations as are deemed appropriate by three practicing physicians
specializing in the area of Executive’s Disability, one selected by Executive,
one selected by the Company, and one selected by both such physicians. The
majority decision of such three physicians shall be final and binding on the
parties.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent and for the period required by any
state or federal family and medical leave law, upon Executive’s request (i) he
shall be considered to be on unpaid leave of absence and not terminated, (ii)
his group health benefits shall remain in full force and effect, and (iii) if
Executive recovers from any such Disability, at that time, to the extent
required by any state or federal family and medical leave law, upon Executive’s
request, he shall be restored to his position hereunder or to an equivalent
position, as the Company may determine, and the Term of Executive’s employment
hereunder shall be reinstated effective upon such restoration. The Term shall
not be extended by reason of such intervening leave of absence or termination,
nor shall any compensation or benefits accrue in excess of those required by law
during such intervening leave of absence or termination. Upon the expiration of
any such rights, unless Executive has been restored to a position with the
Company, he shall thereupon be considered terminated.

Executive acknowledges that the payments referred to in this Section 4.4,
together with any rights or benefits under any written plan or agreement which
have vested on or prior to the termination date of Executive’s employment under
this Section 4.4, constitute the only payments which Executive (or his legal
representative, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive from the
Company hereunder in the event of a termination of his employment for death or
Disability, and the Company shall have no further liability or obligation to him
(or his legal representatives, as the case may be) hereunder or otherwise in
respect of his employment.

4.5    No Mitigation by Executive. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment
provided for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor
shall the amount of any payment provided for herein be reduced by any
compensation earned by Executive as the result of employment by another
employer; provided, however, that if Executive becomes employed with another
employer and is eligible to receive health and/or medical benefits under such
other employer’s plans, Executive’s continued benefits and/or plan coverage as
set forth in Section 4.2 or 4.3, as the case may be, shall be reduced to the
extent that comparable benefits and/or coverage is provided under such other
employer’s plans.

4.6    Severance Agreement and Release. In the event that Executive incurs a
termination of employment pursuant to (i) a Termination Without Cause (as
defined in Section 4.2 above), or (ii) a Termination With Good Reason (as
defined in Section 4.3 above), payment by the Company of the amounts described
in said sections shall be subject to the execution and delivery to the Company
by Executive of a severance agreement and release (the “Release”) in a form
substantially and materially similar to Attachment A hereto within the
applicable time period described below.

The Release shall be delivered to Executive, in the case of a Termination
Without Cause, at the time of delivery of the Termination Notice, and, in the
case of a Termination With Good Reason, upon delivery of written notice by
Executive to the Company. Executive shall have a period of twenty-one (21) days
(or, if required by applicable law, a period of forty-five (45) days) after the
effective date of termination of this Agreement (the “Consideration Period”) in
which to execute and return the original, signed Release to the Company. If
Executive delivers the original, signed Release to the Company prior to the
expiration of the Consideration Period and does not thereafter revoke such
Release within any period of time provided therefor under applicable law,
Executive shall, subject to Sections 4.7 and 5.3 below, be entitled to the
Severance Payment as described in Section 4.2 (including by reason of Section
4.3, if applicable).

If Executive does not deliver the original, signed Release to the Company prior
to the expiration of the Consideration Period, or if Executive delivers the
original, signed Release to the Company prior to the

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expiration of the Consideration Period and thereafter revokes such Release
within any period of time provided therefor under applicable law, then:

(a)    the Company shall pay Executive an amount equal to the sum of (i) any
Base Salary and vacation time accrued but unpaid as of the date of termination,
plus (ii) any reimbursement for expenses incurred in accordance with Section
3.2, plus (iii) any Unpaid Bonus; and

(b)    the Company shall have no obligation to pay to Executive the Severance
Payment (as that term is defined in Section 4.2(b) above) or the Benefits
Payments (as that term is defined in Section 4.2).

4.7    Continued Compliance. Executive and the Company hereby acknowledge that
any Severance Payments and Benefits Payments payable by the Company under
Section 4.2 (including by reason of Section 4.3) are part of the consideration
for Executive’s undertakings under Article V below. Such amounts are subject to
Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Article V. If Executive
violates the provisions of Article V, then the Company will have no obligation
to make any of the Severance Payments or Benefits Payments that remain payable
by the Company under Section 4.2 (including by reason of Section 4.3) on or
after the date of such violation.

4.8    Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control”
means any of the following that otherwise meets the definition of a “change in
ownership,” a “change in effective control” or a “change in ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section
409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the
Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder:

(i)    the acquisition by any person or group (excluding John C. Malone and/or
any family member(s) of John C. Malone and/or any trust or other entity or
investment vehicle controlled by such persons or the holdings of which are for
the primary benefit of any of such persons (collectively, the “Permitted
Holders”)) of ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock
already held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total
fair market value or more than 50% of the total voting power of the stock of the
Company;

(ii)    the acquisition by any person or group (other than the Permitted
Holders), in a single transaction or in multiple transactions all occurring
during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by
such person or group, assets from the Company that have a total gross fair
market value equal to or exceeding 40% of the total gross fair market value of
all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or
acquisitions; or

(iii)    the acquisition by any person or group (other than the Permitted
Holders), in a single transaction or in multiple transactions all occurring
during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by
such person or group, of ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or
more of the total voting power of the stock of Company or the replacement of a
majority of the Company’s Board of Directors during any 12-month period by
directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the
members of the Company’s Board of Directors before the date of appointment or
election.

For purposes of this Section 4.8, “person” and “group” have the meanings given
to them for purposes of Section 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or any

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successor provisions, and the term “group” includes any group acting for the
purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities within the meaning of
Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision.

ARTICLE V

OWNERSHIP OF PROCEEDS OF EMPLOYMENT; NON-DISCLOSURE;

NON-COMPETITION

5.1    Ownership of Proceeds of Employment.

5.1.1.    The Company shall be the sole and exclusive owner throughout the
universe in perpetuity of all of the results and proceeds of Executive’s
services, work and labor in connection with Executive’s employment by the
Company, free and clear of any and all claims, liens or encumbrances. Executive
shall promptly and fully disclose to the Company, with all necessary detail for
a complete understanding of the same, any and all developments, client and
potential client lists, know how, discoveries, inventions, improvements,
conceptions, ideas, writings, processes, formulae, contracts, methods, works,
whether or not patentable or copyrightable, which are conceived, made, acquired,
or written by Executive, solely or jointly with another, while employed by the
Company or within six months thereafter (whether or not at the request or upon
the suggestion of the Company) and which are substantially related to the
business or activities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, or which
Executive conceives as a result of his employment by the Company or its
Affiliates, or as a result of rendering advisory or consulting services to the
Company or its Affiliates (collectively, “Proprietary Rights”).

5.1.2.    Executive hereby assigns and transfers, and agrees to assign and
transfer, all his rights, title, and interests in the Proprietary Rights to the
Company or its nominee. In addition, Executive shall deliver to the Company any
and all drawings, notes, specifications, and data relating to the Proprietary
Rights. All copyrightable Proprietary Rights shall be considered to be “works
made for hire.” Whenever requested to do so by the Company, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company any and all applications, assignments and
other instruments and do such other acts that the Company shall request to apply
for and obtain patents and/or copyrights in any and all countries or to
otherwise protect the Company’s interest in the Proprietary Rights and/or to
vest title thereto to the Company; provided, however, the provisions of this
Section 5.1 shall not apply to any Proprietary Rights that Executive developed
entirely on his own time without using the Company’s equipment, supplies,
facilities or proprietary information, except for Proprietary Rights that (a) at
the time of conception or reduction to practice of the Proprietary Rights,
relate to the Company’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research
or development of the Company, or (b) result from any work performed by
Executive for the Company.

5.1.3.    Executive shall assist the Company in obtaining such copyrights and
patents during the term of this Agreement, and any time thereafter on reasonable
notice and at mutually convenient times, and Executive agrees to testify in any
prosecution or litigation involving any of the Proprietary Rights; provided,
however, Executive shall be reasonably compensated for his time and reimbursed
for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in rendering such assistance or giving
or preparing to give such testimony.

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5.2    Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information.

5.2.1.    As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any and all
information affecting or relating to the business of the Company and its
Affiliates, including without limitation, financial data, customer lists and
data, licensing arrangements, business strategies, pricing information, product
development, intellectual, artistic, literary, dramatic or musical rights,
works, or other materials of any kind or nature (whether or not entitled to
protection under applicable copyright laws, or reduced to or embodied in any
medium or tangible form), including without limitation, all copyrights, patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, contract rights, titles, themes,
stories, treatments, ideas, concepts, technologies, art work, logos, hardware,
software, and as may be embodied in any and all computer programs, tapes,
diskettes, disks, mailing lists, lists of actual or prospective customers and/or
suppliers, notebooks, documents, memoranda, reports, files, correspondence,
charts, lists and all other written, printed or otherwise recorded material of
any kind whatsoever and any other information, whether or not reduced to
writing, including “know-how”, ideas, concepts, research, processes, and plans.
“Confidential Information” does not include information that is in the public
domain, information that is generally known in the trade, or information that
Executive can prove he acquired wholly independently of his employment with the
Company. Executive shall not, at any time during the Term or thereafter,
directly or indirectly, disclose or furnish to any other person, firm or
corporation any Confidential Information, except in the course of the proper
performance of his duties hereunder or as required by law. Nothing in this
Section 5.2 prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of law or
regulation to any governmental agency or entity (or of making any other
protected disclosures). Promptly upon the expiration or termination of
Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason or whenever the Company so
requests, Executive shall surrender to the Company all documents, drawings, work
papers, lists, memoranda, records and other data (including all copies)
constituting or pertaining in any way to any of the Confidential Information.

5.2.2.    Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not
be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law
for the disclosure of any Confidential Information that (i) is made (A) in
confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or
indirectly, or to an attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or
investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) is made in a complaint or
other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made
under seal.

5.3    Non-Competition. In consideration of the Company disclosing and providing
access to Confidential Information after the date hereof, and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, Executive and the Company, intending to be legally bound, hereby
agree as follows. Executive shall not, during the Term or during the
Consideration Period, directly: (a) compete with the Company; or (b) have an
interest in, be employed by, be engaged in or participate in the ownership,
management, operation or control of, or act in any advisory or other capacity
for, any Competing Entity which conducts its business within the Territory (as
such terms are hereinafter defined); provided, however, that notwithstanding the
foregoing, Executive may make solely passive investments in any Competing Entity
the common stock of which is “publicly held,” and of which Executive shall not
own or control, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate securities which
constitute more than one (1%) percent of the voting rights or equity ownership
of such Competing Entity; or (c) solicit or divert any business or any customer
from the Company or assist any person, firm or corporation in doing so or
attempting to do so; or

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(d) cause or seek to cause any person, firm or corporation to refrain from
dealing or doing business with the Company or assist any person, firm or
corporation in doing so or attempting to do so.

For purposes of this Section 5.3, (i) the term “Competing Entity” shall mean any
entity which presently or during the period referred to above engages in any
business activity in which the Company or any of its Affiliates is then engaged;
and (ii) the term “Territory” shall mean any geographic area in which the
Company or any of its Affiliates conducts business during such period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Executive elects, during the
Consideration Period, to either (a) compete with the Company, or (b) have an
interest in, be employed by, be engaged in or participate in the ownership,
management, operation or control of, or act in any advisory or other capacity
for, any Competing Entity which conducts its business within the Territory (the
foregoing subsections (a) and (b), collectively, the “Competitive Activities”),
then, at least ten (10) business days prior to commencing any such Competitive
Activities, Executive shall deliver to the Company a written notice (the
“Competition Notice”) advising the Company of (i) Executive’s intent to commence
Competitive Activities, and (ii) the commencement date for such Competitive
Activities. Executive’s election to participate in any Competitive Activities
during the Consideration Period shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement;
rather, in the event Executive delivers the Competition Notice (and thereafter
engages in Competitive Activities prior to the expiration of the Consideration
Period), then (x) Executive shall forfeit any Severance Payment and Benefits
Payment otherwise payable pursuant to Section 4.2 or 4.3 above, and (y) the
Company shall have no obligation to make any Severance Payment or any Benefits
Payment under Section 4.2 or 4.3.

5.4    Non-Solicitation.

5.4.1.    Executive shall not, for a period of eighteen (18) months from the
date of any termination or expiration of his employment hereunder, directly or
indirectly: (a) acquire any financial interest in or perform any services for
himself or any other entity in connection with a business in which Executive’s
interest, duties or activities would inherently require Executive to reveal any
Confidential Information; or (b) solicit or cause to be solicited the disclosure
of or disclose any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever or for
any other party.

5.4.2.    In consideration of the Company disclosing and providing access to
Confidential Information after the date hereof, and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,
Executive and the Company, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as
follows. Executive shall not, for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date
of any termination or expiration of his employment hereunder, solicit, directly
or indirectly, or cause or permit others to solicit, directly or indirectly, any
person employed by the Company (a “Current Employee”) to leave employment with
the Company. The term “solicit” includes, but is not limited to the following
(regardless of whether done directly or indirectly): (i) requesting that a
Current Employee change employment, (ii) informing a Current Employee that an
opening exists elsewhere, (iii) assisting a Current Employee in finding
employment elsewhere, (iv) inquiring if a Current Employee “knows of anyone who
might be interested” in a position elsewhere, (v) inquiring if a Current
Employee might have an interest in employment elsewhere, (vi) informing others
of the name or status of, or other information about, a Current Employee, or
(vii) any other similar conduct, the effect of which is that a Current Employee
leaves the employment of the Company.

5.5    Breach of Provisions. In the event that Executive shall breach any of the
provisions of this Article V, or in the event that any such breach is threatened
by Executive, in addition to and without limiting

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or waiving any other remedies available to the Company at law or in equity, the
Company shall be entitled to immediate injunctive relief in any court, domestic
or foreign, having the capacity to grant such relief, without the necessity of
posting a bond, to restrain any such breach or threatened breach and to enforce
the provisions of this Article V. Executive acknowledges and agrees that there
is no adequate remedy at law for any such breach or threatened breach and, in
the event that any action or proceeding is brought seeking injunctive relief,
Executive shall not use as a defense thereto that there is an adequate remedy at
law.

5.6    Reasonable Restrictions. The parties acknowledge that the foregoing
restrictions, the duration and the territorial scope thereof as set forth in
this Article V, are under all of the circumstances reasonable and necessary for
the protection of the Company and its business.

5.7    Protected Disclosures. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in
this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from reporting
possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity,
including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making
other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of
federal law or regulation. Additionally, the parties acknowledge and agree that
Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such
reports or disclosures and Executive is not required to notify the Company that
Executive has made such reports or disclosures.

5.8    Definition. For purposes of this Article V, the term “Company” shall be
deemed to include (i) any predecessor to, or successor of the Company, (ii) any
subsidiary of the Company (including, without limitation, any entity in which
the Company owns 50% or more of the issued and outstanding equity), and (iii)
any entity that is under the control or common control of the Company
(including, by way of illustration and not as a limitation, any joint venture to
which the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a party).

ARTICLE VI

MISCELLANEOUS

6.1    Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal representatives, heirs,
distributees, successors and assigns.

6.2    Assignment. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor in
interest to its business, or to any subsidiary of the Company, and Executive
hereby agrees to be employed by such assignee as though such assignee were
originally the employer named herein.  Executive hereby acknowledges that the
services to be rendered by Executive are unique and personal, and, accordingly,
Executive may not assign any of his rights or delegate any of his duties or
obligations under this Agreement.

6.3    Notices. Any notice provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been given or made when personally delivered or three (3) days
following deposit for mailing by first class registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the address of the other party set forth below or
to such other address as may be specified by notice given in accordance with
this Section 6.3:

(a)    If to the Company:
        
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

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Attention:    Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman,
Compensation Committee
        
(b)    If to Executive: William E. Niles at the most recent address for
Executive listed in the payroll records of the Company.

6.4    Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof,
shall be held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or
portion thereof, and shall not in any manner affect or render invalid or
unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement or portion thereof, and this
Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision
or portion thereof were not contained herein. In addition, any such invalid or
unenforceable provision or portion thereof shall be deemed, without further
action on the part of the parties hereto, modified, amended or limited to the
extent necessary to render the same valid and enforceable.

6.5    Confidentiality. The parties hereto agree that they will not, during the
Term or thereafter, disclose to any other person or entity the terms or
conditions of this Agreement (excluding the financial terms hereof) without the
prior written consent of the other party, except as required by law, regulatory
authority or as necessary for either party to obtain personal loans or
financing. Approval of the Company and of Executive shall be required with
respect to any press releases regarding this Agreement and the activities of
Executive contemplated hereunder.

6.6    Arbitration. Except as provided otherwise in Section 5.5, if any
controversy, claim or dispute arises out of or in any way relates to this
Agreement, the alleged breach thereof, Executive’s employment with the Company
or termination therefrom, including without limitation, any and all claims for
employment discrimination or harassment, civil tort and any other employment
laws, excepting only claims which may not, by statute, be arbitrated, both
Executive and the Company (and its directors, officers, employees or agents)
agree to submit any such dispute exclusively to binding arbitration. Both
Executive and the Company acknowledge that they are relinquishing their right to
a jury trial in civil court. Executive and the Company agree that arbitration is
the exclusive remedy for all disputes arising out of or related to Executive’s
employment with the Company.

The arbitration shall be administered, at the election of the party initiating
the arbitration proceeding, either by JAMS in accordance with the Employment
Arbitration Rules & Procedures of JAMS then in effect and subject to JAMS Policy
on Employment Arbitration Minimum Standards or by the American Arbitration
Association in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution Rules of the
American Arbitration Association, except as provided otherwise in this
Agreement. Arbitration shall be commenced and heard in Denver County, Colorado.
Only one arbitrator shall preside over the proceedings. The arbitrator shall
apply the substantive law (and the law of remedies, if applicable) of Colorado
or federal law, or both, as applicable to the claim(s) asserted. In any
arbitration, the burden of proof shall be allocated as provided by applicable
law. The arbitrator shall have the authority to award any and all legal and
equitable relief authorized by the law applicable to the claim(s) being asserted
in the arbitration, as of the claim(s) were brought in a court of law. Either
party may bring an action in court to compel arbitration under this Agreement
and to enforce an arbitration award. Discovery, such as depositions or document
requests, shall be available to the Company and Executive as though the dispute
were pending in Colorado state court. The arbitrator shall have the ability to
rule on pre-hearing motions, as though the matter were in a Colorado state
court, including the ability to rule on a motion for summary judgment.

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Unless otherwise permitted under applicable law, the fees of the arbitrator and
any other fees for the administration of the arbitration that would not normally
be incurred if the action were brought in a court of law (e.g., filing fees,
room rental fees, etc.) shall be paid by the Company, provided that Executive
shall be required to pay the amount of filing fees equal to that which Executive
would be required to pay to file an action in Colorado state court. The
arbitrator must provide a written decision which is subject to limited judicial
review consistent with applicable law. If any part of this arbitration provision
is deemed to be unenforceable by an arbitrator or a court of law, that part may
be severed or reformed so as to make the balance of this arbitration provision
enforceable.

6.7    Waiver. No waiver by a party hereto of a breach or default hereunder by
the other party shall be considered valid unless in writing signed by such first
party, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or
default of the same or any other nature.

6.8    Controlling Nature of Agreement. To the extent any terms of this
Agreement are inconsistent with the terms or provisions of the Company’s
Employee Handbook or any other personnel policy statements or documents, the
terms of this Agreement shall control. To the extent that any terms and
conditions of Executive’s employment are not covered in this Agreement, the
terms and conditions set forth in the Employee Handbook or any similar document
shall control such terms.

6.9    Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes any and
all prior agreements or understanding between the Company and Executive, whether
written or oral, fully or partially performed relating to any or all matters
covered by and contained or otherwise dealt with in this Agreement, including
the Original Agreement.

6.10    Amendment. No modification, change or amendment of this Agreement or any
of its provisions shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the party
against whom such claimed modification, change or amendment is sought to be
enforced.

6.11    Authority. The parties each represent and warrant that they have the
power, authority and right to enter into this Agreement and to carry out and
perform the terms, covenants and conditions hereof.

6.12    Applicable Law. This Agreement, and all of the rights and obligations of
the parties in connection with the employment relationship established hereby,
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of
the State of Colorado without giving effect to principles relating to conflicts
of law.

6.13    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

6.14    Compliance with Section 409A

(a)    This Agreement is intended to provide payments that are exempt from or
compliant with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and related
regulations and Treasury pronouncements (“Section 409A”), and the Agreement
shall be interpreted accordingly. To the extent any payment or benefit provided
under this Agreement is subject to Section 409A, such benefit shall be provided
in a manner that complies with Section 409A, including any IRS guidance
promulgated with respect to Section 409A; provided, however, in no event shall
any action to comply with Section 409A reduce the aggregate amount payable to
Executive hereunder unless expressly agreed in writing by Executive.

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(b)    All reimbursements or provision of in-kind benefits pursuant to this
Agreement shall be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation §
1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) such that the reimbursement or provision will be deemed
payable at a specified time or on a fixed schedule relative to a permissible
payment event. Specifically, the amount reimbursed or in-kind benefits provided
under this Agreement during Executive’s taxable year may not affect the amounts
reimbursed or provided in any other taxable year (except that total
reimbursements may be limited by a lifetime maximum under a group health plan),
the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before the last day
of Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense was
incurred, and the right to reimbursement or provision of in-kind benefit is not
subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

(c)    To the extent required to comply with Section 409A (as determined by the
Company), if Executive is a “specified employee,” as determined by the Company,
as of his date of termination, then all amounts due under this Agreement that
constitute a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A, that
are provided as a result of a “separation from service” within the meaning of
Section 409A, and that would otherwise be paid or provided during the first six
months following Executive’s date of termination, shall be accumulated through
and paid or provided on the first business day that is more than six months
after Executive’s date of termination (or, if Executive dies during such six
month period, within thirty (30) days after Executive’s death). Each payment
under this Agreement, including each payment in a series of installment
payments, is intended to be a separate payment for purposes of Treas. Reg. §
1.409A-2(b).

(d)    For all purposes of this Agreement, Executive shall be considered to have
terminated employment with the Company when Executive incurs a “separation from
service” with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the
Code.

[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first above written.
 
 
 
 
"COMPANY"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
 
William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
 
Chairman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"EXECUTIVE"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ William E. Niles
 
 
 
 
William E. Niles
 
 
 
 
 

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Exhibit A

SEVERANCE AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

This Severance Agreement and General Release (the “Agreement”) is entered into
by and between William E. Niles (“Executive”) and Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
(the “Company”).

RECITALS

A.    Executive has been employed by the Company pursuant to an Employment
Agreement dated as of April 2, 2018, by and between Executive and the Company
(including the Attachments thereto, the “Employment Agreement”), and the
employment relationship with the Company has terminated effective [____________]
(the “Termination Date”);

B.    Pursuant to Section 4.6 of the Employment Agreement, Executive and the
Company wish to enter into an agreement to clarify and resolve any disputes that
may exist between them arising out of the employment relationship and its
termination, and any continuing obligations of the parties to one another
following the end of the employment relationship;

C.    The Company has advised Executive to consult an attorney prior to signing
this Agreement and has provided Executive with up to twenty-one (21) days to
consider its severance offer and to seek legal assistance. Executive has either
consulted an attorney of Executive’s choice or voluntarily elected not to
consult legal counsel, and understands that Executive is waiving all potential
claims against the Company;

D.    This Agreement is not and should not be construed as an admission or
statement by either party that it or any other party has acted wrongfully or
unlawfully. Both parties expressly deny any wrongful or unlawful action. Terms
not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement.

AGREEMENTS

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual
promises contained below, it is agreed as follows:

1.    Termination of Employment. Executive’s employment with the Company has
terminated effective as of the Termination Date. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement, and except as otherwise expressly set forth in the Employment
Agreement (i.e. obligations surviving termination of employment) Executive has
no further employment duties or responsibilities to the Company after the
Termination Date. Executive acknowledges that he has been paid all compensation
due and owing to him as a consequence of his employment with the Company
including any accrued but unused vacation and personal holidays, or bonuses.

2.    Severance and Benefits.

(a)    Severance Payments. Consistent with Section 4.2 of the Employment
Agreement, subject to the execution of this Agreement by both parties, the
Company shall pay to Executive an amount equal to $[__________] less applicable
withholding taxes, (the “Severance”), representing [Describe amount and terms of
the severance due pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement], which
shall be payable on [Describe payment terms pursuant to terms of Employment
Agreement]. The

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Severance shall be paid in addition to Executive’s salary through the
Termination Date and any accrued but unused vacation leave and personal
holidays.

(b)    Expense Reimbursements. In accordance with Company policy (e.g., Travel &
Entertainment Policy) and normal payroll practices, Executive also will receive
reimbursement for documented expenses (incurred through the Termination Date)
and submitted on or before [__________].

(c)    Benefits. The Company will also pay the employer-mandated premiums for
Executive’s health insurance benefit through [Describe Terms of Employment
Agreement]. All other benefits shall cease effective the date that Executive’s
employment is terminated, except that Executive shall have the right to elect
self-pay health insurance benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”) after the Termination Date. In addition,
subject to the execution of this Agreement by both parties and to the extent
such coverage is available and is elected by Executive under COBRA, the Company
shall contribute to the health insurance plan maintained by the Company and
covering Executive and his dependents as of the date of termination, or any
successor plan maintained by the Company, in an amount that reflects the
proportionate part of the premium for such coverage that is paid by the Company
as of the date of termination (the “Benefits Payments”), such Benefits Payments
to be made monthly in accordance with the Company’s normal procedures for the
payment of health insurance premiums, throughout the period beginning on the
date of termination and ending on the earlier of the 24-month anniversary of the
date of termination and the expiration of the coverage period specified in
COBRA, such period to be determined as of the date of termination (the
“Reimbursement Period”) (i.e., Executive shall bear responsibility for that
portion of the health insurance premiums in excess of the Benefits Payments),
or, alternately, in the Company’s sole discretion, the Company shall reimburse
Executive the amount of the Benefits Payment on a monthly basis during the
Reimbursement Period, upon Executive’s submission to the Company of adequate
proof of payment of the full COBRA premium by Executive; provided, however, that
if Executive becomes employed with another employer during the Reimbursement
Period and is eligible to receive health and/or medical benefits under such
other employer’s plans, the Company’s payment obligation under this Paragraph
2(c) shall be reduced to the extent that comparable benefits and/or coverage is
provided under such other employer’s plans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
the event that the Company’s group health plan is insured and under applicable
guidance the reimbursement of COBRA premiums causes the Company’s group health
plan to violate any applicable nondiscrimination rule, the Company and Executive
agree to negotiate in good faith a mutually agreeable alternative arrangement.
Executive will notify the Company of his eligibility for such other
employer-provided benefits within thirty (30) days of attaining of such
eligibility. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company’s
payment obligation under this paragraph would violate the nondiscrimination
rules applicable to non- grandfathered group health plans, or result in the
imposition of penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of
2010 and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (“PPACA”),
the Company and Executive agree to reform this paragraph in a manner as is
necessary to comply with PPACA while still providing economically equivalent
benefits. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall be responsible for paying
any U.S. federal or state income taxes associated with the Benefit Payments.

(d)    No Mitigation by Executive. Pursuant to Section 4.5 of the Employment
Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Executive shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Agreement by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any Severance
payment provided for herein be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive
as the result of employment by another employer; provided, however, that if
Executive becomes employed with another employer and is eligible to receive
health and/or medical benefits under

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such other employer’s plans, the Benefits Payments (as set forth in Paragraph
2(c) above) shall be reduced to the extent that comparable benefits and/or
coverage is provided under such other employer’s plans.

(e)    Continued Compliance. Executive and the Company hereby acknowledge that
the amounts and benefits payable by the Company under Paragraphs 2(a), and 2(c),
above, are part of the consideration for Executive’s undertakings under Article
V of the Employment Agreement and Paragraphs 8 and 9 below (“Covenants”). Such
amounts and benefits are subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the
Covenants. If Executive violates the provisions of the Covenants, then the
Company will have no obligation to make any of the payments that remain payable
by the Company under Paragraphs 2(a), or 2(c), above, on or after the date of
such violation.

(f)    No Other Payments. Executive hereby acknowledges that the payments and
benefits referred to in this Agreement, together with any rights or benefits
under any written plan or agreement which have vested on or prior to the
Termination Date, constitute the only payments which Executive shall be entitled
to receive from the Company as a consequence of the termination of his
employment with the Company, and the Company shall have no further liability or
obligation to Executive hereunder or otherwise in respect of his employment.

3.    Valid Consideration. Executive and the Company agree that the Company’s
payment of the Severance and the Benefit Payments without a signed release is
not required by the Company’s policies or procedures or by any contractual
obligation of the Company, and is given solely as consideration for Executive’s
covenants under this Agreement, which both parties acknowledge and agree is
sufficient and adequate consideration.

4.    Confidentiality of Severance Agreement. Executive agrees to keep the terms
of this Agreement (including but not limited to the severance amount) completely
confidential, and not to disclose any information concerning this Agreement or
its terms to anyone other than Executive’s immediate family, legal counsel, or
financial advisors, who will be informed of and bound by this confidentiality
clause. In addition, Executive may show only Paragraphs 8 and 9 of this
Agreement to any prospective employer, in order to facilitate Executive’s
compliance with the obligations as stated therein.

5.    General Release of Claims.

(a)    Except for claims “carved-out” in Paragraph 5(c) below, Executive
expressly waives any claims against the Company and releases the Company
including the Company’s predecessor, successor, parent, subsidiary and
affiliated entities, as well as its and their officers, Executives, directors,
stockholders, managers, agents, representatives, attorneys and assigns, past and
present (collectively referred to herein as the “Company Releasees”) from any
and all claims, demands, and causes of action of every kind and nature, whether
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, fixed or contingent, that Executive
now owns or holds or at any time may have held or owned against the Company
Releasees or any of them, arising out of or in any way related to any
transaction, agreement, occurrence, act, or omission whatsoever occurring,
existing, or omitted at any time before the date hereof (collectively “Claims”),
including, without limitation, any Claims:

(i)    Arising out of or in any way connected with Executive’s employment with
the Company (including, without limitation, any claims for wages, severance pay,
bonuses, employment benefits whether related to the Company’s policies or
welfare benefit plans, or damages of any kind whatsoever) and the termination
thereof;

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(ii)    Arising out of or in any way related to any employment agreement or any
other contracts, express or implied, any covenant of good faith and fair
dealings, express or implied, any theory of wrongful discharge, or any legal
restriction on the Company’s right to terminate Executives;

(iii)    Arising out of or in any way related to any federal, state, or other
governmental statute or ordinance or wage order, including, without limitation,
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Federal Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1967, as amended, the Equal Pay Act, as amended, the Older
Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
and/or to the extent waivable, any other federal, state or local law (statutory
or decisional), regulation, or ordinance, or any other legal limitation on the
employment relationship including but not limited to any claims arising out of
any federal, state or local statutes, orders or regulations prohibiting
discrimination on account or race, color, creed or religion, sex, sexual
harassment, national origin, age, handicap or disability, marital status,
height, weight, pregnancy, or sexual preference or orientation thereof,
retaliation;

(iv)    Arising out of common law, whether sounding in contract or in tort,
including, but not limited to, causes of action for wrongful discharge, quantum
meruit, negligence, infliction of emotional distress, defamation,
misrepresentation, fraud, conspiracy, invasion of privacy, interference with
business advantage, interference with prospective economic advantage,
interference with contractual relationship, failure to pay compensation of any
kind, and/or failure to pay equal compensation for equal work.

(b)    Executive further understands and acknowledges that:

(i)    This Agreement constitutes a voluntary waiver of any and all rights and
claims Executive has against the Company Releasees as of the date of the
execution of this Agreement, including rights or claims arising under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act;

(ii)    Executive has waived rights or claims pursuant to this Agreement in
exchange for consideration, the value of which exceeds the payment or
remuneration to which he was already entitled;

(iii)    Executive is hereby advised that he may consult with an attorney of his
choosing concerning this Agreement prior to executing it;

(iv)    Executive has been afforded a period of at least 21 days to consider the
terms of this Agreement, and in the event he should decide to execute this
Agreement in fewer than 21 days, he has done so with the express understanding
that he has been given and declined the opportunity to consider this Agreement
for a full 21 days;

(v)    Executive agrees that material and/or immaterial changes to this
Agreement made by either party after the date Executive was given this Agreement
do not effect or restart the running of the twenty-one (21) day period and
Executive agrees to waive any such claim that the a material and/or immaterial
change to this Agreement extended the applicable running time period; and

(vi)    Executive may revoke this subparagraph 5(b) of the Agreement at any time
during the seven (7) days following the date of execution of this Agreement, and
this subparagraph 5(b) of the Agreement shall not become effective or
enforceable until such revocation period has expired (the

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“Effective Date”). Executive understands that his revocation under this
subparagraph 5(b) of the Agreement constitutes rejection of the entire Severance
amount and the Benefit Payments.

(c)    This Agreement does not release (i) claims that cannot be released as a
matter of law; (ii) claims that relate to events which may occur after execution
of this Agreement, nor shall it preclude Executive from filing a lawsuit for the
exclusive purpose of enforcing Executive’s rights under this Agreement; (iii)
any claim or right held by Executive (whether as an officer, director,
stockholder or in any other capacity) for coverage under the Company’s D&O
policies or any similar coverage or protection provided under the organizational
documents of the Company; or (iv) any right to receive a reward for the
provision of information to any governmental authority. This Agreement shall not
prohibit Executive from challenging the validity of the release of ADEA claims
by seeking assistance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”)
or any other government agency. This Agreement shall not preclude Executive from
filing a charge with, or cooperating in an investigation by, any government
administrative agency with respect to any other right waived herein, provided
that Executive does not seek any damages, remedies, or other relief from the
Company for himself personally, which Executive covenants not to do.

6.    No Lawsuits. Executive represents that Executive has not filed any
complaints, arbitration demands, charges or lawsuits against any of the Company
Releasees with any governmental agency, or any arbitrator, or any court,
including, but not limited, to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission or the United States District Court. Executive further agrees that,
to the extent permitted under applicable law, Executive will not initiate,
assist, or encourage any actions unless compelled to do so by subpoena or court
order. Executive agrees that if any claim is brought on Executive’s behalf by
any governmental agency or third party, he agrees not to accept any monetary
award or restitution resulting therefrom.

7.    Release of Unknown Claims. It is the intention of Executive and the
Company that this Severance Agreement is a General Release which shall be
effective as a bar to each and every Claim released hereby. Executive recognizes
that Executive may have some Claims against the Company Releasees of which
Executive is totally unaware and unsuspecting which Executive is giving up by
execution of the General Release. It is the intention of Executive in executing
this Agreement to forego each such Claim.

In connection with such waiver and relinquishment, Executive acknowledges that
Executive is aware that Executive may hereafter discover facts in addition to,
or different from, those which Executive now knows or believes to be true with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, but that it is Executive’s
intention hereby to fully, finally and forever to settle and release all
released matters. In furtherance of such intention, the release given herein
shall be and remain in effect as a full and complete release, notwithstanding
the discovery or existence on any such additional facts. Executive expressly
acknowledges that this Agreement is intended to include in its effect, without
limitation, all of Executive’s Claims which Executive does not know or suspect
to exist in Executive’s favor at the time of execution of this Agreement, and
that this Agreement contemplates the extinguishment of any such Claims.

8.    Confidential Information

(a)    Consistent with Section 5.2 of the Employment Agreement, Executive
understands and agrees that trade secret restrictions apply to Executive,
including but not limited to Executive’s agreement that Confidential Information
learned by Executive in the course of Executive’s employment with the Company
may not be used by Executive nor transmitted to any other person or entity.

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(b)    Consistent with Section 5.2 of the Employment Agreement, Executive shall
not, directly or indirectly, disclose or furnish to any other person, firm or
corporation any Confidential Information, except as required by law (in which
event Executive shall give prior written notice to the Company and shall
cooperate with the Company and the Company’s counsel in complying with such
legal requirements). As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any and
all information affecting or relating to the business of the Company and its
subsidiaries and affiliates, financial data, customer lists and data, licensing
arrangements, business strategies, pricing information, product development, or
other materials of any kind or nature (whether or not entitled to protection
under applicable copyright laws, or reduced to or embodied in any medium or
tangible form), including without limitation, all copyrights, patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade secrets, contract rights, titles, themes,
stories, treatments, ideas, concepts, technologies, art work, logos, hardware,
software, and as may be embodied in any and all computer programs, tapes,
diskettes, disks, mailing lists, lists of actual or prospective customers and/or
suppliers, notebooks, documents, memoranda, reports, files, correspondence,
charts, lists and all other written, printed or otherwise recorded material of
any kind whatsoever and any other information, whether or not reduced to
writing, including “know-how”, ideas, work flows, concepts, research, processes,
and plans. “Confidential Information” does not include information that is in
the public domain, information that is generally known in the trade, or
information that Executive can prove he acquired wholly independently of his
employment with the Company. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in
this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from reporting
possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity,
including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making
other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of
federal law or regulation. Additionally, the parties acknowledge and agree that
Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such
reports or disclosures and Executive is not required to notify the Company that
Executive has made such reports or disclosures.

9.    Non-Solicitation. Consistent with Section 5.4 of the Employment Agreement:

(a)    Executive shall not, for a period of eighteen (18) months from the
Termination Date, directly or indirectly: (a) acquire any financial interest in
or perform any services for himself or any other entity in connection with a
business in which Executive’s interest, duties or activities would inherently
require Executive to reveal any Confidential Information; or (b) solicit or
cause to be solicited the disclosure of or disclose any Confidential Information
for any purpose whatsoever or for any other party.

(b)    Executive agrees that for the period of eighteen (18) months following
the execution date of this Agreement, Executive will not solicit, directly or
indirectly, nor cause or permit others to solicit, directly or indirectly, any
person employed by the Company (“Current Employee”) to leave employment with the
Company. The term “solicit” includes, but is not limited to the following
(regardless of whether done directly or indirectly): (i) requesting that a
Current Employee change employment, (ii) informing a Current Employee that an
opening exists elsewhere, (iii) assisting a Current Employee to find employment
elsewhere, (iv) inquiring if a Current Employee “knows anyone who might be
interested” in a position elsewhere, (v) inquiring if a Current Employee might
have an interest in employment elsewhere, (vi) informing others of the name or
status of, or other information about, a Current Employee, or (vii) any other
similar conduct, the effect of which is that a Current Employee leaves the
employment of the Company.

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10.    Return of Company Property and Proprietary Information. Consistent with
Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the Employment Agreement, immediately upon termination
of Executive’s employment, Executive has turned over to the Company all files,
memoranda, records, credit cards, work papers, and other documents or physical
property that Executive received from the Company or its employees or that
Executive generated in the course of employment with the Company. Executive also
has immediately turned over to the Company all embodiments of proprietary
information (including, without limitation, notes, letters, documents, computer
files and other records) which were in Executive’s possession or control and
shall not retain any copies or summaries of such records or information.
Furthermore, Executive agrees that the assignment of Proprietary Rights pursuant
to Section 5.1 of the Employment Agreement remains in full force and effect.

11.    Reasonable Restrictions. Pursuant to Section 5.6 of the Employment
Agreement, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth in
Paragraphs 8 and 9 of this Agreement, specifically including the duration and
territorial scope thereof, are under the circumstances reasonable and necessary
for the protection of the Company and its business.

12.    No Work-Related Injuries. Executive represents and warrants to the
Company, under penalty of perjury, that Executive has not suffered any
work-related injuries.

13.    Cooperation. During the period commencing on the Termination Date and
ending on the fourth anniversary thereof, Executive shall use reasonable efforts
to make himself available as a witness in any action, investigation or other
proceeding before any court, government agency, arbitrator, or mediator, in
which he may be called to appear by the Company, regarding any business,
property, or operations of the Company or any of its affiliates, parents or
subsidiaries, and shall truthfully testify in any such action, proceeding or
deposition in which he also appears. Upon request by Executive and prior
approval by the Company, the Company shall reimburse Executive for reasonable
travel expenses incurred by Executive in connection with any such appearance in
which Executive is so called to appear.

14.    Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any
part of it is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the other provisions of
this Agreement shall remain fully valid and enforceable to the maximum extent
consistent with applicable law.

15.    Knowing and Voluntary Agreement. Executive represents and agrees that
Executive has read this Agreement, understands its terms and the fact that
Executive releases any claim Executive might have against the Company Releasees,
understands that Executive has the right to consult counsel of choice and has
either done so or knowingly waived the right to do so, and enters into this
Agreement without duress or coercion from any source.

16.    Definition. Consistent with Section 5.8 of the Employment Agreement, for
purposes of Paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 10 of this Agreement, above, the term
“Company” shall be deemed to include (i) any predecessor to, or successor of the
Company, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company (including, without limitation, any
entity in which the Company owns 50% or more of the issued and outstanding
equity), and (iii) any entity that is under the control or common control of the
Company (including, by way of illustration and not as a limitation, any joint
venture to which the Company or one of its subsidiaries is a party).

17.    Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in the
Employment Agreement (i.e. obligations surviving termination of employment),
this Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between Executive and the
Company and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, express or

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implied, pertaining to the terms of Executive’s employment with the Company and
the termination of the employment relationship. Executive acknowledges that in
executing this Agreement, Executive does not rely upon any representation or
statement by any representative of the Company concerning the subject matter of
this Agreement, except as expressly set forth in the text of the Agreement. This
Agreement may only be modified by an amendment in writing executed by both
parties.

18.    Arbitration: Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or in any
way relating to this Agreement including, but not limited to, the performance or
breach thereof, shall be determined exclusively by binding arbitration. Both
Executive and the Company acknowledge that they are relinquishing their right to
a jury trial in civil court.

The arbitration shall be in accordance with the Employment Dispute Resolution
Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except as provided otherwise in
this Agreement. The arbitration shall be commenced and heard in the Englewood,
Colorado metropolitan area. Only one arbitrator shall preside over the
proceedings. The arbitrator shall apply the substantive law (and the law of
remedies, if applicable) of Colorado or federal law, or both, as applicable to
the claim(s) asserted. In any arbitration, the burden of proof shall be
allocated as provided by applicable law. The arbitrator shall have the authority
to award any and all legal and equitable relief authorized by the law(s)
applicable to the claim(s) being asserted in the arbitration, as if the claim(s)
were brought in a court of law. Either party may bring an action in court to
compel arbitration under this Agreement and to enforce an arbitration award.
Discovery, such as depositions or document requests, shall be available to the
Company and Executive as though the dispute were pending in Colorado state
court. The arbitrator shall have the ability to rule on pre-hearing motions, as
though the matter were in a Colorado state court, including the ability to rule
on a motion for summary judgment.

The fees of the arbitrator and any other fees for the administration of the
arbitration (e.g., room rental fees, etc.) shall be paid in equal shares by the
Company and Executive. The arbitrator must provide a written decision which is
subject to limited judicial review consistent with applicable law. If any part
of this arbitration provision is deemed to be unenforceable by an arbitrator or
a court of law, that part may be severed or reformed so as to make the balance
of this arbitration provision enforceable.

19.    Non-Admission of Liability or Wrongdoing. By entering into this
Agreement, neither Executive nor the Company admits any impropriety, illegality,
wrongdoing or liability of any kind whatsoever, and on the contrary, each hereby
expressly denies the same.

20.    Post-Employment Agreement. The parties acknowledge that this Agreement,
including the arbitration provision contained in Paragraph 18 above, was
negotiated and executed outside of the context of any employment relationship
between the Company and Executive, which has ended.

21.    Counterpart Execution. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts so
that when each Party has signed at least one counterpart of this Agreement, this
Agreement shall be deemed fully executed as though each Party had signed one
original of this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the dates
indicated below.

 
 
 
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
 
 
By:
 
 
 
 
Name:
 
 
 
 
Its:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
William E. Niles
 
 
 
 
 

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