Verizon drops Starz channels from Fios after carriage talks stall
Subscribers lose Starz channels, on-demand content, and app access following contract dispute
Verizon has removed Starz from its Fios service after the two companies failed to reach a carriage renewal agreement. The blackout affects all Starz linear channels, Starz On Demand, and access to the Starz app for Verizon Fios subscribers, the network announced on Wednesday, September 30.
Alison Hoffman, president of Starz Networks, stated that the network made extensive efforts to reach a deal. Hoffman said that Verizon chose to drop the network, mischaracterized the programmer's position, and showed an unwillingness to negotiate productively.
The blackout deprives Verizon Fios viewers of original series including the Power franchise, the upcoming Power: Origins, Fightland, Outlander and its prequel Outlander: Blood of my Blood, P-Valley, S.W.A.T. Exiles, and the upcoming premiere Tip Toe. The removal also cuts off access to Starz's movie catalog, including Michael. Starz stated that it remains ready to negotiate a fair agreement to restore programming to Verizon customers.
Newsletter
Markets in your inbox, weekly
Latin America-focused analysis, investment themes and the week in finance.