Starz repositions channels

Starz has repositioned its channels line-up and brought all of its offering under the Starz brand.

The US cable net operator has been exploring sale and M&A options and has now rejigged its channels line-up with all services now carrying the Starz ‘master brand’.

The Encore channels are now rebadged under a Starz Encore umbrella.

Starz also has a new logo and has introduced a new strap line: “Starz: Obsessable”. The company said the changes will unify the look and feel of the portfolio of channels across linear and on-demand.

“As the insurgent in the original programming landscape, Starz has made a point of serving the fan first, while staying true to the creators and the powerful stories they tell,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, Starz president of global marketing and product planning.

He added: “Harnessing the power and resonance of the Starz flagship brand and bringing the expansive movie and television series offerings under one brand is good for the consumer and the distributor alike.”

Starz has been at the centre of mergers and acquisition speculation for some time. Last week US reports said CBS was back in for Starz, which has long been linked with a tie-up with independent studio Lionsgate.