Encore


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. […]

Ex-Starz buyer joins expanding distributor

Canada-based distributor 108 Media has hired Starz’s former VP, programme acquisitions, Nancy Silverstone. Her appointment as head of acquisitions and content strategy comes as 108, which also has a base in Tokyo, plans to make a series of senior hires. Silverstone left Starz in June 2014, having joined in the late 20th century. There she […]

Fox investigates Starz takeover

21st Century Fox reportedly met with top executives from US premium cable channel Starz to discuss a possible takeover. Numerous reports from the States say Fox met with Starz as a “courtesy” and is not interested in a deal. Starz CEO Chris Albrecht was present at the meeting this week, according to the Los Angeles […]

Starz overhauls Encore channels

US cable channel operator Starz has overhauled and repositioned its suite of Encore channels. The premium services have been overhauled to appeal to specific groups and fans of specific programming genres. Accordingly, Encore Drama has been re-badged Encore Black and will go after African American subscribers with series and movies. The relaunch takes effect next […]

Starz, Fox in major multi-year film licensing deal

Starz has secured a massive multi-year deal for hundreds of movies from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution’s library. The agreement is billed as “the largest ever between the two companies,” with about 40% never seen before on the US premium cable channel. Films including Ice Age, X-Men and There’s Something About Mary will run on […]

Shooting Starz

Starz has built a solid slate of original programmes in recent years with the Spartacus franchise a cornerstone. As that comes to an end the cable network is looking at ordering more contemporary stories as well as sci-fi to sit alongside its high-end historical drama. Managing director Carmi Zlotnik tells TBI about the original programming […]

Starz inks huge content deal with Sony

US cable network Starz has inked a huge multiyear programming deal with Sony Pictures. Neither side would comment, but TBI understands that the agreement for first-run rights to Sony’s features is likely to be worth up to US$2 billion over its full course. The deal gives premium channel operator Starz exclusive access to the Sony […]