Michael Thornton


Starz brings in AMC veteran as sales chief

Starz has recruited Joe Glennon as its executive VP of affiliate sales, with the distribution veteran joining after almost two decades at AMC. Glennon, who had the same job title at AMC, takes on the responsibilities previously handled by Michael Thornton who has now left premium cabler Starz but is still consulting for the company. […]

Starz appoints head of acquisitions

Starz has promoted Kevin Kasha to head of acquisitions at Starz, a newly-created position. Kasha has been Anchor Bay Entertainment executive VP of Worldwide Acquisitions and coproductions since 2010, and the move to parent company Starz will see him oversee film, television and digital acquisitions for all Starz businesses. Michael Thornton, chief revenue officer at […]

Starz launches on Xbox

US cable net Starz has launched its TV everywhere service on the Xbox platform. Starz Play is now available on Xbox Live in the US. Users must be authenticated as Starz subscribers after which they can download the official app and watch episodes of the cable channel’s programming including pirate series Black Sails (pictured). The […]

Huguez exits, Thornton takes over in Starz distribution shake-up

Starz has upped Michael Thornton in a reorganisation of its distribution activities that also sees Ed Huguez exit. Thornton (above) has been elevated to chief revenue officer, a new role that puts him in charge of network sales and affiliate marketing and international programme sales and digital media. Huguez is stepping down as president, affiliate […]

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 […]