Verizon Fios Customers Lose Access to Starz Programming
Starz announced it has lost access for Verizon Fios customers following a failure to reach a renewal agreement. The company accused Verizon of being "unproductive in progressing towards a mutually beneficial outcome."
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Starz has lost access for Verizon Fios customers after negotiations for a renewal agreement failed, the company announced on Thursday. Starz issued a statement blaming Verizon for the disruption.
"Despite extensive efforts by STARZ to reach a renewal agreement and preserve uninterrupted access for Verizon Fios customers, Verizon has chosen to remove STARZ," said Alison Hoffman, President, STARZ Networks. She added that Verizon has "mischaracterized our position, shown an unwillingness to negotiate and has been unproductive in progressing towards a mutually beneficial outcome."
Verizon's decision to drop Starz from its network impacts all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand, and the STARZ app. This cuts off customer access to popular series such as the "Power" universe, "Outlander," and the upcoming season of "P-Valley," as well as Starz's film library.
Starz described itself as one of the few remaining independent entertainment companies in a market increasingly dominated by large media conglomerates. The company stated it is ready to reach a fair agreement to restore service to Verizon customers as quickly as possible. The breakdown in negotiations further limits consumer choice.