A licensing standoff between Starz and Verizon Fios may leave subscribers without the premium network as soon as tonight. The current distribution agreement expires at midnight ET, and neither side has announced a breakthrough. If talks collapse, Verizon Fios customers would lose Starz channels, Starz On Demand, and the Starz app.
Verizon Fios customers could lose access to StarzStarz says it has been negotiating in good faith but now fears Verizon will pull the plug. The network issued a public warning on Wednesday telling subscribers to prepare for a possible blackout.
Alison Hoffman, president of Starz Networks, defended the network’s value in a statement. “As an independent programmer dedicated to women and underrepresented audiences, Starz is vital to a competitive media marketplace, providing diverse programming alternatives to content from larger conglomerates,” she said. “Limiting access to Starz would reduce competition and consumer choice.”
Hoffman added that unless both sides reach a deal soon, “our viewers should be prepared for Verizon to remove Starz.” Verizon fired back, arguing that Starz went public too early.
The telecom giant said it remains at the table and accused the network of manufacturing a crisis. “It is disappointing that Starz has chosen to publicly signal a potential channel removal while Verizon remains actively engaged in constructive discussions,” Verizon said in its statement. “Using public warnings to create concern among subscribers is an unnecessary pressure tactic.”
Verizon also framed the fight as a pocketbook issue for its customers, claiming Starz wants higher carriage fees. “Starz is attempting to use public pressure to force higher rates on our customers which would directly drive up monthly bills for the families we serve,” the company said (via Variety).
The dispute is happening as Starz leans harder into streaming. The network closed the October-December quarter with 12.7 million U.S. streaming subscribers, up 370,000 customers from the previous period, with a total of 17.6 million across all platforms.
That pivot gives Starz more leverage than a traditional cable channel might have, but it also raises the stakes for Verizon Fios customers who rely on the app for access. Verizon insists Starz channels remain fully accessible today and wants the network to settle at the negotiating table rather than alarm viewers.
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