Starz & Altice USA Reach New Carriage Deal

Altice USA and Starz have reached a new multiyear affiliation agreement, ending a channel blackout that started in early January.

The agreement secures rights for Altice USA to offer the full suite of Starz and Starz Encore premium linear and HD channels, On-Demand, HD On-Demand and online services across the Optimum and Suddenlink cable systems. The pact also allows for Altice USA to sell the Starz App to its customers on the new Altice One entertainment service, as well as broader digital rights, including TV Everywhere. The deal secures Starz packaging position and expands its subscriber base.

The two companies had previously been unable to reach new carriage terms, which led to Starz channels going dark on Altice USA platforms from New Year’s Eve.

“Our goal is to give customers the flexibility, choice and entertainment they want at a great value, and we appreciate their patience while we worked to reach a deal that was in their best interest,” said Hakim Boubazine, co-president and COO of Altice USA. “Through this new expanded arrangement, we are pleased to provide Starz’ wide array of programming on traditional and digital platforms, and look forward to working with Starz to continue to serve the diverse needs of our customer base across the U.S.”

“Starz is very pleased that both companies found a mutually beneficial way to expand our relationship over the next several years to offer the best content possible to millions of Altice USA subscribers,” said Jeffrey Hirsch, COO of Starz. “In addition to the thousands of blockbuster and library movies Starz offers, we believe Altice USA values our company’s programming commitment to create and deliver premium quality original series that serve traditionally underserved audiences. By working together, both companies are in a stronger position to provide the best content and products to our shared customers.”