Starz and Altice have finally settled their carriage dispute with a new multiyear deal.
The premium-TV channel — home to “Outlander” and “Power” (pictured above) — went dark for Altice customers on New Year’s Eve. Now, Starz and Starz Encore are back on for Optimum and Suddenlink cable systems.
This deal also allows for Altice USA to sell the Starz App to their Altice One customers. The agreement grows Starz’s subscriber number, which executives there are happy about.
“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, chief operating officer 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.”
“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 chief operating officer 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.”
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.