Starz Threatens to Pull From Verizon FiOS Over Carriage Talks

Background on the Starz and Verizon Relationship

Starz has been a staple of premium movie and series programming for more than two decades. The network reaches millions of households through cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Verizon FiOS, the fiber‑to‑the‑home service offered by Verizon Communications, has carried the full suite of Starz channels, Starz on Demand and the Starz app since the early 2010s.

Both companies have historically renewed carriage agreements on a multi‑year basis, allowing subscribers to access Starz content as part of bundled packages or as an a la carte add‑on. These agreements outline the fees that Verizon pays to Starz for the right to distribute its programming.

History of Carriage Agreements

Previous contracts have typically spanned three to five years. In the most recent renewal, which expired in early 2024, the parties agreed to a modest fee increase that reflected Starz’s growing original‑series slate. The agreement also included provisions for streaming rights, enabling Verizon customers to watch Starz content through the dedicated app on mobile devices.

What Triggered the Current Dispute

Negotiations for a new distribution contract began in late 2023. Sources close to the talks say that Starz is seeking a higher per‑subscriber fee, citing the cost of producing award‑winning series such as "Outlander" and "Power Book II: Ghost." Verizon, on the other hand, is pushing back on the proposed increase, arguing that the market for premium channels is shifting as more viewers cut the cord and move to over‑the‑top services.

Key Negotiation Points

• Fee structure: Starz wants a larger share of subscription revenue, while Verizon aims to keep costs predictable.
• Streaming access: Both sides are debating how the Starz app should be priced for FiOS subscribers.
• Channel lineup: Starz is considering bundling its newer channels with the legacy ones, a move that could affect Verizon’s channel placement strategy.

In a recent statement, Starz warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in the loss of all its channels, Starz on Demand and the Starz app on Verizon FiOS. The network emphasized that it has been negotiating in good faith and hopes to avoid any disruption for viewers.

Potential Impact on Subscribers

If the two companies cannot finalize a deal, Verizon FiOS customers could lose access to more than a dozen Starz channels, including the flagship Starz, Starz Encore and the recently launched Starz Kids & Family. The loss would also extend to the on‑demand library and the mobile app, which many users rely on for flexible viewing.

Loss of Channels, On‑Demand and App

Subscribers would face several immediate challenges:

1. Reduced movie and series options in the premium tier.
2. Inability to stream Starz content on smartphones, tablets or smart TVs through the app.
3. Potential need to subscribe to a competing premium service such as HBO Max or Showtime.

Industry analysts warn that a blackout could trigger a wave of complaints to the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees retransmission consent and carriage disputes. The FCC’s guidelines on retransmission consent provide a framework for resolving such conflicts, but the process can be lengthy.

Industry Perspective and Precedent

Carriage disputes are not new in the pay‑TV landscape. Over the past decade, several high‑profile disagreements have resulted in temporary blackouts, most notably the 2019 standoff between AT&T’s DirecTV and the CBS network group. Those incidents often lead to short‑term subscriber churn and heightened scrutiny from regulators.

Similar Disputes in Cable and Streaming

Recent examples include:

• The 2022 disagreement between Disney and Comcast, which temporarily removed Disney+ content from Xfinity’s on‑demand catalog.
• The 2023 negotiation breakdown between Paramount+ and Charter Communications, which led to a brief removal of Paramount+ channels from Spectrum.

These cases illustrate that both providers and content owners eventually return to the negotiating table when subscriber backlash intensifies.

What Comes Next for Starz and Verizon

Both parties have indicated a willingness to continue talks. Starz’s public statement emphasized that it wants to preserve the relationship that has served millions of viewers for years. Verizon, in a recent news release, expressed confidence that a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.

Timeline and Possible Outcomes

Analysts project three possible scenarios:

1. Deal reached before the end of the month: Subscribers experience no interruption and may see a modest price adjustment.
2. Short‑term blackout: A temporary removal of Starz channels while negotiations resume, likely lasting a few weeks.
3. Long‑term separation: If talks fail, Starz could exit the FiOS platform entirely, prompting Verizon to replace the content with alternative premium offerings.

Consumers should monitor official communications from both Starz and Verizon. The Starz press release and Verizon’s FCC retransmission consent page provide updates on the status of the negotiations.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the dispute highlights the evolving economics of premium television in an era where streaming services dominate viewer preferences. The resolution will likely set a benchmark for future carriage talks between content creators and broadband providers.