Seeing Starz
Comcast’s massive VOD library is about to get even bigger thanks to a long-term programming deal with Starz that includes more than 1500 titles/yr. Comcast already offers Starz On Demand, but this deal will include about 250 movies/month from Encore On Demand. The Encore movies will be free to Comcast digital subs. It marks the single largest VOD movie content agreement to-date. Starz has no such similar deals with other MSOs, but it’s open to discussion. Comcast is paying a single undisclosed rate for all of the Starz/Encore nets and VOD content. The companies summed up the financials by saying the deal gives "Comcast more control over future programming costs, while providing SEG greater predictability in its long-term revenue stream." The deal also covers the launch of 2 yet-to-be-named Starz premium movie channels.