Starz to introduce 90 Day Netflix Delay

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The new policy starts next month, with exclusive first-run movies following suit later.

NEW YORK - Another premium network has decided to keep Netflix subscribers from immediately accessing its original series online.
Starz said Thursday it is introducing, as of next month, a 90-day delay on the availability of new episodes of original series for users of its Starz Play broadband service, which it offers in arrangements with Netflix and telecom giants Verizon and Qwest.

Starz said that exclusive first-run movies will follow suit at a time that wasn't immediately disclosed. Starz has movie deals with Disney and Sony.

The news comes after another premium network, CBS Corp.'s Showtime, said earlier this week that it will keep original series that are currently airing on Showtime off Netflix starting this summer. Netflix is increasingly seen as a fast-growing rival to premium networks.

"Beginning with the April 1 premiere of the new original drama Camelot, new episodes of Starz originals will now be available on the Starz Play services 90 days after they debut on the network, with exclusive first-run movies later following suit," a Starz spokesperson said Thursday. "Past seasons of Starz series, including Spartacus, and previously aired movies will continue to be available for streaming. Authenticated Starz subscribers will still have full access to all current network programming through Starz Online."

Source - http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...netflix-171231