Publisher & Media Owner · B2C Consumer App / Platform · vs · Publisher & Media Owner
DIRECTV vs STARZ
Structured technology and market comparison · 2026
Direct Feature Comparison
DIRECTV · vs · STARZPay TV, streaming and addressable advertising platform.
Premium subscription streaming platform for original series and films.
Analyze all overlapping signals and tech stacks for DIRECTV and STARZ
Compare mutual enterprise clients, monetization models, live market signals, and partner networks directly in the interactive Knowledge Graph.
Comparison Analysis
What is the main difference between DIRECTV and STARZ?
When comparing DIRECTV and STARZ, both platforms operate within the Video Streaming Platform, Connected TV (CTV) & OTT, and Publisher & Media Owner ecosystem. DIRECTV is positioned as Pay TV, streaming and addressable advertising platform, whereas STARZ focuses on Premium subscription streaming platform for original series and films. Decision-makers evaluate both solutions when orchestrating their commercial monetization and technology stack.
What are the top alternatives to DIRECTV and STARZ?
When evaluating DIRECTV and STARZ, enterprise buyers also consider other platforms in Video Streaming Platform, Connected TV (CTV) & OTT, and Publisher & Media Owner. You can discover the full competitive landscape and evaluate other alternatives by viewing their respective footprint profiles on Polaris7.
How do the corporate scale, structure, and headquarters of DIRECTV and STARZ compare?
DIRECTV is headquartered in US (founded in 1994) with >5,000 employees. STARZ is based in Unknown (founding year unrecorded) with Unknown. Complete ownership, subsidiary trees, and corporate affiliations are documented across Polaris7.
Market Signals
Recent Market Signals & Activity: DIRECTV vs STARZ
Documented market movements, strategic partnerships, product releases, and regulatory developments mapped across Polaris7.
DIRECTV
Recent Signals
- ·Cord Cutters NewsCTV & Streaming
BBC launches YouTube channel in US and UK
The BBC announced the launch of its main BBC News YouTube channel in the US and UK, expanding its existing footprint in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. The channel offers live coverage of breaking news, politics, business, technology, culture, and sports. The BBC aims to reach younger audiences who increasingly use YouTube for news, citing an Ofcom report showing one in five young viewers using the platform first on smart TVs. The move is part of a broader strategy to adapt to changing consumption habits and promote BBC platforms. The channel is available alongside existing distribution via DIRECTV, YouTube TV, BBC.com, and the BBC app.
- BBC launched its news YouTube channel in US and UK on October 15, 2026.
- The channel expands BBC's YouTube presence from Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
- An Ofcom report cited by the BBC shows one in five young viewers use YouTube first on smart TVs.
- ·Cord Cutters NewsPlatform
DIRECTV Rolls Out Custom Multiview on Osprey Boxes
DIRECTV has officially announced the rollout of its customizable Multiview feature, 'Build Your Own Multiview', which allows select streaming subscribers to watch up to four eligible channels simultaneously on one screen. The feature, building on the existing curated Multiview experience, is initially available on Gemini and Roku devices, with Android TV, Fire TV, Vizio, LG, Apple TV, and Tizen TV to follow. Users can add, remove, and swap channels in real-time, with options for 2, 3, or 4 channels. Eligible channels include major sports networks such as ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, NBA TV, and local broadcast networks during live events. The launch is timed for the busy sports season, enhancing fan control over viewing experiences. This addresses a key limitation of the previous preset Mix Channels and curated sports multiviews, offering greater personalization.
- DIRECTV's Build Your Own Multiview allows watching up to four channels simultaneously.
- Feature initially available on Gemini and Roku streaming devices, with broader rollout planned.
- Users can personalize layouts with 2, 3, or 4 channels, adding, removing, and swapping in real-time.
- ·Cord Cutters NewsPlatform
DIRECTV App Adds Variable Playback Speeds
DIRECTV has started rolling out an update to its mobile streaming app that introduces variable playback speeds for cloud DVR recordings. The feature, currently available on iPhone via version 5.0.136, offers speed options of 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, and 1.5x. This addresses a long-standing user request for more efficient viewing of news, sports, and series recordings. The update also includes smoother navigation, quicker replay actions, picture-in-picture refinements, and updated recommendation surfaces. Android builds list similar changes, but independent confirmation of the exact speeds is pending. The absence of a 2x speed option is noted. DIRECTV has not yet provided details on broader device rollout.
- DIRECTV releases mobile app update version 5.0.136 for iPhone.
- New playback speeds: 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x for cloud DVR recordings.
- Feature currently only confirmed on Apple devices.
STARZ
Recent Signals
- ·Cord Cutters NewsM&A
Legendary Revives Lionsgate Acquisition Talks
Lionsgate Studios shares surged over 15% on reports that Legendary Entertainment revived acquisition talks and submitted a formal takeover offer, lifting the stock above $12 and market cap near $3.6 billion. Legendary, backed by Apollo Global Management, previously explored a bid after Lionsgate's separation from Starz. A deal would give Legendary theatrical distribution and access to Lionsgate's library of 20,000+ titles. No financial terms disclosed; both companies declined to comment. Lionsgate, led by Jon Feltheimer, has long been seen as an acquisition target amid industry consolidation.
- Lionsgate Studios shares rose more than 15% after Legendary Entertainment revived acquisition talks with a formal takeover offer.
- Lionsgate's market capitalization reached nearly $3.6 billion following the stock surge.
- Legendary is jointly owned by Apollo Global Management and its management team; it distributes theatrical releases through Paramount.
- ·PR Newswire: Advertising & MarketingDistribution Agreement
STARZ and Verizon reach distribution agreement
STARZ has announced a new distribution agreement with Verizon, restoring all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand, and the STARZ app on Verizon Fios. The agreement gives subscribers access to STARZ's programming lineup, including the full "Power" Universe, "Power: Origins," "Fightland," "Outlander," "Outlander: Blood of my Blood," "P-Valley," "S.W.A.T. Exiles," and "Tip Toe." STARZ also highlighted its upcoming movie slate. The deal follows a previous loss of access for Verizon Fios customers, indicating a resolution of negotiations. Alison Hoffman, President of STARZ Networks, expressed satisfaction with the mutually beneficial agreement, emphasizing STARZ's commitment to delivering bold storytelling for women and underrepresented audiences.
- STARZ and Verizon have reached a new distribution agreement.
- The agreement restores all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand, and the STARZ app on Verizon Fios.
- Subscribers will have access to programming including the 'Power' Universe, 'Outlander', and upcoming titles.
- ·SEC APIfinancials
8-K Financial Filing Analysis for STARZ (2026-10-06)
On October 1, 2026, Starz Entertainment, LLC, a subsidiary of Starz Entertainment Corp., entered into a new multi-year employment agreement with Jason Wyrick to continue serving as Executive Vice President, Technology. The agreement extends through September 30, 2028, with an optional one-year extension by the company through September 30, 2029. Under the contract terms, Mr. Wyrick receives an annual base salary of $735,000, a target annual bonus of 90% of base salary, and recommended annual equity awards targeted at 50% of base salary. The agreement secures technological leadership continuity for the premium streaming platform, outlining defined severance provisions (18 months base salary and COBRA continuation upon a qualifying termination) and double-trigger change-in-control equity acceleration provisions. This executive retention contract aligns technological execution with medium-term platform objectives.
- Jason Wyrick secured a renewed term as EVP, Technology effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028, with an optional company extension to September 30, 2029.
- Compensation structure includes an annual base salary of $735,000, an annual target bonus of 90% ($661,500), and target annual equity awards equal to 50% of base salary ($367,500).
- Severance terms provide 18 months of base salary, 18 months of COBRA coverage, and partial equity acceleration upon a qualifying termination within six months of a change in control.
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