Starz Backs Arguments for Emergency Petition in Altice Blackout
Starz "moved swiftly" for FCC action in its blackout on Altice USA's Cablevision system, but it was the MVPD's misinformation campaign and avoidance of customer concerns that escalated the issue to the point where "seeking emergency relief became imperative," Starz…
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said in an FCC docket 18-9 filing posted Friday. The programmer said it "is aware" of close to 60,000 consumer complaints, with its emergency petition aimed at "stop[ping] this confusion." The filing responded to Altice opposition (see 1801230054) to Starz seeking a petition for emergency injunctive relief. The content company argued the cable operator broke rules by giving customers minutes' notice before the Jan. 1 blackout and denied the emergency petition is aimed at getting regulator involvement in a commercial dispute. The programmer said Altice can opt to not carry Starz channels once the MVPD complies with agency requirements for advance notice to customers. The operator didn't comment.