Around the Net

Netflix CCO Looking To Cut Digital Distribution Deals With Studios

  • Bloomberg, Tuesday, December 29, 2009 10:17 AM
After doing an end-run around the Hollywood studios last year to get digital content for its digital streaming service, Netflix executives say they will play nice in the future. Netflix gained streaming rights to Disney and Sony movies by allying with Starz, the pay-TV network controlled by John Malone's Liberty Media.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is counting on Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos to cut deals with the studios that will allow Netflix to show more films over the Web. Sarandos, a former video-store clerk, says he is willing to write big checks and negotiate directly with studios, Adam Satariano, Ari Levy and Ronald Grover report.

"We have to fight against their fear that we'll destroy the ecosystem," says Sarandos. "We're not destroying anything. We're creating a new opportunity."

advertisement

advertisement

Read the whole story at Bloomberg »

Next story loading loading..