Premium cabler Starz is looking to emphasize its commitment to storytelling about and by underrepresented groups with a new inclusion initiative it is calling #TakeTheLead. The effort will include a monthly series of talks with agencies, guilds and organizations such as the ACLU of Southern California and California Film Commission and conclude with a summit.The initiative ties into the network's programming mandate to amplify underrepresented voices, Hirsch told Variety. The talks will take place on a monthly basis, and will...
Starz
Jeffrey
Hirsch
President / CEO
Starz has often grappled with a lower profile than other premium TV competitors, but on Hirsch’s watch the platform continues to punch above its weight with its largest slate yet that includes the “Power” franchise, “P-Valley,” miniseries “Gaslit,” “Shining Vale” and global hit “Outlander,” which aired its sixth season in 2022. Last year he recruited studio veteran Kathryn Busby to lead original programming and is now growing its international streaming platform after the rebrand from Starzplay to Lionsgate+ in about half of its territories. Starz has also placed heavy emphasis on representing women and marginalized groups in its shows and workforce, with female executives accounting for 75% of top leadership.