Jeffrey
Hirsch

Hirsch has had to build out Starz’s global direct-to-consumer footprint throughout more than 60 countries at a time when larger competitors are doing the same with more IP firepower. Now that parent company Lionsgate is mulling spinning off or selling Starz, per its earnings call in November 2021, Hirsch is under more pressure than ever to keep the Starz slate as robust as possible. Maintaining the broad content pact with “Power” creator Courtney A. Kemp is crucial here, with “Power Book IV: Force” due next. But Hirsch and his recent hire for original programming president, 25-year industry vet Kathryn Busby, aim to stay laser-focused on making sure the network’s #TakeTheLead measure continues to amplify voices of women and underrepresented communities as new series are ordered.