Cynthia Littleton of Variety writes,

Starz CEO Chris Albrecht has come out strongly in favor of embracing over-the-top distribution options for the pay TV group in the U.S. and abroad.

“This is a tide that has to turn,” Albrecht told investors Thursday during Starz’s third-quarter earnings conference call. “I don’t think it cannibalizes the existing business. It is a way to innovate and create real value.”

HBO’s Oct. 15 announcement of plans to market an OTT service targeting broadband-only homes has opened up opportunities for other premium players, Albrecht said. Starz (STRZA) is planning to launch an SVOD service for its original series, mixed with other licensed TV shows and movies, in select international territories. Albrecht strongly indicated that the company is looking at its options at home as well.

“There is significant value in paid premium channels that is being constrained by current MVPD bundling,” he said.

Read the full story at Variety.