Starz CEO: Demographics Trump Scale in the Media Industry

Starz CEO Prioritizes Demographics Over Scale in Evolving Media Landscape NEW YORK, June 2, 2025 — In a recent CNBC interview, Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch challenged the prevailing notion that scale is the sole determinant of success in the media industry. Instead, he emphasized the importance of strategic focus on key demographic groups. "I think that's kind of a misconception that scale is the only thing that's important in the business," Hirsch stated. He highlighted Starz's commitment to women and underrepresented communities, noting that within those demos, Starz is "one of the biggest players." This targeted approach, coupled with a robust digital transformation (70% digital, 20 million subscribers), has resulted in consistent profitability for the company. Despite not being the largest player by overall scale, Hirsch expressed confidence in Starz's ability to compete and grow within their chosen markets. The interview provided a compelling case study of a media company adapting to a rapidly changing landscape by prioritizing audience engagement over sheer size.