Netflix loses Starz

US-based over-the-top TV provider Netflix is to lose one of its key content suppliers. Starz, which holds pay TV rights to movies from Disney and Sony as well as a number of original series, has decided not to renew its deal with the company.

Netflix’s current deal with Starz, which is seen as an anchor content supplier that has helped drive the success of the streaming service over the last couple of years, is set to expire in March 2012. Netflix is currently available in Canada and Latin America as well as the US.

In another potential blow to Netflix, US pay TV operator Dish Network is reportedly planning to launch its own rival streaming service next month. Dish acquired the US assets of video rental store chain Blockbuster earlier this year.