Sony Movies Pulled From Netflix Streaming Service -Report

Movies produced by Sony Corp. (SNE) studios were pulled from Netflix Inc.'s (NFLX) online streaming service Friday because of what Netflix said is a "temporary contract issue" between Sony and Liberty Media Corp.'s pay-TV distributor Starz, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Starz has been negotiating with Netflix over a possible renewal of its digital distribution deal with Sony, which currently runs through early 2012.

Netflix notified its members in a blog post Friday. Sony-produced movies are still available to be rented as DVDs through the mail.

Starz said in a statement that "all parties are working diligently to resolve the issue."

A person familiar with the matter said Netflix's explosive subscriber growth triggered a clause in Sony's agreement with Starz that resulted in the stoppage.

Netflix and Starz didn't say how long the contract issue may take to be resolved, but sources said the parties are hoping to work through it as quickly as possible. Sony didn't comment.

Full story at http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/sony-movies-disappear-netflix-streaming-202922

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