Netflix outbids Starz for Disney movie rights

SAN FRANCISCO – Netflix’s Internet video service has landed the U.S. rights to show Disney movies shortly after they leave theaters, a coup that could turn into a costly mistake if the deal doesn’t bring in more customers.

The multiyear licensing agreement announced Tuesday represents a breakthrough for Netflix as it tries to secure more exclusive programming for a popular service that streams video over high-speed Internet connections. The approach is making Netflix more like traditional pay-TV channels such as HBO, Starz and Showtime.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but analysts estimate that Netflix will pay Disney more …

SAN FRANCISCO – Netflix’s Internet video service has landed the U.S. rights to show Disney movies shortly after they leave theaters, a coup that could turn into a costly mistake if the deal doesn’t bring in more customers.

The multiyear licensing agreement announced Tuesday represents a breakthrough for Netflix as it tries to secure more exclusive programming for a popular service that streams video over high-speed Internet connections. The approach is making Netflix more like traditional pay-TV channels such as HBO, Starz and Showtime.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but analysts estimate that Netflix will pay Disney more than $350 million annually.

Netflix is snatching the rights to the Disney movies from Starz, which had failed to reach terms on renewing a separate licensing agreement with Netflix.

Bush notes ‘contribution of immigrants’ in U.S.

DALLAS – As the U.S. debates immigration policy, former President George W. Bush says it should “do so with a benevolent spirit and keep in mind the contribution of immigrants.”

“Immigrants have helped build the country that we’ve become and immigrants can help build a dynamic tomorrow,” Bush said Tuesday as he opened a conference on the benefits of immigration hosted by the George W. Bush Institute and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Bush has long been concerned about immigration and had warned the Republican Party as he left office in January 2009 not to become “anti-immigrant.”

“America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time,” Bush said Tuesday.