Distribution management of licensed content

A system comprising:

• a non-transitory memory device storing a set of computer-executable instructions;
• and
• one or more processors configured to execute the computer-executable instructions, wherein executing the computer-executable instructions causes the one or more processors to:
• activate licensed content associated with a user premises;
• obtain usage statistics relating to viewing of the licensed content associated with the user premises;
• deactivate the licensed content, the deactivation being performed based on an analysis of the usage statistics;
• receive a request, from the user premises, to activate the licensed content;
• and
• automatically re-activate, in response to the received request, the licensed content.

A system comprising:

• a content provider to:
• activate a licensed content channel associated with a user premises;
• obtain usage statistics relating to viewing of the licensed content channel at the user premises, the usage statistics being obtained over a time period;
• determine, after expiration of the time period, whether the licensed content channel is a channel that is likely to be watched by a user associated with the user premises;
• and
• deactivate the licensed content channel when the determination indicates that the licensed content channel is not a channel that is likely to be watched by a user associated with the user premises;
• and
• a set-top box to:
• provide, when the user selects the licensed content channel and the licensed content channel is active, the licensed content channel for viewing;
• and
• provide, when the user selects the licensed content channel and the licensed content channel is deactivated, a message indicating that the licensed content channel is available for activation on request.