Just in time for Monday Night Football to resume, The Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications announced they’ve reached a transformative, multiyear distribution agreement that maximizes value for consumers and supports the linear TV experience as the industry continues to evolve. As part of the deal, most of Disney’s networks and stations will be immediately restored to Spectrum’s video customers.
Our collective goal has always been to build an innovative model for the future. This deal recognizes both the continued value of linear television and the growing popularity of streaming services while addressing the evolving needs of our consumers. We also want to thank our mutual customers for their patience this past week and are pleased that Spectrum viewers once again have access to Disney’s high-quality sports, news and entertainment programming, in time for Monday Night Football.
Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, and Chris Winfrey, CEO, Charter Communications
The key points of the agreement are as follows:
- In the coming months, the Disney+ Basic ad-supported offering will be provided to customers who purchase the Spectrum TV Select package, as part of a wholesale arrangement.
- ESPN+ will be provided to Spectrum TV Select Plus subscribers.
- The ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service will be made available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers when it launches.
- Charter will maintain flexibility to offer a range of video packages at varying price points based upon different customer viewing preferences.
According to an article in The Hollywood Reporter, Disney’s channels have been blacked out for nearly 15 million Spectrum subscribers since August 31, when ESPN, local ABC stations, FX, Disney Channel, and Freeform, to name a few, were pulled in the middle of a U.S. Open tennis match and college football game.
Effective immediately, Spectrum TV will provide its customers widespread access to a more curated lineup of 19 networks from The Walt Disney Company. Spectrum will continue to carry the ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Channel, FX and the Nat Geo Channel, in addition to the full suite of ESPN networks. Networks that will no longer be included in Spectrum TV video packages are Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo.
The Walt Disney Company
The post Disney Reaches New Carriage Deal With Charter Spectrum, Ending Blackout first appeared on DIS.