BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – The Disney-Spectrum dispute that resulted in millions of cable households losing access to ESPN and other Disney networks has reportedly been resolved, less than 12 hours before former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to make his New York Jets debut on Monday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills.
Charter Communications senior director of regional communications Kim Haas shared this statement with WTMJ Monday:
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced a transformative, multi-year distribution agreement that maximizes value for consumers and supports the linear TV experience as the industry continues to evolve. As part of the deal, the majority of Disney’s networks and stations will be immediately restored to Spectrum’s video customers.
In a joint statement Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, and Chris Winfrey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charter Communications said:
“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.”
Among the key deal points:
· 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 upon launch and;
· Charter will maintain flexibility to offer a range of video packages at varying price points based upon different customer’s viewing preferences.
Charter also will use its significant distribution capabilities to offer Disney’s direct-to-consumer services to all of its customers – in particular its large broadband-only customer base – for purchase at retail rates. These include Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, as well as The Disney Bundle.
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 ESPN network suite. 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.
To preserve all these valuable business models, the parties also have renewed their commitment to lead the industry in mitigating the effects of unauthorized password sharing.
