Most Disney networks and stations restored to Spectrum
Upper Cumberland – The Walt Disney Co. and Charter Communications, Inc. today announced a transformative, multi-year distribution agreement that immediately restore most Disney’s networks and stations to Spectrum’s video customers.
“Our collective goal has always been to build an innovative model for the future,” said Disney CEO Robert A. Iger in a joint statement Charter CEO Chris Winfrey. “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:
- 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 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 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 Co. 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.
Image by Freepik.