- Disney CEO Robert Iger has stated that the company's traditional television business, including ABC and ESPN, may not be core to its future.
- This aligns with the vision of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who emphasized putting consumers at the center of every decision and integrating digital and in-person entertainment.
- In September, Disney announced perks for Disney+ subscribers related to theme parks, merchandise, cruise lines, and theatrical movies.
- Chapek was ousted in favor of Iger's return just two months after announcing this ambitious vision.
- Selling the linear networks would leave Disney's future primarily focused on its parks and direct-to-consumer businesses.
Walt Disney has pulled its channels, including ABC stations and ESPN, from Charter Spectrum due to a distribution fee dispute, leaving nearly 15 million subscribers without access to popular programming such as "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune."
Disney's TV channels, including ABC, ESPN, FX, and Freeform, have been blacked out on Charter Spectrum, the US's second-largest cable TV provider, impacting millions of subscribers and creating a significant carriage dispute between the two companies.
Charter Communications and Disney are engaging in a dispute over programming costs and streaming services, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the media industry as a whole.
Disney expresses interest in potentially doing a deal with Charter Communications, but Charter plans to leave the video business and focus on wireless and broadband services, as negotiations with Disney become more contentious and Spectrum customers are referred to FuboTV.
Disney and ESPN are urging Spectrum cable customers to sign up for Hulu with live TV in order to regain access to ESPN and other Disney channels, following a dispute between Charter Communications and Disney Entertainment that has resulted in blackouts for Spectrum customers.
Disney's ongoing fight with Charter Communications over the placement of ESPN and other channels on Spectrum cable has escalated, with Stephen A. Smith publicly supporting Disney's position on social media.
Comcast and Disney will begin discussions on the ownership of Hulu in September 2021, moving up the timeline from the original deadline of January 2024.
Disney has experienced a 60% increase in Hulu + Live TV subscriptions since its carriage dispute with Charter began, offering a strategic option for Disney as it faces a threat to its annual affiliate fees from Charter.
Charter Communications CEO Chris Winfrey warns that the company is prepared to explore alternative video options if it fails to reach a new agreement with Disney, while expressing a desire to get a deal done to benefit both companies and their customers.
Charter CEO Chris Winfrey stated that the ongoing carriage fight with Disney could result in a leaner, ESPN-free TV bundle for Spectrum customers, potentially leading to a smaller but more loyal customer base.
Disney stock is experiencing a decline, but it is still considered a good investment despite Charter Communications' request for Disney to reconsider its cable bundle.
Charter Communications' stock has fallen during the dispute with Walt Disney, but one analyst believes it is a buy.
New York and North Carolina governors are urging Charter Spectrum and Disney to resolve their ongoing dispute and provide refunds to the impacted TV customers while negotiations continue.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the Department of Public Service to obtain refunds for consumers who have lost access to Walt Disney Co. channels on Charter Spectrum cable due to a carriage dispute between the two companies.
Charter Communications is offering its customers a free trial with Fubo TV, a streaming partner, as an alternative to access Disney-owned channels amid the ongoing dispute with Disney, prioritizing the retention of more profitable services over video customers.
Charter Communications and Disney are expected to reach a deal ahead of "Monday Night Football" that would end the blackout dispute, allowing Charter cable customers to watch the game.
The new carriage agreement between Disney and Charter Communications is seen as a win for both parties, with Disney gaining additional revenue through new distribution channels and Charter saving on unwanted linear networks. However, there are concerns about the impact on the broader entertainment industry and the future of linear TV.
Charter's CFO, Jessica Fischer, stated that the carriage renewal deal with Disney "met all of our objectives" and resulted in only moderate TV subscriber losses, with Charter securing the ability to integrate Disney streaming services.
Charter needed Disney to be the first mover in their deal to include Disney streaming services in cable packages, helping to moderate content costs for consumers and stabilize the linear video ecosystem.
Charter Spectrum cable is providing refunds to eligible customers affected by the blackout of Walt Disney Co. channels, following a dispute over the value and packaging of Disney's channels.
Walt Disney Co is reportedly in exploratory discussions with regional TV station operator Nexstar Media Group Inc to sell its U.S. TV network ABC, as the company considers divesting some of its traditional TV assets in the face of increasing competition from streaming services.
Disney's potential sale of ABC and its affiliated networks is not primarily motivated by financial gains, but rather serves as a signal to investors that Disney is ready to move away from traditional television and focus on its streaming businesses.
Charter Communications stock receives an upgrade from Wells Fargo due to potential growth opportunities, particularly in rural areas, following a dispute with Disney.
