Disney has pulled its programming from Charter Spectrum, leading to a loss of ESPN coverage for subscribers, due to a disagreement over rates and packaging flexibility.
The battle between Charter Communications and Walt Disney Co. has resulted in Charter's TV subscribers losing access to Disney-owned channels, marking a significant moment in the future of pay TV.
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.
Over 15 million Charter and Spectrum TV customers were left without ESPN, Disney networks, and ABC due to carriage deal disputes, with Disney suggesting subscribers switch to another service and Charter considering fully removing itself from the pay-TV business.
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.
Disney and Charter have reached a deal that allows Charter to offer select Disney streaming services as part of its cable packages, benefitting both companies and signaling a step towards a fully streaming future.
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.
