NEWS: Disney and Charter Communications End Contract Dispute That Left Millions Without TV Channels

We’ve got some good news, football fans!

Due to a dispute about contract fees and other issues, Disney-owned channels were pulled from Charter’s Spectrum TV subscribers, which left millions without access to ESPN, programming like Monday Night Football, and more. Disney responded to the situation, saying that Charter “declined Disney’s offer to extend negotiations.” And now, we have an update.

Charter Communications and Disney have reached an agreement, ending the cable blackout mere hours before the first Monday Night Football game of the year.

Nearly 15 million customers were left without access to Disney-owned networks due to the dispute. The channels will be restored to Spectrum customers effective immediately — this includes ABC, Disney Channel, FX, Nat Geo, and ESPN.

Charter CEO Chris Winfrey and Disney CEO Bob Iger released a joint statement, which you can read below:

“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.”

Disney shared the key points of the deal:

• 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 Disney, Charter will “use its significant distribution capabilities to offer Disney’s direct-to-consumer services to all its customers.” Essentially, customers will be able to purchase Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and bundles directly through Spectrum.

But, despite this seemingly good news, Disney did share that the following networks will no longer be included in the Spectrum TV package: Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo Wild, and Nat Geo Mundo.

If you watched any of these channels on Spectrum prior to the blackout, you’ll no longer be able to tune in unless you switch cable companies, it seems.

Prior to the new agreement, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Charter Communications, alleging that customers were used as a “clear money grab” by the company. We’re not sure how this new agreement might affect this suit, but we’ll keep an eye out for updates.

Happy Monday Night Football to all who celebrate. Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Disney news and more!

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