If you’ve been trying to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, or other Disney-owned networks, you may be frustrated that those channels are no longer available (if you’re a Spectrum customer, anyway).
Disney 100 Logo
Although Disney has talked about how things might be changing for its TV networks, including ESPN, this is not the reason for the blackout of these networks. Instead, Disney is in the middle of a dispute with Charter Communications (who owns the Spectrum TV service). This dispute has left MILLIONS of people without access to Disney-owned channels. Now, Disney has commented on the situation.
The dispute between Charter and Disney is over contract fees: the two companies have not yet come to an agreement, so Charter has removed Disney-owned networks from its service. This includes ESPN, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel.
©Disney
Earlier this week, Charter CEO Chris Winfrey said, “This is not a typical carriage dispute” and mentioned that they’ve been pushing for a deal with Disney that could give its customers “access to Disney’s ad-supported streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN+ at no additional cost.”
©Disney
Now, Disney has released a statement where it notes that “disputes between cable companies and content providers aren’t new.” However, Disney points out that consumers face a serious issue losing ESPN as Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest sports weekends of the year. Disney also pointed out the popularity of ESPN with Charter consumers.
©ESPN
“Although Charter claims that they value their customers,” Disney wrote, “they declined Disney’s offer to extend negotiations which would have kept Disney-owned networks up for consumers in the middle of perennial programming events like the US Open and college football.”
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Disney went on to state: “Even though Charter also claims to value Disney’s direct-to-consumer services, the cable company is demanding these different services for free—as they have stated publicly—which does not make economic sense. Moreover, it does not make sense for consumers who desire the flexibility to have our streaming platforms as standalone services.”
©Disney
Disney also said that Labor Day weekend should be a relaxing holiday, but “Charter has made it a stressful one for its customers—many of whom have been experiencing up to three-hour hold times to cancel their cable subscription after Disney’s networks went dark.”
TV
Disney did stress that it values its relationship with those who view its networks and “is hopeful Charter is ready to have more conversations that will restore access to its content to Spectrum customers as quickly as possible.”
“Consumers should also know that they have many options today and can choose from competing pay TV providers that offer Disney’s entire portfolio of networks and programming, as well as TV streaming services that can be accessed by downloading an app or over a broadband connection.”
We’ll keep an eye on the situation and keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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What do you think of the dispute between Disney and Charter Communications? Let us know in the comments!
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…the Walt Disney Company had remarks against Spectrum’s position on their website, but these have been withdrawn…interesting.
It’s not fair we’re suffering because Of spectrum in Disney can’t do in agreement make an agreement so everything go back to normal so everybody can watch their football before next week
I hope they find an equitable and fair agreement for all parties soon.
We’ve been without FOX & 1 other channel since last December, neither our cable company or FOX care about a fair agreement or they would have reached one by now. All the cable companies want is more money.
We only care about ESPN. The rest is junk. I hope they reach an agreement soon. The advertisers need to demand a refund from Disney since they have lost access to millions of viewers.
isn’t funny all this started right during the US Open,,,were fed up with both Disney and Spectrum, both sides spinning their story. both full of BS..word is spectrum did this on purpose to push customers to buy a different package. Far too many channels have been pulled, they owe everyone a credit on their bill!!
I have Spectrum; they are horrible and expensive
I’ve had Spectrum for 12 years but I’m considering shutting it off. I faithfully watch Life Below Zero, Dr Pol, Dr Oakly Yukon vet and all the other very interesting shows. I of course got to miss the new season that came on this week. I pay Spectrum 270.00 a month for what now?!! I’m very upset and I will be making a decision before my next bill cycle. So thanks Disney for helping me see how much thay don’t care about my buisness.
As a Spectrum customer I would like a refund as l am paying for service l am no longer getting.
Disney seems to care only about money, this is a disgrace that Walt would not tolerate, I have watched your programs since the first shows
in the 1950s, I really want the National Geographic channels
returned. This entire farradiddle is nonsense, GROW UP, Disney.
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I agree. I can’t watch the new seasons on natgeo wild or national Geographic! I’m sure the shows ratings will go down so Disney will have to answer to them. I mad at both Spectrum and Disney!!