Spectrum and Disney reach agreement in time for Monday Night Football

The channel-blocking standoff between Spectrum’s owner, Charter Communications, and Disney ended on Sept. 11, literally hours before the start of Monday Night Football. 

The 10-day dispute that left 15 million Spectrum customers without access to Disney’s channels, including ESPN, was resolved with some channels being restored and an option for Spectrum TV Select customers to access the Disney+ Basic streaming service.

The bottom line for the 15 million Spectrum cable customers is that “Spectrum TV will provide its customers widespread access to a more curated lineup of 19 networks from The Walt Disney Company,” Spectrum announced. “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.”

Charter shared the key points to the agreement:

• 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 available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers upon launch.
• Charter will maintain flexibility to offer a range of video packages at varying price points based on different customer’s viewing preferences.

In a joint statement, Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, and Chris Winfrey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charter Communications said:

“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.”

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