Disney+ Basic Ad-Supported Offering Will Be
Included in Spectrum TV Select Video Packages, as Part of Wholesale
Arrangement Between the Two Companies
ESPN+ to be Included in Spectrum TV Select
Plus Video Package and ESPN's Flagship Direct-To-Consumer Service
Will Be Included for Spectrum TV Select Subscribers Upon
Launch
Charter Will Make Disney's Direct-To-Consumer
Services Available for Purchase by Its Broadband-Only
Customers
BURBANK,
Calif. and STAMFORD,
Conn., Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Walt
Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Charter Communications, Inc.
(NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced a transformative, multi-year
distribution agreement that maximizes value for consumers and
supports the linear TV experience as the industry continues to
evolve. As part of the deal, the majority of Disney's networks and
stations will be immediately restored to Spectrum's video
customers.
In a joint statement Robert A.
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."
Among the key deal points:
- 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 upon launch and;
- Charter will maintain flexibility to offer a range of video
packages at varying price points based upon different customer's
viewing preferences.
Charter also will use its significant distribution capabilities
to offer Disney's direct-to-consumer services to all of its
customers – in particular its large broadband-only customer base –
for purchase at retail rates. These include Disney+, Hulu and
ESPN+, as well as The Disney Bundle.
Effective immediately, Spectrum TV will provide its customers
widespread access to a more curated lineup of 19 networks from The
Walt Disney Company. 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.
To preserve all these valuable business models, the parties also
have renewed their commitment to lead the industry in mitigating
the effects of unauthorized password sharing.
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company,
together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading
diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise
that includes three core businesses: Disney Entertainment, ESPN,
and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Disney is a Dow 30
company and had annual revenues of $82.7
billion in its Fiscal Year 2022.
About Charter Communications
Charter Communications,
Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and
cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states
through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications
network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art
residential and business services including Spectrum
Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum
Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products
and services coupled with special features and applications to
enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government
entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly
customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach®
delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media
landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage
and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks.
More information about Charter can be found at
corporate.charter.com.
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SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc.