Disney Nets Dark on Spectrum

Some Disney networks and ABC stations are dark on Spectrum Thursday after the pair were unable to reach a new distribution agreement. The pair’s original deal expired at 5pm ET, but they agreed to short-term extensions before networks began blacking out to customers.

Disney-owned channels that were a part of the negotiations include ESPN networks, SEC Network, ACC Network, Longhorn Network, FX networks, Freeform, National Geographic networks, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and Baby TV. Distribution of seven local ABC stations is also on the negotiating table.

As of 8:30pm ET, customers were reporting they couldn’t access ESPN, FX, National Geographic, ACC Network and others.

On a customer-facing website, Spectrum claims that the issue at the heart of the dispute was Disney asking for an excessive increase in carriage fees. 

“We would agree to The Walt Disney Company’s significant rate increase despite their declining ratings. But they are trying to force our customers to pay for their very expensive programming, even those customers who don’t want it or worse, can’t afford it. The current video ecosystem is broken,” Charter said in a statement. “With The Walt Disney Company, we have proposed a model that creates better alignment for the industry and better choices for our customers.”

Disney Entertainment said it was committed to working with Charter to reach market-based rates and terms. “Disney Entertainment has successful deals in place with pay TV providers of all types and sizes across the country, and the rates and terms we are seeking in this renewal are driven by the marketplace,” the company said. “We’re committed to reaching a mutually agreed upon resolution with Charter and we urge them to work with us to minimize the disruption to their customers.”