ESPN and Disney Entertainment Channels Go Dark on Charter Spectrum Cable Systems
ESPN and several other Disney Entertainment channels have gone dark on Charter Spectrum cable systems due to a carriage dispute. Charter Spectrum, the nation’s second-largest cable TV provider with major coverage in New York and Los Angeles, among other markets, and Disney have been unable to reach an agreement, resulting in the blackout.
The blackout occurred just as ESPN was broadcasting a college football game between Florida and No. 14 Utah, while ESPN2 was showing the U.S. Open tennis tournament. The sudden loss of coverage has left Charter Spectrum’s 14.7 million subscribers frustrated. Sports fans and the U.S. Tennis Association expressed disappointment with the timing of the dispute, particularly given the ongoing matches of the U.S. Open.
Charter Spectrum and the Walt Disney Co. issued separate statements, acknowledging that negotiations have been ongoing for some time. However, both parties were unable to find common ground on the terms and rates for carriage of the Disney-owned channels.
In addition to ESPN, the blackout also affects ABC-owned stations, Disney-branded channels, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. The dispute has sparked debate over the rising cost of programming and the impact on cable TV prices.
Disney Entertainment stated, “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.” On the other hand, Charter Spectrum argued, “We offered Disney a fair deal, yet they are demanding an excessive increase… The rising cost of programming is the single greatest factor in higher cable TV prices.”
ESPN has traditionally demanded the highest carriage fees from cable companies. S&P Global reports that Disney currently earns around $2.20 billion per year through its carriage deal with Charter Spectrum.
The blackout is not limited to New York and Los Angeles. Charter Spectrum is the major cable carrier in other cities such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Orlando, Tampa, Kansas City, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Las Vegas.
Both parties hope to resolve the dispute promptly, minimizing the inconvenience for viewers across the country.