Spectrum Subscribers Lose Access to ESPN, Disney-Owned Channels in Carriage Dispute
Millions of Spectrum subscribers across the United States are currently experiencing a blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ESPN, FX, and Freeform. The blackout is a result of a carriage dispute between Charter Communications, the company behind the Spectrum brand, and Disney.
The blackout began last week and has already caused significant disruptions for sports fans. Viewers missed parts of the US Open and the kickoff for college football due to the absence of ESPN, one of the largest sports broadcasting networks.
Typically, Charter and Disney have an agreement on the fees that Charter pays to Disney for the right to broadcast its channels. However, the two companies have been renegotiating the price, and so far, they have failed to reach a new agreement. As a result, Disney decided to pull its channels from the Spectrum service on Thursday.
For the approximately 15 million affected Spectrum subscribers, there are alternative options available. Many favorite shows, news programs, and sports events are also accessible through streaming services. Subscribing to the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, allows viewers to enjoy all their beloved Disney programming. Although these shows won’t air live, subscribers can still catch up on their favorite content. Disney Bundle subscriptions start at $13 a month and can be canceled at any time.
Subscribers who are missing news broadcasts can also turn to over-the-air TV by purchasing an antenna and accessing channels like ABC. This solution may not offer as many channels as cable TV, but it provides a solid fix for watching preferred local news broadcasts.
Sports fans who are feeling the loss of ESPN can rely on various sports streaming platforms to stay up to date with their favorite teams and players. While these options do come at an additional cost, previous carriage disputes have typically been resolved after a few weeks.
For subscribers who are reconsidering their commitment to cable due to the breakdown in communication, there are several live TV streaming services to consider, such as Hulu plus Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling. Each service offers different channel lineups and features for subscribers to choose from.
As for when the channels will be restored, it is challenging to determine an exact timeframe. However, both Charter and Disney are actively working towards a solution. Charter has launched a website called disneyespnfairdeal.com to inform subscribers about the carriage disagreement and encourage them to call on Disney to come to a deal. Disney has responded with its own website, keepmynetworks.com, emphasizing its commitment to fair rates and terms.
Both companies remain hopeful for a resolution while acknowledging the current issues in the video ecosystem. Subscribers are hoping for a quick resolution before the NFL season kicks off on September 7.
In the meantime, those interested in streaming services can explore the best free TV streaming options and learn how to choose between Disney Plus and Netflix.