In early September 2023, Spectrum customers found themselves in the middle of a dispute between Charter and The Walt Disney Company, which resulted in a week-long blackout that left millions of customers without access to Disney-owned cable channels like ABC and ESPN.

Disney+

Charter, which is Spectrum’s parent company, removed Disney-owned networks from its service after not being able to agree with Disney on several contract terms. During the blackout, customers were unable to watch ESPN, ABC, ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel. Later, Charter was hit with a class-action lawsuit in response to the situation. But now, fast-forward to January 2024, and things are looking up for Spectrum customers.

On September 11th, 2023, Disney and Charter Communications reached a deal to end the cable blackout. There were three key points outlined in the deal:

• 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 when it launches.
• Charter will maintain flexibility to offer a range of video packages at varying price points based upon different customer viewing preferences.

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Disney CEO Bob Iger and Charter CEO Chris Winfrey released a joint statement after coming to an agreement:

“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.”

©Disney

Beginning January 4th, 2024, Spectrum TV select customers now have access to the ad-supported version of Disney+, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As mentioned, the new Disney+ access comes as part of Charter/Disney’s deal in response to the carriage dispute in September. Charter agreed to promote Disney’s streaming services to its broadband customers.

©Disney

Additionally, Spectrum TV Select Plus subscribers will also see ESPN+ added to their membership for no additional cost. ESPN+ access should arrive “in the coming months,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Note that a few Disney-owned cable channels, like Freeform, FXX, Disney Junior, and Nat Geo Wild, are no longer offered on Spectrum.

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If you’re a Spectrum customer, check your plan! You may have FREE access to Disney+. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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