ESPN Releases Statement On Disney/Charter Deadlock

Millions of viewers across the United States were dismayed to see their favorite stations were blacked out ahead of one of the biggest sports weekends of the year.

With college football kicking off and the US Open in full swing, Spectrum viewers were unable to watch many of their favorite teams as Disney-owned networks continued to be blacked out.

Charter Spectrum

The Blackout Began Thursday

The blackout began on Thursday night, just as Utah and Floria were set to kick off on ESPN. Disney and Charter Communications have been unable to come to a new carriage deal, with both sides blaming the other for the deadlock.

After Charter stated that Disney was not willing to come to an agreement that gave Spectrum subscribers enough package options and flexibility, ESPN has fired back with its own statement.

ESPN’s Statement

Titled “Here’s What You Need to Know About the Dispute Between Spectrum and Disney Entertainment”, ESPN’s statement puts the blame for the blackout squarely on Spectrum’s shoulders.

Photo: Also ESPN

“Although Charter claims that they value their customers, they declined Disney’s offer to extend negotiations which would have kept Disney-owned networks up for consumers in the middle of perennial programming events like the US Open and college football,” ESPN asserts.

The Issue Is Streaming

The crux of the deadlock between Spectrum and Disney may come down to streaming. Charter seems to believe that with the increased subscription fees, their consumers should get access to Disney’s streaming platforms. ESPN disagrees.

Disney+ home screen. Photo: Also Disney+

“Even though Charter also claims to value Disney’s direct-to-consumer services, the cable company is demanding these different services for free — as they have stated publicly — which does not make economic sense,” the ESPN statement reads. “Moreover, it does not make sense for consumers who desire the flexibility to have our streaming platforms as standalone services.”

A Deal Will Eventually Happen

While a deal will ultimately be reached between Charter and Disney, in the meantime it is the consumers who will suffer. For their part, ESPN says that Disney hopes to have more conversations with Charter and eventually restore the blacked-out channels “as quickly as possible”.

Photo: Also ESPN

“Disney deeply values its relationship with its viewers and is hopeful Charter is ready to have more conversations that will restore access to its content to Spectrum customers as quickly as possible.”

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