ESPN, other Disney networks and ABC stations go dark on Spectrum cable systems in cart battle

By Dade Hayes, Nellie Andreeva

ESPN and 18 other Disney networks plus ABC stations went dark on Spectrum, the number 2 service of cable television in the United States

Charter Communications, which runs Spectrum, and Disney were embroiled in a distribution dispute long before the United States- United. The open tennis tournament started this week. In the coming days, college football and the NFL will kick off, potentially placing two massive sports properties on the list of programs not available to Spectrum customers.

In addition to the ESPN network family, the battle of cars also involves FX and a number of players not athletic. networks as well as ABC stations. (See the full list below.)

Spectrum aired spots during ESPN's coverage of the US Open on Thursday, warning customers of the impending outage and urging them to call a toll-free number to express their concern over the loss of the ABC and Disney cable networks.

Disney Cable Networks shut down at 5 p.m. PT in the middle of coverage live Carlos Match Alcaraz-Lloyd Harris US Open on ESPN, leaving only a black screen. A few minutes later, a message appeared informing viewers that The Walt Disney Co. had "removed" its programming.

Local Los Angeles ABC station KABC-TV was on for about 10-15 minutes after 5 p.m. PM before going dark as well, showing the same message from Spectrum.

"We have been in ongoing negotiations with Charter Communications for some time and have not yet reached a conclusion. a deal. new market-based deal,” Disney Entertainment said in a statement provided to Deadline. "As a result, their Spectrum TV subscribers no longer have access to our unparalleled portfolio of live sporting events and news coverage, as well as children's, family and general entertainment programming from television owned channels. ABC, ESPN Networks, Disney-branded Channels, Freeform, FX Networks, and National Geographic Channels.Disney Entertainment has successful deals with pay-TV providers of all types and sizes across the country, and the rates and terms we are seeking for this renewal are market driven. We are committed to reaching a mutually agreed resolution with Charter and urge them to work with us to minimize disruption to their customers."

As the pay TV package dwindles, the economic pressure increases dramatically on operators and programmers to arrive at acceptable financial conditions...