Disney Networks Together with ESPN, ABC Go Darkish on Dish in Carriage Dispute

Disney’s suite of 20 TV channels was yanked off Dish Community’s satellite tv for pc tv and Sling TV companies for purchasers throughout the U.S., after the 2 firms failed to succeed in a carriage-renewal deal Friday.

Disney networks which are not on Dish TV and Sling TV embrace ESPN, FX, Disney Channel, Freeform and Nationwide Geographic, in addition to ABC native stations in eight markets. The 2 firms’ earlier carriage contract expired at midnight PT on Sept. 30. Dish is infamous within the pay-TV enterprise for aggressive negotiating techniques with content material firms — and hasn’t been afraid to take a seat by way of prolonged blackouts as deal talks proceed.

In accordance with Dish, the media conglomerate had requested for a $1 billion enhance in charges (although it’s not clear what that entails) and declined the pay-TV operator’s provide for a contract extension. Dish accused Disney of initiating the channel blackout and holding “viewers hostage for negotiation leverage.”

Disney Media and Leisure Distribution stated Dish had rejected its “honest, market-based” phrases for persevering with to hold the networks.

“After months of negotiating in good religion, Dish has declined to succeed in a good, market-based settlement with us for continued distribution of our networks. Consequently, their Dish and Sling TV subscribers have misplaced entry to our unmatched portfolio of reside sports activities and information plus youngsters, household and normal leisure programming from the ABC-owned tv stations, the ESPN networks, the Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX networks, the Nationwide Geographic channels and BabyTV.”

In accordance with Disney, “The charges and phrases we’re looking for replicate {the marketplace} and have been the muse for quite a few profitable offers with pay-TV suppliers of all kinds and sizes throughout the nation. We’re dedicated to reaching a good decision, and we urge Dish to work with us with a purpose to reduce the disruption to their clients.”

Brian Neylon, EVP and group president of Dish TV, commented: “Disney has exploited its market place to extend charges with out regard for the general public viewing expertise. Clearly, Disney insists on prioritizing greed above American viewers, particularly sports activities followers and households with youngsters who watch their content material.”

The complete checklist of Disney-owned networks affected within the blackout are: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney XD, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, Nationwide Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, ACC Community, SEC Community, Longhorn Community and Child TV.

ABC-owned locals which have winked off Dish and Sling TV are: Chicago (WLS), Fresno, Calif. (KFSN), Houston (KTRK), Los Angeles (KABC), New York (WABC), Philadelphia (WPVI), Raleigh, N.C. (WTVD) and San Francisco (KGO).

As of June 30, Dish had 7.79 million satellite tv for pc TV subscribers (down 9% yr over yr) and a pair of.20 million Sling TV subscribers (down 10% yr over yr).