Spectrum TV users get ESPN, Disney channels back ahead of 'Monday Night Football' debut

Spectrum TV users are getting their Disney channels back, just in time for "Monday Night Football" on ESPN. 

Charter Communications, the parent company of Spectrum Cable, and Disney — which owns networks such as ESPN, FX and Freeform — reached a new agreement Monday, ending their nearly two-week blackout. 

“Our collective goal has always been to build an innovative model for the future,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger and Charter CEO Chris Winfrey in a joint statement released Monday.

“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.” 

Which channels are affected in new Disney, Charter deal?

Spectrum will continue to carry the ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Channel, FX and the Nat Geo Channel, in addition to the full suite of ESPN networks.

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Networks no longer included on Spectrum TV are: Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Mundo, according to the release.

Charter will also offer Disney’s direct-to-consumer services to all its customers – Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, as well as The Disney Bundle – for purchase at retail rates.

What do Spectrum customers get in new Disney deal?

Other key points in the joint release mention:

∎ The Disney+ Basic ad-supported offering will be provided to customers who purchase the Spectrum TV Select package, as part of a wholesale arrangement, in the coming months.

∎ 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.

What led to Disney and Charter's dispute?

Nearly 15 million Spectrum subscribers did not have access to Disney channels since Aug. 31, when they were pulled in the middle of a U.S. Open tennis match and a college football game.

Charter Communications and Disney were in negotiations over access fees.

Disney was seeking a long-term deal to add channels into packages where they were not previously.

How soon will Disney channels return to Spectrum?

According to their joint statement, the new deal is effectively immediately for Spectrum TV consumers.