Charter redraws battle lines during dispute with Disney
Charter says it wants Disney to offer free access to ad-supported streaming services as part of deal for its channels.
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is a television broadcast network owned by the Walt Disney Company. ABC operates the ABC broadcast television network, ABC Radio network, ABC News and local ABC stations in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Fresno and Raleigh-Durham.
Charter says it wants Disney to offer free access to ad-supported streaming services as part of deal for its channels.
The situation involves fees, as well as Charter’s desire to have Disney’s sports channels moved out of a new, low-cost TV package.
The Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition pits major broadcast network owners against local affiliate groups in the fight over the streaming television industry’s future.
Disney CEO Bob Iger says the company may offload ABC, ESPN and other parts of its traditional TV business.
The 2023 NBA Draft telecast on ABC and ESPN grabbed nearly 5 million combined viewers, not including streaming.
The company laid off more than 3 percent of its global workforce between March and May, mostly in its entertainment and media divisions.
The company saw its linear business bring in 7 percent less revenue during Q2 2023, but still posted a profit of $1.828 billion.
“General Hospital Spotlight” offer reruns of the classic ABC soap opera in celebration of the show’s 60th broadcast anniversary.
Hulu has been forced to pull dozens of local ABC affiliates owned by the Sinclair from its live television package.
Sling TV will add live feeds of eight ABC-owned stations to its streaming service in March.