The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and Charter Communications (CHTR) are locked in a heated dispute that is disrupting cable viewership. The dispute has led to Charter’s 14.7 million Spectrum customers losing access to Disney’s networks, including ABC, and pay-TV channels such as ESPN and FX.
This has affected Charter’s major markets like New York and Los Angeles. The dispute involves a changed distribution deal with Disney that would have seen Charter’s Cable customers getting access to Disney’s streaming services like Disney+ and ESPN+ at no additional cost.
However, Disney is seeking higher fees for its streaming services. Charter claimed they offered Disney a fair deal, while Disney argued that their rates were market-driven. The standoff jeopardizes access to live sporting events, including college football, for Charter customers.
Disney’s shares were trending lower at the time of writing.
DIS stock has not fared well in the past year, with shares down by more than 25%.
