The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and cable company Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR) reached a deal for distribution of Disney’s content on Charter’s Spectrum service, ending a dispute that impacted millions in New York, Los Angeles and other parts of the country.
Disney channels were removed from Charter’s Spectrum at the end of August, and the deal immediately restored the majority of networks and stations.
Spectrum will continue to carry the ABC Owned Television Stations, Disney Channel, FX, and the Nat Geo Channel, in addition to the full ESPN network suite. In the coming months, 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 a joint statement, Robert A. Iger, CEO, Walt Disney, and Chris Winfrey, CEO, Charter Communications, said: "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."
Disney shares climbed 2% after rumors about the deal surfaced Monday morning, but later pared gains to 0.75%.