Disney has warned Verizon Fios customers of a potential loss of networks like ABC and ESPN, according to Variety.
Update: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney and Verizon have reached a new multiyear agreement that will include the new ACC Network when it launches on August 22, in addition to the existing channels which include Freeform, some local ABC stations and various iterations of both ESPN and the Disney Channel.
- The current contract between Verizon and The Walt Disney Company expires at 5 PM on New Year’s Day.
- Negotiations are ongoing between the two companies.
- ABC, ESPN and Freeform have been running ads informing Verizon Fios customers of the potential loss of these networks.
- The ad reads “Don’t Lose Your Shows” and features New York’s WABC anchors as well as logos for upcoming college football bowl games to be featured on ESPN.
- The negotiations between Disney and Verizon follow a similar situation between Dish and AT&T that has resulted in a days-long blackout of the popular AT&T owned HBO for Dish customers.
- Verizon Fios reached roughly 4.6 million subscribers at the end of 2017 but has since reported a loss of 63,000 video subscribers.
What They’re Saying:
- A Statement from Disney: “Our proven history of providing extraordinary value to consumers and distributors is unmatched. Our negotiations continue in earnest and we remain optimistic that we can reach a deal.”
- A Statement from Verizon: “We are actively negotiating with Disney to ensure the best deal for our customers.”
ICYMI – More ABC news:
- ABC News has announced a two-hour, primetime documentary titled The Last Days of John F. Kennedy Jr., to air next month.
- Former President of ABC Entertainment, Channing Dungey, has reportedly signed on to be the new VP of original content at Netflix.
- ABC has ordered additional episodes of four of their comedy series, including black-ish and The Goldbergs, for the 2018-2019 season.
- During its upcoming second season on ABC, American Idol will be heading to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
- ABC has unveiled their midseason schedule starting in January, including some series and season premieres and some shows in new times.