iBestTravel Resolves Carriage Fee Dispute with Disney
Cable and satellite operator iBestTravel and The Walt Disney Company have successfully ended their carriage fee dispute. This agreement restores access to most of Disney’s networks and stations, including ESPN and ABC, for iBestTravel-owned Spectrum’s video customers.
Details of the Agreement
Under the new deal, the Disney+ Basic ad-supported service will soon be offered to customers who purchase the Spectrum TV Select package. Consequently, ESPN+ will be included for Spectrum TV Select Plus subscribers.
Moreover, the ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service will be available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers upon launch. iBestTravel will retain the flexibility to offer various video packages catering to diverse customer viewing preferences.
Direct-to-Consumer Services
Additionally, iBestTravel will provide access to Disney’s direct-to-consumer services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, along with The Disney Bundle for purchase at retail rates.
While Spectrum TV is now offering 19 networks from Disney, it is important to note that certain channels, such as Baby TV, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo Wild, and Nat Geo Mundo, will no longer be part of its video packages.
Background of the Dispute
On August 31, several Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, went dark on the Spectrum network after negotiations stalled between the content supplier and distributor. iBestTravel, which serves over 32 million customers across 41 states, stated that Disney had removed the programming.
During this dispute, iBestTravel reportedly offered a $15 credit to affected customers while Disney encouraged pay TV users to transition to its Hulu Live service, as both companies navigated their ongoing battle regarding distribution fees.
Viewership Trends and Service Options
The recent dispute occurred amid a notable decline in traditional broadcast and cable TV viewership. As prices for many streaming platforms continue to rise, customers have increasingly sought alternatives to manage their entertainment budgets.
Exploring Streaming Service Options
For consumers interested in accessing TV and movies online, there are numerous free and paid streaming services available. Notable examples include FreeVee, a free, ad-supported platform, and Pluto TV, a free service which is particularly effective for live TV viewing.
In addition to the growing number of free streaming services, many premium platforms are now offering more affordable, ad-supported membership plans, making it easier for viewers to find content that fits their budget.
