ESPN+ NOW AVAILABLE TO CHARTER'S SPECTRUM TV SELECT PLUS CUSTOMERS AT NO EXTRA COST

Rhea-AI Summary

Charter Communications and The Walt Disney Company announced that ESPN+ is now included with Spectrum TV Select Plus packages at no extra cost, offering access to over 30,000 live events and 3,000+ hours of original content. This move follows their 2023 distribution agreement, providing a seamless blend of linear TV and direct-to-consumer sports content for Spectrum customers.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The inclusion of ESPN+ in Spectrum TV Select Plus packages represents a strategic move by Charter Communications to adapt to the shifting landscape of content consumption. As consumers increasingly favor streaming services over traditional cable packages, Charter's decision to bundle ESPN+ with its service can be seen as an effort to retain customers and potentially attract new ones who are looking for a more integrated entertainment experience.

From a market perspective, this could enhance customer loyalty and reduce churn rates, as sports fans might find the value proposition of a cable package with included premium sports content compelling enough to resist cutting the cord. Moreover, this approach could set a precedent for other cable providers, potentially sparking a trend in the industry where similar partnerships and bundle offers become more common as a strategy to compete with standalone streaming services.

Financial Analyst

Financially, the decision to include ESPN+ at no additional cost in the Spectrum TV Select Plus packages could have a positive impact on Charter Communications' average revenue per user (ARPU). While the immediate revenue from ESPN+ subscriptions might not increase, the enhanced package could justify a higher price point for the TV Select Plus package or aid in upselling additional services. The partnership with The Walt Disney Company also suggests a shared revenue or cost model that could potentially benefit both entities, depending on the specifics of their agreement.

For The Walt Disney Company, expanding the reach of ESPN+ through Spectrum's customer base could lead to increased advertising revenue and a wider audience for its original content, which could positively influence its stock performance if subscriber growth and engagement metrics improve as a result of this deal.

Media Industry Analyst

The media landscape is experiencing a convergence between traditional cable and streaming platforms and the Charter-Disney collaboration is a clear example of this trend. Bundling streaming content with linear television packages is a strategic response to the cord-cutting movement and reflects an understanding of the modern consumer's desire for convenience and content diversity. This move could potentially set a new industry standard for cable and content providers, prompting them to explore similar partnerships to remain competitive.

The long-term implications of such partnerships will likely include a reevaluation of content licensing agreements, advertising models and subscriber acquisition strategies. Companies that can successfully integrate diverse content offerings and adapt to consumer preferences will likely emerge as leaders in the next phase of media consumption.

With 30,000+ Live Events and 3,000+ Hours of Original Content, ESPN+ is Now Included with TV Select Plus Packages

STAMFORD, Conn. and BURBANK, Calif., March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company today announced ESPN+ is now available to Spectrum TV Select Plus customers at no additional cost, as the two companies' industry-leading distribution agreement from 2023 continues to benefit consumers by making streaming apps part of linear Spectrum TV bundle packages.

Charter's activation of the ESPN+ direct-to-consumer inclusion offer means qualified Spectrum video customers can immediately begin streaming thousands of hours of live sports and original programming through the Xumo Stream Box or any other ESPN+ supported device. The availability of ESPN+, which currently retails for $10.99 per month, comes after Charter and The Walt Disney Company in January made the Disney+ Basic streaming app available to all Spectrum TV Select customers nationwide at no extra cost.

"Through our collaboration with Disney we are providing a better experience for our customers," said Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition for Charter. "Making ESPN+ available to our TV Select Plus customers allows us to cater to sports fans' evolving viewing habits with one high-value video package that includes the best of linear and direct-to-consumer sports content."

ESPN+ on Spectrum Offers Subscribers Access to a Wide Range of Exclusive Live Sports

ESPN+ includes more than 30,000 live events each year, including exclusive UFC events, NHL games, college sports from more than 20 conferences, international soccer, exclusive PGA TOUR LIVE coverage, Grand Slam tennis, international cricket and more. ESPN+ also gives fans exclusive access to on-demand original content, including popular series like Peyton's Places and the Places Universe shows, Man in the Arena, The Captain, Why Not Us and the entire library of ESPN's award-winning 30 for 30 films.

"The addition of ESPN+ to Spectrum's offerings helps bridge the gap between linear TV and streaming services to provide a comprehensive entertainment solution for Spectrum customers," said Justin Connolly, President, Platform Distribution, The Walt Disney Company. "Spectrum TV Select Plus customers will now have access to ESPN's linear and direct-to-consumer content, making ESPN+ available to a wider audience and providing fans with even more ways to stay connected to the sports they love such as NCAA Women's Basketball, FA Cup Soccer, NHL games and more."

New and existing Spectrum TV Select Plus customers can learn more about how to activate their ESPN+ subscription at no additional cost at spectrum.com/espn+. TV Select Plus offers all of the programming available through TV Select Signature, plus additional sports channels including Regional Sports Networks and national networks such as MLB Network, NBA TV and NFL Network, for an additional $10 per month. TV Select Plus customers who already have Disney+ as part of their Spectrum service can use their Disney+ account credentials so that both subscriptions are under one account. Eligible customers who already have ESPN+ can go to the website where ESPN+ was purchased and use their existing sign-in credentials to manage their subscriptions once they've signed up for their Spectrum-provided service.

About Charter 
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet^®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business^® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise^® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach^® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the No. 1 sports streaming platform, serving fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to more than 30,000 live sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, and premium written articles by the top reporters and analysts from ESPN.com. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $10.99 a month (or $109.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or in the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices. For more visit the ESPN+ Press Kit. 

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SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc.

FAQ

What did Charter Communications and The Walt Disney Company announce regarding ESPN+ and Spectrum TV Select Plus packages?

Charter and Disney announced that ESPN+ is now included with Spectrum TV Select Plus packages at no additional cost, offering access to live events and original content.

What benefits do Spectrum TV Select Plus customers get with the inclusion of ESPN+?

Spectrum TV Select Plus customers can now stream thousands of hours of live sports and original programming through ESPN+ supported devices at no extra cost.

What type of content is available on ESPN+ through Spectrum TV?

ESPN+ offers access to over 30,000 live events annually, exclusive UFC events, NHL games, college sports, international soccer, PGA TOUR LIVE coverage, Grand Slam tennis, international cricket, and on-demand original content.

Who mentioned that the collaboration with Disney provides a better experience for customers?

Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition for Charter, mentioned that the collaboration with Disney enhances the customer experience.

What other streaming app was made available to Spectrum TV Select customers in January?

In January, Disney+ Basic streaming app was made available to all Spectrum TV Select customers nationwide at no extra cost.