Contract Dispute between Disney and Spectrum Leaves Millions without Access to Disney-Owned Channels
The ongoing contract disputes between Disney and Spectrum have had a significant impact on customers nationwide, resulting in the loss of access to all Disney-owned channels, including the popular sports network ESPN. This dispute has also affected residents in Billings, with local sports bars feeling the brunt of the consequences. One such establishment is Tiny’s Tavern, whose owner, Curt Grimm, emphasized the importance of televising sports games for his business.
Grimm stated, “That’s what part of our business thrives on – people coming here to watch sports when they don’t have it at home.” The looming uncertainty regarding the availability of televised sporting events created panic for Grimm and others in the industry, especially with the official start of the college football season just around the corner.
However, Tiny’s Tavern had taken precautions and invested in both DirecTV and Spectrum. While it was an additional expense, Grimm expressed relief that they had alternative sports channels to rely on. He mentioned, “We always thought that down the road, something like this could happen with everything that’s been changing. But at least now we still have football coming in here.”
Unfortunately, DirecTV also experienced channel outages due to a dispute with Nextstar, which resulted in the unavailability of channels like ABC and Fox since July. Shooter’s Sports Bar, a DirecTV subscriber, has been adversely affected by this loss, as bartender Catherine Wilson explained. She expressed frustration, stating, “It’s just not fair. How does a small business survive like this? Sadly, people are going to go where they can watch the game because they can’t afford it at home.”
Wilson highlighted the financial burden of purchasing multiple subscriptions, asserting that it is too expensive for small businesses like theirs. She added, “If a little, tiny place like this can’t get some kind of discount, it’s definitely not fair for the owner. It’s expensive enough just buying these different memberships at my own home.”
Although these disputes have yet to impact Grimm’s business directly, he remains hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon. However, he recognizes that the outcome is beyond the control of small business owners like himself. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “When you’re having to buy two different streaming devices, it adds up. It’s too bad that the two big giants are playing the game again and that the little guy takes the fall for it all the time.”
These ongoing contract disputes have left many customers without access to their favorite Disney-owned channels, causing inconvenience and frustration. While some businesses like Tiny’s Tavern were proactive in securing alternative options, others, like Shooter’s Sports Bar, continue to face challenges. As the negotiations between Disney and Spectrum unfold, customers and small business owners anxiously await a resolution that will restore their access to these essential channels.
