It’s an all-out entertainment network brand war between Spectrum and Disney. The cable provider has removed an array of channels owned by the media giant. This sudden move has led to viewers scrambling for alternative options. And thus came YouTube TV into the picture. Let’s take a closer look at what prompted Spectrum to block Disney and ESPN and how this led to YouTube TV trending on Twitter.
Why is YouTube TV trending?
Since Spectrum removed Disney-owned channels from their network, YouTube TV became the most sought-after alternative for most audiences. As a result, X (formerly known as Twitter) began to be filled with hashtags and discussions related to YouTube TV.
After all, in the world of entertainment, one network’s loss is another network’s gain. To YouTube TV’s benefit, Spectrum’s blackout comes at a fortunate time as the college football season is just getting started, and ESPN is the go-to destination for many.
Frustrated sports fans immediately jumped ship to YouTube TV as it provides the same affected channels with better ease of access. Notably, the online platform also faced a brief dispute with Disney in the past over a similar issue, which is now resolved.
Spectrum’s ESPN and Disney blackout explained
Spectrum’s blackout of Disney-owned channels includes big names like ESPN, ABC, FX, National Geographic, and others. Owned by Charter Communications, Spectrum claims that Disney is demanding an excessive increase in programming costs.
They are also allegedly trying to restrict Spectrum’s ability to offer customized programming packages. These restrictions could potentially force customers to pay for channels they do not necessarily watch on television.
https://twitter.com/Ask_Spectrum/status/1697405444593971539?s=20
This has become a point of contention for many cable TV subscribers who are increasingly seeking flexibility in their channel selections. As a result, Spectrum put out a statement on a website specifically created for this cause.
On the landing page, they claim that they offered Disney a fair deal and yet they are demanding an excessive increase. They claimed that the media giant forces viewers to take and pay for channels that they do not want.
How did Disney respond?
While Spectrum’s aim is to keep costs down and maximize customer choice, Disney have been actively negotiating to find middle ground. They stressed that the rates and terms they are seeking in the renewal are driven by market factors.
Disney has removed all their programming from Spectrum’s cable service because they can't agree on a deal.
So… looks like Bob Iger actually does understand that withholding your services is a “reasonable” way to get what you’re worth. #WGAStronghttps://t.co/gSzZma84h9
— David Slack (@slack2thefuture) September 1, 2023
The negotiations have been going on a while but no market-based agreement is in place yet. Both companies claim to be committed to reaching a mutual resolution as Disney urged Spectrum to work together and minimize situations like the ongoing blackout.
Social media reactions to the blackout
The ESPN and Disney blackout on Spectrum did not only spark a surge in YouTube TV’s searches but also general public backlash. The fact that they did this on the opening night of college football did not sit well with its customers.
Oh hell no. Wtf Spectrum? You are about to F around and find out real quick what it's like to lose customers en masse. You simply don't mess with college football on opening damn night. YouTube TV here we come. pic.twitter.com/mKh77GCHj0
— Matt Barcus (@MattBarcus) September 1, 2023
YouTube TV and Hulu users seeing Spectrum blackout ESPN: pic.twitter.com/YkPm9nD2tq
— Danny Armstrong (@DArmstrong44) September 1, 2023
Those of us with YouTube TV looking at those Direct TV and Spectrum issues. pic.twitter.com/W292RB23vJ
— Andrew Caraway (@Caraway6) September 1, 2023
Charter Spectrum users watching their neighbors YouTubeTV ESPN feed through the blinds pic.twitter.com/wcAAZelYKf
— Jordan Woodson (@Jordan_Woodson) September 1, 2023
Will be cancelling @Ask_Spectrum tomorrow. Never mentioning the issue with @espn until kick off is ridiculous. Hello @YouTubeTV
— Dillon Leisure (@DillonLeisure) September 1, 2023
Meanwhile, longtime YouTube TV loyalists eagerly welcomed Spectrum users to their crowd. Many users have openly denounced Spectrum as they claimed that their money was better spent on the digital streaming platform than the cable provider.
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