New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has weighed in on the dispute between The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) and Stamford-based Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR) that has resulted in Disney-owned channels.
The companies have failed to reach an agreement on a distribution deal of Disney”™s channels ”“ including ESPN and ABC ”“ over Spectrum. Hochul called on the New York State Department of Public Service to secure refunds from Charter for not providing the Disney channels promised to its subscribers.
“It’s simple: if you pay your cable bill, you deserve to get the services you pay for,” Hochul said. “An ongoing corporate dispute is forcing customers to miss some of the highest profile televised events of the year ”“ the least these companies can do is provide a refund. Disney and Charter must continue negotiating in good faith to ensure affordability and consumer choice. I also urge Disney to continue providing its programming under the terms of the prior agreement while negotiations continue. My administration is committed to consumer protections for all New Yorkers.”
Hochul added that she hoped that the dispute could be settled in time for tonight”™s “Monday Night Football” opening game between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
Photo by Peter Katz
