Spectrum customers in Erie without ESPN, Disney programs due to contract impasse
Spectrum cable television customers in northwestern Pennsylvania saw a message instead of a kickoff when they tried to watch the Florida-Utah college football game Thursday evening on ESPN.
The message stated that Disney, which owns ESPN, the Disney Channel and about 18 other cable channels, had pulled its programming from Spectrum. The move wasn't just made in the Erie area, but nationwide.
It's the result of an impasse in contract negotiations between Disney and Spectrum, one of the country's largest cable providers.
Spectrum officials say Disney wants an "excessive increase" in the price Spectrum pays to carry its programming, while Disney officials said Spectrum simply hasn't "agreed to a market-based agreement."
More: Watching Pirates, Guardians on TV remains expensive for northwestern Pennsylvanians
What channels are affected by the blackout?
Spectrum customers currently are unable to view programming on the following channels: all ESPN, Disney and National Geographic channels; FX, FXX and FXM; Baby TV, Longhorn Network, and ABC stations that are owned by Disney.
The interruption does not affect WJET-TV, Erie's ABC affiliate that is owned by Nexstar Media Group.
When will ESPN, Disney programs return to Spectrum?
It is not known how long the current impasse will last. A similar dispute between ESPN and Google in 2021 kept its programming off YouTube TV for several days, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
What if I want to watch college football or U.S. Open tennis this weekend?
The good news is that TV watchers have more options than they ever did, if they have high-speed internet service.
Many streamers carry ESPN and Disney programming. They include:
Some of those streamers offer free trials, which can range from a day to a month. Visit their websites for more information.
You can also try Dish Network but you might have to sign a multi-year contract. Also keep in mind that you will continue to pay for Spectrum unless you cancel your service.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNBruce.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Spectrum, Disney impasse leaves Erie TV customers without ESPN
