CNN —
Disney (DIS) has blocked the airing of its content on Dish TV and Sllng TV channels after the companies failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.
The dispute concerns access to Disney channels, which includes ESPN, FX, Disney Channel and ABC local channels in seven markets.
Dish and Sling claim Disney “walked off the negotiating table” and refused to make its content available to millions of their US customers.
“Disney has leveraged its market position to increase fees without regard to the public viewing experience,” said Brian Neylon, executive vice president and group president of DISH TV. “Disney clearly insists on prioritizing greed over American viewers, particularly sports fans and families with children watching their content.”
The statement added that “Disney is more interested in becoming a monopoly power than offering its programming to viewers on fair terms.” rely on satellite television as their primary means of entertainment.
For its part, Disney said in its own statement that despite months of negotiations, Dish “refused to enter into a fair, market-based agreement with us regarding the continued proliferation of our networks.” It added that the targeted tariffs and terms “reflect the market” and are the basis for doing business with other pay-TV providers.
“We are committed to finding a fair resolution,” the Disney statement continued, “we urge DISH to work with us to minimize disruption to their customers.”
ABC television stations affected by the blackout include WLS in Chicago, KFSN in Fresno, California, KTRK in Houston, KABC in Los Angeles, WABC in New York City, WPVI in Philadelphia and KGO in San Francisco.
Frank Pallotta contributed to this story.