By Gavin Boyle
Cable provider Spectrum is working to make its service more competitive in the streaming era and will soon offer free Hulu accounts for its subscribers, adding to a list of other streamers whose costs it already subsidizes.
“We began this journey to transform the video proposition for consumers with Disney, so it is befitting that this new agreement and the doubling down on our strategy continues with them,” said Tom Montemagno, the executive vice president of programming and acquisitions at Charter, Spectrum’s parent company. “This extension is a true testament to our mutual confidence in this innovative model – which already is showing improvement in subscriber churn — and our commitment to work creatively together to achieve win-win outcomes for both us and most importantly our customers.”
Spectrum began a partnership with Disney, who owns Hulu, in 2023 after a major dispute erupted when the companies attempted to renew their distribution partnership. Following a weeks-long blackout of Disney-owned channels, Spectrum was allowed to offer its subscribers a pared down catalogue of Disney’s channels, while also giving subscribers access to Disney+ for free.
“With the launch of the Disney+ Basic offer, TV Select customers can now enjoy access to Disney’s popular streaming content as well as their high-quality linear TV channels, all included as part of one video package,” Montemagno said after the deal was announced.
Related: Disney, Charter Shake Up Cable Industry In New Agreement
The expansion to include Hulu in this offering comes shortly after Disney has acquired a 100% stake in the streamer after paying $438.7 million to Comcast to acquire its final share of the platform.
“With the addition of Hulu and the return of our full portfolio of channels, we’re pleased to expand and extend our agreement with Charter — delivering the most robust and valuable combination of linear and streaming entertainment for years to come,” said Sean Breen, the executive vice president of Disney Platform Distribution. “This agreement reflects our continued focus on leaning into the strength of Disney’s best-in-class programming across every genre and platform — and our shared commitment with Charter to build innovative, consumer-focused distribution models that drive value across the board.”
While providing its users with access to Disney’s streamers has helped stabilize Charter’s subscriber count, it seems unlikely to save the cable television business in the long run. In recent years, more and more Americans are cutting out their cable packages in favor of exclusively owning streaming subscriptions. Adding Hulu to its offerings will no doubt help Charter, but the company will also need to come up with other business ideas to restore its former strength.
Spectrum subscribers can expect to enjoy Hulu for free later this summer, adding to free Disney+, Max and Paramount+ accounts.
Read Next: Why Disney, Charter Dispute Could Change Cable Forever
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
- Content: +2Share:
- Content: +1