Verizon Fios Customers Could Lose Disney, ESPN Channels

BOSTON, MA -- Verizon Fios customers could lose access to channels owned by The Walt Disney Co. come Jan. 1. The cable television provider said in a notice to customers Wednesday that the two companies have been unable to come to terms for a deal to replace their current arrangement, which expires Dec. 31.

"We’ve given Disney a reasonable offer to continue providing you access to its networks. Unfortunately, as of today, they have rejected our offers and there is a possibility that we won’t be able to reach an agreement with them prior to our contract expiration on December 31, 2018 at 5pm EST," Verizon said. "Rest assured, our goal is to reach a fair agreement allowing you to continue to have access to the networks you enjoy today while securing an agreement that is in the best interest of our customers."

A spokesperson for Disney was not immediately available for comment Wednesday. According to Verizon, Disney is asking for "hundreds of millions of dollars more for its programming." Disney also wants Verizon to include and pay for the ACC Network, a regional sports network.

The agreement includes channels from Disney and ESPN, as well as ABC affiliates in Philadelphia and New York.

Disney is demanding higher fees "despite the fact that many of its key networks are experiencing declining viewership," Verizon said. "The rising cost of programming is the biggest factor in higher TV bills and we are standing up to networks like Disney, refusing to accept these huge increases."

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).