Disney Signs Long-Term Deal with Cox

ATLANTA/NEW YORK: A new long-term multiplatform distribution pact has been inked by The Walt Disney Company and Cox Communications.

Around 70 services are covered under the scope of the agreement, among them ABC, ABC Family, Disney Channel and ESPN. It brings Disney’s portfolio to Cox TV customers across televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, game consoles and Internet-connected TVs. A number of authenticated Disney services are being made available to Cox customers. This includes WatchESPN, WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH ABC and more. Additionally, ESPNNews and ESPN Classic are joining the Cox TV Connect proprietary app. There’s also an extensive and expanded rights package for VOD content that the deal covers.

“This comprehensive agreement with The Walt Disney Company enhances the value of our customers’ experience with our products and services,” said Mark Greatrex, Cox Communications’ senior VP, chief marketing and sales officer. “Coupled with our investment in our broadband network and the development of innovative services like Cox TV Connect and TV Online, we’re enabling our customers to access their favorite news, sports and entertainment video content whenever and wherever they want it.”

David Preschlack, the executive VP of affiliate sales and marketing at Disney & ESPN Networks Group, added: “This deal renewal with Cox marks the fifth agreement encompassing Disney’s full suite of products and services while strengthening the value of the multichannel subscription model. We are serving viewers by delivering 24/7 live access to our content via the WATCH Disney services and WatchESPN across more platforms than ever before, which is quickly becoming the new standard in content delivery.”