Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (NYSE: DIS) and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC) on Friday announced a new, multi-year distribution agreement that will continue to make Disney’s robust lineup of sports, news, kids, family, and general entertainment programming available to NCTC’s more than 700 small and mid-sized independent cable and broadband operators across the US.
As per the company’s press release, NCTC members operators will now offer the ACC Network to their customers, allowing fans and followers of the Atlantic Coast Conference to access the multiplatform network beginning September 1.
The comprehensive distribution agreement between the parties also includes the ability to market the streaming services Disney+ and ESPN+, joining Hulu which is already available to some operators. NCTC member operators will also be able to link their customers directly to the Disney+ and ESPN+ websites where new subscribers can sign up.
In addition to the ACC Network, NCTC member operators will continue to make Disney’s premier networks available including the ESPN networks, the Disney branded channels, Freeform, the FX Networks and the National Geographic channels, as well as retransmission consent for the ABC Owned Television Stations.
Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Platform Distribution, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, said, “Our new deal with the NCTC will allow member operators to continue serving their customers across the country by delivering Disney’s robust and expansive portfolio of networks, which includes the addition of the ACC Network.”
He also added, “We’re incredibly pleased that the agreement will also now give their members’ customers direct access to our collection of streaming services.”
Further elaborating, Judy Meyka, Executive Vice President, Programming, NCTC, said, “Our member operators are committed to providing their customers with the programming they want to watch on the platform they prefer. Disney has been a valued partner over the years, and we are pleased to now expand that partnership to include access to premium streaming bundles on Disney’s multiple platforms.”
She also added, “Our focus continues to be on making quality programming available to members in a manner that allows them the flexibility to serve the needs of their customers.”