Disney launched a new limited discount for its Hulu + Live TV in hopes that Spectrum customers affected by the blackout see it as a bandage while negotiations between the companies stall.
New and eligible returning customers (who haven’t been with Hulu for the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV for $49.99 a month for three months. That’s lower than the $69.99 a month rate that it normally charges.
The offer comes as the dispute between Charter Communications’ Spectrum and Disney heads into its second weekend, one stacked with big sporting events such as the U.S. Open championship, college football and NFL games. The programming fight has resulted in Disney-owned channels such as ESPN, FX and Freeform, and a few college networks, to go dark for Spectrum customers.
A key sticking point has been the inclusion of ESPN in cable packages, which Charter wants more flexibility on. Charter CEO Chris Winfrey said he’s prepared to walk away from Disney. Disney has argued that it needs to be fairly compensated for its content.
The blackout prompted Florida customers to file a proposed class-action lawsuit against Spectrum, while two governors have sought compensation from the cable provider.
The Hulu + Live TV bundle includes more than 90 TV channels, including ESPN, as well as live sports, national and local news and entertainment.
You can sign up for Hulu + Live TV here. The promotion ends on October 11.