Paramount Global and Charter Communications Extend Partnership with Multi-Year Distribution Agreement
ICARO Media Group
The agreement includes the distribution of Paramount's full portfolio of linear cable networks, CBS owned-and-operated broadcast stations, and direct-to-consumer streaming services.
Charter Spectrum subscribers can expect to keep popular channels such as BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, as well as access to the premium service Paramount+ with Showtime. In a unique twist, the agreement also includes the inclusion of the ad-supported versions of Paramount's direct-to-consumer services, namely Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential, at no additional cost to Charter's Spectrum TV customers.
Unlike a previous deal with Disney, Charter will not be dropping any of its existing cable networks. Charter's recent agreement with Disney eliminated several channels from Spectrum's roster. However, this new agreement ensures that Charter customers will continue to have access to a wide range of entertainment options.
As part of the agreement, Charter will also offer Paramount's direct-to-consumer products for purchase to its Internet-only customers. This move aims to provide more flexibility and choice for customers, further enhancing their streaming and viewing experience.
Paramount's financial struggles and recent management changes have created curiosity within the industry regarding the partnership and its potential developments. The previous distribution deal was initially set to expire on April 20, but the partners opted to extend the talks.
Both Paramount and Charter expressed their enthusiasm about the renewed partnership. Tom Montemagno, Charter's EVP, Programming Acquisition, highlighted their shared vision for evolving the video distribution model. Ray Hopkins, President of U.S. Networks Distribution at Paramount, emphasized the commitment to flexibility, choice, and value for audiences everywhere.
Under the new agreement, Charter will continue to carry Paramount's CBS owned-and-operated broadcast stations, current cable networks, and the Paramount+ with Showtime service in relevant tiers across all Spectrum TV Select packages, Mi Plan Latino, TV Choice, and TV Stream. Later this year, Paramount+ Essential and BET+ Essential will be made available to all Spectrum TV Select packages and Mi Plan Latino customers at no additional cost through the Xumo Stream Box or any other supported device.
Charter and Paramount are also set to innovate through advanced advertising partnerships, utilizing the capabilities of Spectrum Reach, Charter's advertising sales business. These efforts aim to enhance the advertising experience for viewers while benefiting both companies.
Charter's wide distribution capabilities, including its extensive sales and marketing team, will also be leveraged to offer Paramount's direct-to-consumer products to its Internet-only customers for purchase at retail rates, with a revenue share agreement for new subscriptions and ad-free upgrades.
The extended agreement between Paramount Global and Charter Communications signifies a commitment to delivering high-quality programming and expanding entertainment options for Spectrum customers. Going forward, the partnership aims to introduce more enhancements to meet the evolving needs of viewers and provide the best value for video customers.
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