Orange Secures Disney Content Distribution Agreement
In a significant move for the French telecommunications market, Orange and The Walt Disney Company announced a new "distribution agreement" on December 20, 2024, granting Orange access to Disney content and channels. This agreement includes films that will be available to Orange subscribers four months after their theatrical release, a service previously offered through Canal +. Orange expressed its enthusiasm for this partnership, stating it will "enrich the entertainment offering for Orange TV subscribers."
Details of the Agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, all Orange TV customers will have access to the Disney Channel and National Geographic channels. However, to view films four months post-release, customers will need to pay an additional fee through the Orange Video on Demand (VOD) service. Notably, Orange will be the only telecom operator providing this service. While Disney Junior and National Geographic Wild will not be part of Orange's offerings, they will remain available to Disney+ subscribers.
Impact on Canal + and Other Operators
The agreement marks a pivotal shift as it comes on the heels of the expiration of the contract between Disney and Canal +, which ends on December 31, 2024. This non-renewal means that Canal + will no longer have access to Disney channels or new films. Meanwhile, Free, another French telecom operator, has also announced a deal with Disney to include Disney Channel and National Geographic in its basic package starting January 1, 2025. This competitive landscape suggests that Disney is actively seeking to expand its reach through various platforms while adapting to the evolving demands of viewers.
