Disney channels have been dropped from Starhub and Singtel cable TV in Singapore following a disagreement and probably to make way for Disney+.
Channels such as Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Go Disney have been removed from both the TV networks. The news of was unveiled by Disney on its Disney Junior Asia Facebook page :
“To our viewers subscribed to Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Go Disney on Singtel and StarHub, we are disappointed to confirm that the Disney Channels have been removed from their platforms. We worked hard to come to a fair agreement, and despite their decision, we will continue efforts to make our content available in Singapore.”
With Disney+ already releasing in Japan, cable network operators such as these two are naturally concerned about how big of the TV market share in Singapore will be taken up by Disney+ when it’ll debut in Singapore. Having a huge catalogue of its own shows, the House of Mouse surely has an advantage when it comes to streaming on its own service while StarHub and Singtel will have to work with content providers to get shows on their TV network.
On the same issue, StarHub shared :
“We strive to do our best for customers and secure quality content at the right value, to avert any unsustainable cost increases to our customers. We regret that despite our best efforts to negotiate for a reasonable deal, we are not able to reach an agreement to continue the broadcast of Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. We share our customers’ disappointment. We are committed to delivering the best variety of content to customers and channel cessations are always the very last resort.
Our customers can continue enjoying quality children and animated programmes on Animax, BabyTV, CBeebies, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. among others.
StarHub is also continuously working on enhancing and offering new content to our customers. Besides delivering 20,000 hours of fresh content to our viewers every month, we have also partnered with Amazon and Netflix to bring an even greater selection of programmes to our customers. StarHub Entertainment Pass customers can also enjoy the flexibility of switching to any of the other six entertainment passes at any time, to enjoy a different variety of programmes, without any extra charges nor limit to the number of times of switching.”
