An Expected Withdrawal
The removal of channels like Disney Channel, Disney Junior, along with documentary networks such as National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, is a direct result of the contract expiration between Disney and Canal+, impacting subscribers of Orange and other providers like Free.
To recall, in late 2019, Canal+ managed to secure an exclusive distribution deal for Disney+, a strategic move made just months before its launch in France. This contract, which is set to expire at the end of December, included three main aspects: the integration of Disney+ into Canal offers, the priority broadcasting of Disney movies on Canal+, and the distribution of channels including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Voyage, and Fox Play.
These channels, highly favored by families and documentary enthusiasts, will no longer be available on Orange TV from December 31, 2024, unless a last-minute deal is reached. This essentially leaves just enough time to enjoy them during Christmas.
How Does This Affect Orange Subscribers?
Unfortunately, the subscription cost remains unchanged. For now, Orange subscribers will continue to pay 5 euros per month for the Famille by Canal package, despite the reduction in the number of channels (which will drop from 43 to 37 starting January 1, 2025).
To regain access to these channels, the options are limited. The Disney content will only be available through Disney+, which is now the primary distribution channel for Disney productions.
What’s Disney’s Strategy?
This withdrawal aligns with Disney’s strategy to focus on its streaming platform, Disney+. This shift reflects a broader transformation in the media industry, where major studios are favoring direct-to-consumer models.
This could prompt some subscribers to switch to Disney+ to access these contents, thereby increasing competition with traditional channels. Indeed, the end of the partnership also means the withdrawal of numerous movies it owns. Thus Disney, Marvel, or Pixar movies will no longer be broadcast on Canal+ six months after their theatrical release. For the latest releases, viewers will have to wait 17 months post-theater release, following media chronology rules.