Dish, Disney skip ad-hop dispute

Dish Network and Disney have resolved their differences over the former’s auto ad-skipping technology, striking a carriage pact that will allow the US satellite provider to continue carrying ABC.

Under the deal – financial terms of which were not disclosed – Dish will disable the controversial auto ad-skipping feature of its Hopper DVRs for ABC network shows, which previously sparked a lawsuit between the pair.

ABC will now also drop its litigation against Dish, according to the Wall Street Journal, while Dish will delay the time it allows customers to hop over commercials until three days after an ABC shows airs.

“The creation of this agreement has really been about predicting the future of television with a visionary and forward-leaning partner,” Dish president and CEO Joe Clayton said in a statement.

“Not only will the exceptional Disney, ABC, ESPN entertainment portfolio continue to delight our customers today, but we also have a model from which to deliver exciting new services tomorrow.”

It is unclear how Disney’s decision might affect the lawsuits of the other broadcast networks Fox, NBC and CBS, which are also attempting to sue Dish.

The programming deal includes digital rights for mobile apps such as WatchESPN. Dish will also carry Fusion, a new English-language news channel aimed at young people and the SEC Network, a soon-to-be college sports network from ESPN.

In addition, Dish will add the Mouse House’s TV Everywhere services and launch ESPNews, ESPNU, Disney Channel and ABC Family in HD, while ESPN Classic will be reintroduced as a VoD channel.