Cable customers could lose ESPN, Disney

Time Warner Cable subscribers in the area are once again facing the possible loss of multiple channels from their lineup. Negotiations are underway for a carriage agreement between the Walt Disney Company and Time Warner Cable (TWC).

If a deal is not reached between TWC and Walt Disney Co. by Sept. 2, Disney owned channels would not be available to many cable subscribers in the area. That would mean of several of the more popular channels in the lineup.

Networks affected include ESPN and its family of networks, Disney Channel and the Toledo affliliate for ABC, WTVG channel 13.

Without an agreement TWC subscribers throughout the country will not see "Sportscenter" and college football games on ESPN networks. Several of the highest rated kids' shows on cable would also be missed, including "Hannah Montana," "Sonny with a Chance" and "The Suite Life."

Local viewers would miss even more because 13ABC is owned by Disney, meaning it will also not available in the cable lineup. The networks airs such popular shows as "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," Grey's Anatomy" and "Modern Family."

Both sides have come out swinging as they have taken their negotiations public. Time Warner has again rolled out their Web site, RollOverOrGetTough.com, to tell subscribers their side.

"Time Warner Cable is currently negotiating how much we will pay The Walt Disney Company for their channels," said a statement on the site. "We expect to reach a new agreement so we can bring you Disney's sports, news and entertainment programming at a reasonable price for years to come."

Disney has launched it's own site, IHaveChoices.com, giving customers their take on what is happening and what will happen if no agreement is reached. Disney has also been airing advertisements on television for the Web site and offering options for consumers who still want to see its channel should they be yanked off of the TWC lineup.

"The two companies are now in active negotiations to reach agreement before that date. It is in the best interests of consumers, as well as both companies, for us to successfully conclude these negotiations before the deadline to avoid interrupting service to Time Warner Cable subscribers," said a statement on the Web site. "That is our goal."

Time Warner is the nation's No. 2 cable operator.