ABC Affiliates Unhappy

ABC broadcast affiliates are upset with Disney's plan for multiple Super Bowl LXI viewing options.

“abc affiliates aren't happy with disneys plan for multiple super bowl options”

Disney's Broadcast Plan

Disney plans to broadcast Super Bowl LXI on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, NFL Network, Disney Channel, and Disney+.

Revenue Impact

The plan may drop ad revenue by up to 35% compared to last year's Super Bowl broadcast.

“may drop advertising revenue associated with broadcast viewership by up to 35% compared to last year”

Affiliate Concerns

An unnamed station group CEO says Disney's plan destroys value for each platform and ignores financial losses.

“any time you fragment distribution, you're destroying value for each of the individual platforms”

ABC Affiliates Association

The ABC Television Affiliates Association Board of Governors is discussing the issue with Disney.

“the situation is currently being discussed, per sherman, by the abc television affiliates association board of governors”

Disney Response

Disney says ABC affiliates are important partners and have successfully navigated similar situations before.

“our abc affiliates are important partners and we always take that into careful consideration when making these decisions”

Viewing Behavior

Most viewers watch Super Bowl in groups, so alternative broadcasts are less likely to attract individual attention.

“it's a communal event, which minimizes individual viewing”