An expected withdrawal
The withdrawal of the Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and documentary channels like National Geographic and National Geographic Wild is the direct consequence of the expiration of the contract between Disney and Canal+affecting Orange subscribers and other operators like Free.
As a reminder, at the end of 2019, Canal+ managed to sign an exclusive distribution agreement for Disney+. A masterstroke just a few months before its launch in France. However, this one – which expires at the end of December – included three parts : the integration of Disney+ into Canal's offerings, priority broadcasting of Disney films on Canal+ and the distribution of the Disney Channel, Disney Junior, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Voyage and Fox Play channels.
These channels, very popular with families and documentary fans, will no longer be accessible on Orange TV from December 31, 2024unless there is a last minute agreement. Which ultimately leaves just enough time to enjoy it at Christmas.
What impact on Orange subscribers?
In terms of invoice, the price unfortunately remains unchanged. For the moment, Orange subscribers will continue to pay €5 per month for the Famille by Canal bouquet, despite the reduction in the number of channels (from 43 to 37 from January 1, 2025).
To recover them, there are not many solutions. EIndeed, Disney content will remain accessible only via Disney+, which is becoming the main distribution channel for Disney productions.
What Strategy for Disney?
This withdrawal is part of Disney's strategy to focus on its Disney+ streaming platform. This trend reflects a global upheaval in the audiovisual sector, where major studios favor direct-to-consumer models.
This could encourage some subscribers to turn to Disney+ to find this content, thus increasing competition with traditional channels. Indeed, the end of the partnership also involves the withdrawal of the many films it owns. Thus Disney, Marvel or Pixar will no longer be broadcast on Canal+ six months after their theatrical release. For new releases, you will therefore have to wait 17 months after their theatrical release, in accordance with the media chronology.
