Charter Communications Announces New, Industry-Leading Distribution Model for Regional Sports Networks

Spectrum Networks Reaches Agreement with DirecTV for Continued Carriage of Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet LA

STAMFORD, Conn. – Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) today announced a series of moves that will significantly benefit customers subscribing to its sports programming. In the third quarter of 2023, Spectrum TV Select will be relaunched as two new services in portions of Charter’s footprint: Spectrum Select Plus, which will include a full complement of popular sports programming services and local Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), while also launching Spectrum Select Signature, an alternative service that will exclude certain sports programming and provide the non-sports fan a reduced rate option.

Spectrum Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature will launch on a market-by-market basis through the majority of Charter’s national footprint where the company has already accumulated the rights to proceed. Customers purchasing the Spectrum Select Plus package also will receive local RSN direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming apps at no additional charge, where applicable, and Charter may market and sell these DTC streaming apps to its non-video subscribers as well.

Additionally, Charter plans to launch a direct-to-consumer (DTC) alternative for its own Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet LA, which will be made available to all affiliate subscribers for free.

Historically, sports networks’ agreements have required distributors to pay for, and make available their programming service to a large majority of subscribers – almost always over 80% – even if many of them never watch it. Charter’s industry-leading new distribution model will allow sports fans to continue to watch the programming they love, while also providing a new and more affordable option based on the customer’s viewing preferences. Additionally, this model supports the networks as they pursue DTC streaming options, while ensuring Charter’s customers continue to get the same programming on an authenticated basis.

“The launch of Spectrum Select Plus underscores our commitment to providing our customers with the best sports coverage while ensuring our non-sports fans have options that meet their needs,” said Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition. “This new model paves the way for a more flexible approach to the outdated packaging model for sports, and it puts the focus where it should be, on the customer.”

DirecTV to Continue Carriage of Spectrum Regional Sports Networks

Consistent with this evolutionary new model, Charter’s Spectrum Networks and DirecTV earlier announced a distribution agreement for Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA. This new agreement offers a significantly lower penetration threshold, giving DirecTV the ability to better target their subscribers who want Lakers and Dodgers programming, while simultaneously providing more affordable and flexible options to customers not interested in premium sports programming.

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

Media Contact

Maureen Huff

Maureen.Huff@charter.com