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THE Walt Disney Company has announced its plan to shutter most of its mobile and smart TV apps next month.
Beginning in late September, customers will be barred from accessing “TV Everywhere” apps associated with Disney‘s broadcast and cable networks.
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A notification in the ABC app, reviewed by The U.S. Sun, warns customers that the app will “no longer be available” beginning September 23.
Similar messages are popping up on platforms including FX Now, Disney Now, Nat Geo TV, and Freeform.
These apps allow customers to watch on-demand episodes and live TV airing across Disney-owned networks.
However, other services are expected to be unaffected.
The websites associated with Disney’s broadcast and cable networks will still be available, as well as on-demand libraries within cable and satellite services.
The move is puzzling amid Disney‘s expansion into free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) TV.
The ABC app was the first to offer such a service, with nearly three dozen programs including game shows and local news broadcasts.
FAST streaming services are sustained by ads that run before or during content, offsetting the need for paid subscriptions.
Big players like Roku and Amazon Fire TV have raked in viewers as prices for services like Netflix and Hulu continue to rise.
With the loss of the “TV Everywhere” suite, customers will be directed to subscribe to Hulu or Disney+ if they wish to continue streaming on their mobile devices or smart TVs.
