Disney decides it hasn’t angered people enough, announces Disney+ price hikes

In a bold move amidst ongoing controversies, the Walt Disney Company has announced significant price increases for its Disney+ streaming service and other related platforms. Effective October 21, subscribers will see their bills rise by up to 20 percent, depending on their chosen plan. The monthly fee for Disney+ with ads will jump from $10 to $12, while the ad-free version will increase from $16 to $19. Additionally, the annual ad-free plan will see a hike from $160 to $190. This price adjustment isn't limited to just Disney+; subscribers of Hulu and ESPN Select will also experience similar rises. This includes all Hulu + Live TV packages and bundles that incorporate Disney's various streaming offerings. For those who combine Disney+ with Hulu and Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max, costs will rise by as much as 17.6 percent starting from the same date. The decision to increase prices comes as no surprise to many cord-cutters, as Disney+ has previously raised its subscription fees in October 2023 and December 2022. Disney's history of price adjustments typically follows a similar timeline, with announcements made in September and changes taking effect the following month. However, the context this time is markedly different. The announcement coincides with a wave of boycotts targeting the company from diverse groups, including streaming subscribers, free speech advocates, and a wide array of public figures. This tumultuous environment was further compounded by the recent decision of Disney-owned ABC to indefinitely suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" following controversial remarks made by the host. The fallout from this incident prompted protests outside Disney Studios in Burbank and a surge in calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions, which, according to data from Yipit cited by The New York Times, has led to a notable increase in subscriber churn compared to previous streaming boycotts.