Disney Agrees to $50 Million Settlement Over Streaming Price Allegations
迪士尼就串流服務價格指控同意支付 5,000 萬美元和解金
Introduction
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a federal lawsuit. The case was brought by subscribers of YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream who claimed the company used unfair business practices.
華特迪士尼公司已同意支付 5,000 萬美元以解決一項聯邦訴訟。該案由 YouTube TV 和 DirecTV Stream 的訂閱者提起，指控該公司採取不公平的商業行為。
Main Body
The legal case began in November 2022. The plaintiffs argued that Disney used its control over popular channels, especially ESPN, to force streaming services to include expensive channel packages. They asserted that this 'bundling' practice caused subscription prices to rise across the market and prevented customers from choosing cheaper options. For example, the complaint pointed to price increases for YouTube TV and the pricing methods used by Hulu + Live TV.
這起法律訴訟始於 2022 年 11 月。原告主張迪士尼利用其對熱門頻道（尤其是 ESPN）的控制權，強迫串流服務必須包含昂貴的頻道組合。他們聲稱這種「綑綁」做法導致整個市場的訂閱價格上漲，並防止消費者選擇更便宜的方案。例如，申訴書指出了 YouTube TV 的價格調漲以及 Hulu + Live TV 所採用的定價方式。
Although Disney has denied any wrongdoing or legal violations, the company has agreed to create a $50 million fund for the settlement. Furthermore, Disney has agreed to consider letting distributors offer smaller, cheaper channel bundles for three years after the court approves the deal. People who subscribed to YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, DirecTV Now, or AT&T TV Now between April 2019 and March 2026 may be eligible for money. To receive payment, claimants must apply by September 8, 2026.
儘管迪士尼否認有任何不當行為或違法，但該公司已同意撥出 5,000 萬美元的基金用於和解。此外，迪士尼同意在法院批准該協議後的三年內，考慮允許分銷商提供規模較小且價格較便宜的頻道組合。在 2019 年 4 月至 2026 年 3 月期間訂閱過 YouTube TV、DirecTV Stream、DirecTV Now 或 AT&T TV Now 的用戶可能符合領款資格。申請人必須在 2026 年 9 月 8 日前提交申請以領取款項。
Conclusion
The court will hold a final hearing to approve the settlement on January 14, 2027, after which eligible customers can receive their payments.
法院將於 2027 年 1 月 14 日舉行最終聽證會以批准該和解協議，隨後符合資格的客戶即可領取款項。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 Moving from 'Basic' to 'Professional'
At the A2 level, we usually use simple verbs like say or think. To reach B2, you need Reporting Verbs. These allow you to describe how someone is speaking, which is essential for business and academic English.
The Shift in the Text: Look at how the article describes the legal fight. It doesn't just say "They said..."
- A2 style: "The plaintiffs said that Disney used unfair practices."
- B2 style: "The plaintiffs argued that Disney used unfair practices."
- B2 style: "They asserted that this bundling practice caused prices to rise."
Why this matters:
- Argued: Used when there is a disagreement. It shows a logical attempt to prove a point.
- Asserted: Used when someone states something very strongly and confidently.
- Denied: Used specifically to say that something is not true (e.g., "Disney has denied any wrongdoing").
💡 Pro-Tip: The 'Connecting' Logic
Notice the word "Furthermore" in the second paragraph.
Instead of using "And" or "Also" (A2), B2 students use Transition Words to stack information.
Disney paid $50 million. Furthermore, they agreed to change their bundles.
Using Furthermore signals to the reader that you are adding a secondary, important point to your argument, making your speech sound more sophisticated and structured.