in the deal as structured if the ACCN loses money then the Mouse loses even more money so there is incentive on the ESPN/ABC side to get it done. Moreover, barring a huge shift in Comcast's future business strategy they will lose far more than Disney and far more than it will actually cost to add the ACCN if Disney pulls their properties from the Comcast network so they are in a bad leverage spot now. The phone calls and complaints Comcast got when not originally carrying the ACCN will seem like a short, pleasant voicemail compared to the shitstorm coming their way if Disney is not available.

Comcast played hard ball in the initial negotiation which was their right, however, that may have been shortsighted, much like the FRAM oil filter commercial line of "you can pay me now or you can pay me later". Don't think Disney is going to forget that now that they have the hammer and I believe the real question is just how bad they will bludgeon Comcast for their initial unwillingness due to them having the hammer of the previously enforceable carriage agreement. Who knows what Comcast will do as they are not called ComCrap without good reason. I think we will all benefit from a post from a few of the actual industry insiders, like Cobb, as to where things might go. Obviously, my optimism stems from my perception(right or wrong) that Disney now possesses a significantly stronger negotiating position than before. One final thing to note and this is just my guess, while everyone bemoans the delay in the start of the ACCN, and rightfully so, it may just be one more case of unfortunate timing more so than management negligence(not saying this did not exist as well just questioning the relative significance of all factors). To wring the most dollars out of a carriage agreement it stands to reason the leverage of an expiring agreement benefits the content provider more than the distributor. Also, in term of the SEC versus the ACC you do not attempt to set the floor for negotiations but, push the upper limits and you do that with your very strongest hand.