Disney Networks Remain Dark on DirecTV Amid Carriage Feud
Disney networks, including ESPN and ABC, have been dark on DirecTV for nine days and counting due to a carriage feud. Despite this ongoing dispute, Disney has announced that DirecTV customers will have temporary access to ABC News’ coverage of the presidential debate between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
In a statement, Disney said, “Although we have yet to reach an agreement with DirecTV, we are providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost because we want all Americans to be able to view tonight’s debate at this important moment in our history.”
Disney emphasized that they are still negotiating with DirecTV and that the restoration of their programming to DirecTV subscribers is entirely in DirecTV’s control.
The distribution agreement between Disney and DirecTV expired on September 1 after months of negotiations. DirecTV’s more than 11 million satellite and streaming customers have missed out on various sports programming on ESPN and ABC, including college football, the U.S. Open, and the highly rated “Monday Night Football” telecast.
Last week, DirecTV announced a price increase set to take effect on October 6, further frustrating customers amidst the ongoing dispute with Disney.
Over the weekend, DirecTV filed a formal complaint with the FCC, accusing Disney of failing to engage in good-faith negotiations. Disney, on the other hand, stated that the requirements, such as waiving legal claims, are standard in negotiations and have been included in previous renewals with DirecTV. This led Disney to suggest that DirecTV itself was acting in bad faith.
