Disney and DirecTV reach new agreement: What it means for viewers
A truce in the media landscape
After a contentious standoff, Disney and DirecTV have finally reached a preliminary agreement to restore popular channels like ESPN, ABC, FX, and Disney Channel to the DirecTV lineup. This resolution comes after nearly two weeks of blackout, leaving many viewers in the dark.
The new deal: What’s included?
Announced on Saturday, September 14, the new agreement ensures that DirecTV will continue to carry Disney’s entertainment, sports, and news channels. This includes the ABC-owned TV stations, the ESPN networks, Disney-branded channels, Freeform, FX networks, and National Geographic channels.
Moreover, DirecTV now has the rights to offer multiple genre-specific options—sports, entertainment, kids & family—encompassing Disney’s linear networks along with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. These streaming services will be included in select DirecTV packages under a wholesale agreement and will also be available on an a la carte basis. Additionally, DirecTV will distribute Disney’s upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service at no extra cost to its customers.
A collaborative statement
In a joint statement, the companies expressed their enthusiasm: “Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DirecTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options. DirecTV and Disney have a long-standing history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DirecTV’s customers. We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”
The blackout’s impact on viewers
The previous agreement expired on September 1, leading to a blackout that affected more than 11 million DirecTV satellite and streaming customers. During this period, viewers missed significant sports programming on ESPN and ABC, including college football, the U.S. Open, and the highly anticipated NFL “Monday Night Football” telecast featuring the Jets vs. 49ers.
Adding to the frustration, DirecTV announced a price increase set to take effect on October 6, further aggravating its customer base. This price hike came at a time when the industry is already grappling with rising costs and the growing trend of cord-cutting.
The stakes and the rhetoric
Carriage disputes are not new in the pay-TV landscape, but the heightened rhetoric in the Disney-DirecTV dispute indicated a near breaking point. DirecTV accused Disney of demanding exorbitant price increases and not allowing the creation of “skinny bundles” that could compete with streaming services. Disney, on the other hand, claimed it had offered multiple flexible programming packages, including a sports-centric combo with ABC and ESPN networks.
Legal battles and negotiations
The dispute escalated when DirecTV filed a formal complaint with the FCC, alleging that Disney had failed to engage in good-faith negotiations. Disney countered that such agreements are standard and suggested that DirecTV was acting in bad faith. During the Trump-Harris debate on September 10, Disney offered a temporary feed of ABC to DirecTV, which the operator rejected, calling it a self-serving stunt.
A look at similar disputes
This isn’t the first time Disney has been involved in such a dispute. Last summer, Disney had a similar standoff with Charter Communications, which resulted in an agreement allowing Charter to offer Disney+ and ESPN+ to select TV subscribers at no additional charge. Charter also dropped some Disney networks, including Freeform and FXX, from its Spectrum TV lineup. Since then, Charter has secured other deals to bundle streaming services with cable TV, including Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max and Paramount Global’s Paramount+.
What’s next for viewers?
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this agreement is a significant win. It ensures that viewers will have access to a wide range of content, from live sports to popular TV shows and movies. For those interested in exploring more, here are some direct links to trailers and information pages for popular Disney content:
This agreement not only restores access to beloved channels but also offers more flexible viewing options, catering to the evolving preferences of today’s viewers. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a movie buff, or a TV series binge-watcher, this new deal between Disney and DirecTV promises to enhance your entertainment experience.