What's happened
DirecTV subscribers lost access to Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, due to a carriage dispute that began on September 1. This blackout affects millions during key sporting events, including the NFL season kickoff and the U.S. Open. DirecTV has accused Disney of negotiating in bad faith, while Disney claims DirecTV is undervaluing its programming.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Disney's channels went dark on DirecTV on September 1, impacting millions of subscribers during key events like the U.S. Open. Disney's executives stated, 'We urge DirecTV to do what’s in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming.' Meanwhile, DirecTV's chief content officer criticized Disney's approach, saying, 'Disney is in the business of creating alternate realities, but this is the real world.' This highlights the conflicting narratives between the two companies regarding the negotiation process and its implications for viewers. The Independent reported that DirecTV's complaint to the FCC accuses Disney of violating good faith mandates, emphasizing the contentious nature of the negotiations. As the NFL season progresses, the stakes for both companies remain high, with potential long-term consequences for their business models.
How we got here
The dispute arose as DirecTV's multi-year carriage contract with Disney expired on September 1, 2024. Disney pulled its channels just before major sporting events, including the NFL season opener and the U.S. Open, leaving DirecTV's 11 million subscribers without access to key content.
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