DirecTV Blames Disney for Ongoing Streaming Blackout – Says Company Is “Refusing Any Accountability.”

[Disney4me]

DirecTV customers are at the center of a streaming dispute between DirecTV and The Walt Disney Company, who owns networks like Hulu, ESPN, Disney, and ABC. On Sunday, September 1st, customers could not stream live sports broadcasts, including the U.S. Open tennis tournament and college football.

Disney+

In fact, Disney’s ESPN, ABC, and Hulu stations and services went dark for DirecTV customers on Sunday when Disney pulled its networks from DirecTV due to a contract dispute. Customers are not happy, and we have an update.

 

 

 

DirecTV has a large subscriber base; this popular satellite TV provider has 11.3 million customers, according to CBS News. Customers were impacted when Disney and DirecTV’s agreement expired before a new deal could be made, causing Disney-owned channels to blackout. According to DirecTV’s estimations, a typical subscriber is paying about $270 a year for Disney’s channels since Disney increased its provider fees.

©DirecTV

This isn’t the first time The Walt Disney Company has fought with a cable provider. In 2023, Disney was involved in a contract battle with Charter Communications, again leaving TV subscribers without access to Disney-owned networks while the companies negotiated. But this time, DirecTV’s dispute with Disney could continue for some time. CBS News reported that DirecTV chief financial officer Ray Carpenter explained, “This is not a run-of-the-mill dispute.”

Walt Disney Company Headquarters ©LA Times

At this time, it seems like the two companies are unable to reach an agreement. Ron Thun, chief content officer at DirecTV, released a statement, noting, “The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system. Disney is in the business of creating alternate realities, but this is the real world where we believe you earn your way and must answer for your own actions. They want to continue to chase maximum profits and dominant control at the expense of consumers – making it harder for them to select the shows and sports they want at a reasonable price.”

DirecTV’s CFO Ray Carpenter further stated that Disney is pushing back on “creating slimmed-down channel bundles that could provide some savings to DirecTV consumers,” per CBS News.

The Walt Disney Company

Disney responded with a statement of its own, explaining that the company has extended “flexibility and terms” to DirecTV like it has for other distributors. Disney added that it “will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs” and urged DirecTV “To do what’s in the best interest of their customers and finalize a deal that would immediately restore our programming.”

©Disney

For now, DirecTV is offering customers a $20 credit due to the blackout. You can visit https://www.directv.com/tvpromise/ to redeem the credit.

This is an ongoing dispute, and we will continue to share updates. Stay tuned for more.

Millions of Subscribers Lose Access to Networks as Disney and DirecTV Negotiations Fall Through

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

 

The post DirecTV Blames Disney for Ongoing Streaming Blackout – Says Company Is “Refusing Any Accountability.” first appeared on the disney food blog.

View the full article