In a move that has left many viewers frustrated, DirecTV and Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution have failed to reach new carriage agreement, resulting in the blackout of Disney channels on the satellite TV provider. According to Deadline, networks associated with Disney, including ABC and ESPN, have only intensified the dispute over recent days, which comes before the contract expires on Sunday. A message to viewers read about the affected network, “Our contract with Disney, the provider of this channel, has expired, we appreciate your patience while we negotiate to offer you greater choice, flexibility and value.
“DirecTV chose to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we head into the final week of the U.S. Open and gear up for college football and the opening of the NFL season,”the execs stated via Deadline. They continued, “While we’re open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we’ve extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs. We invest significantly to deliver the No. 1 brands in entertainment, news and sports because that’s what our viewers expect and deserve. We urge DirecTV to do what’s in the best interest of their customers and finalize deal that would immediately restore our programming.”According to Deadline, Rob Thun, DirecTV’s chief content officer, responded to the statement, saying, “The Walt Disney Co. is once again refusing any accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and now the American judicial system.” He further explains, “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.”
This dispute has raised concerns about the future of the television industry and what impact this will have on the two industries. According to Deadline, DirecTV has seen a decrease in recent years but remains strong as the leading operator with around 11 million viewers. In the meantime, subscribers are left to navigate the changing landscape of television entertainment and explore alternative options for their viewing needs.