The ongoing contract dispute between DirecTV and Walt Disney Co. reached a new level of contention during the recent presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Despite the historical significance of the event, the two companies couldn’t even agree on a temporary restoration of ABC News for viewers.
Disney proposed making ABC News available to DirecTV subscribers for the duration of the debate, offering the feed at no cost. A Disney spokesperson stated, “We want all Americans to be able to view tonight’s debate at this important moment in our history.”
DirecTV, however, wasn’t simply willing to grant this exception. They proposed a counteroffer: keep Disney’s channels live until September 17, enabling customers to watch the Emmys and Monday Night Football. This counteroffer was rejected by Disney, according to DirecTV.
The dispute highlights the larger conflict between the two companies, which began on September 1 when Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, became unavailable to DirecTV subscribers. The root of the issue lies in a disagreement over distribution terms and fees.
Both companies have been engaging in public criticism since the dispute began. Earlier this month, DirecTV filed a complaint against Disney with the Federal Communications Commission, accusing the company of “bad faith” negotiations.
This conflict arrives amidst DirecTV’s transformation into a streaming service. The company has been actively promoting its pay TV bundle, which doesn’t require a satellite dish. However, the dispute with Disney underscores the challenges they face in attracting and retaining subscribers while navigating complex contractual landscapes.
