DirecTV subscribers in Louisville are currently unable to access Disney-owned channels, following a failure to reach a new contract agreement before channels went dark on Sunday night. As the deadlock continues, viewers risk missing out on college football games on ESPN and movies on FX.
The dispute between DirecTV and Disney has raised concerns. Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, highlighted the unfortunate timing in a statement, urging DirecTV to finalize a deal that would restore programming immediately. They emphasized their commitment to delivering quality entertainment, news, and sports, stating that they would not accept terms that undervalue their portfolio.
DirecTV’s Chief Content Officer Rob Thun responded by indicating that Disney’s demands included requiring the provider to waive any legal claims regarding anti-competitive behavior, which he interpreted as indicative of Disney’s concerns about antitrust issues. He referenced a recent federal court ruling that halted the launch of a new streaming platform due to potential anti-competitive implications.
Thun expressed DirecTV’s desire for partnerships that allow for the creation of “smaller, more tailored packages,” rather than broad channel bundles filled with channels viewers do not watch. He criticized Disney for prioritizing profit over consumer choice, asserting that their approach makes it difficult for viewers to select desired programming at reasonable prices.
In an effort to sway public opinion, both DirecTV and Disney launched initiatives during their negotiations. DirecTV informed subscribers through alerts on ESPN about the potential loss of channels and directed them to KeepMyESPN.com for more information. Disney, on the other hand, reassured fans of their commitment to working with distribution partners to maintain their channels.
DirecTV established a site called UnbundledDisney.com, aimed at promoting the idea of providing viewers with more choices and value alongside streaming services.
The resolution of this dispute remains uncertain. Last year, a similar disagreement between Disney and Charter Communications resulted in a blackout that lasted nearly two weeks. As of Sunday night, there had been no further negotiations, with Thun indicating that discussions had stalled.
As a result of the ongoing contract issues, DirecTV subscribers have lost access to several channels, including:
– Disney Channel
– ESPN networks (including the ACC and SEC networks)
– Freeform
– FX
– FXX
– National Geographic