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ESPN and Other Disney Channels Go Dark on DirecTV
What Happened?
DirecTV and Disney failed to reach an agreement on a new carriage deal, resulting in ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels being removed from the satellite TV provider's lineup.
Affected Channels
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN News
- ABC
- Freeform
- FX
- National Geographic
Why Did It Happen?
The blackout stems from a dispute between DirecTV and Disney over the terms of their new carriage agreement. Disney is reportedly seeking a significant increase in fees, which DirecTV is unwilling to pay.
Both parties have accused each other of being unreasonable, with DirecTV claiming Disney is “asking for far more than is fair,” while Disney asserts that DirecTV is “not being willing to fairly compensate” for its content.
Impact on Customers
The blackout has left many DirecTV customers without access to popular sports, news, and entertainment programming. It is particularly frustrating for sports fans during the NFL season, college football season, and upcoming NBA playoffs.
What's Next?
It is unclear when the dispute will be resolved. Negotiations between DirecTV and Disney are ongoing, but there is no guarantee of a swift resolution.
Customers who are affected by the blackout may consider switching to other streaming services or pay-TV providers that offer Disney channels.