DirecTV customers await the outcome of the now ongoing battle between the satellite conglomerate and Disney amidst a contract quarrel.
On Sept. 1, televisions across the country carried by DirecTV began experiencing blackouts with all Disney-owned channels. This came as a failure to reach a consensus on a deal that would have set new licensing agreements between the two companies.
Millions of customers have been left seeking new alternatives during a busy sports season that includes the start of college football, often broadcasted on ESPN channels. Others are far more displeased after DirecTV had a similar controversy with NBC in the past year.
“I’ve been a DirecTV customer for over a dozen years, and now I’m strongly considering a switch after this is the second instance in which they’ve failed to deliver for their customers over the past year alone.” – Ronald Jackson, DirecTV consumer
DirecTV has since filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission claiming Disney “has failed to negotiate in good faith.” Disney has made similar accusations, alleging that DirecTV “continues to misrepresent the facts about our ongoing negotiations.” Disney went on to add, “Our priority is to reach a marketplace deal that serves the needs of DirecTV and their customers while also recognizing the value of our top-quality content and the significant investment required to create and acquire it.”
The good news for Atlanta metropolitan residents who subscribe to DirecTV is that ABC, owned by Cox Media Group instead of Disney, remains on air while the back and forth between the two corporations enters its second week. Customers are left with several unanswered questions as to how this will conclude in the coming days while still being charged for channels they are now unable to view. As consumers express their frustration, they are reminded by DirecTV that “switching isn’t the solution, ” pleading for patience as they assert the fault to be Disney’s.
In the age where streaming services are prominent, this dispute also impacts those who want to stream their programs on their computer or device. Customers must indicate their television provider, still preventing them from watching their preferred broadcasts. Competitor network Xfinity Comcast had a disagreement with Bally Sports on a new settlement that took place in the beginning of the 2024 MLB season and was resolved as of late July, leaving doubt about this situation reaching its end in the near future.
“This recent disagreement between Comcast and Bally Sports that lasted well over three months doesn’t give me any confidence that DirecTV and Disney can figure this out quickly.” – Stephen Taylor, DirecTV stream customer.
DirecTV has also announced their intention in October to “hike prices” as they attempt to “remain competitive while delivering the best possible programming.”