Disney Blocks ESPN, ABC, and Other Channels From DirecTV Subscribers Amid Contract Dispute; Check Details
Disney has reportedly pulled ESPN, ABC, and other channels from DirecTV, impacting around 11 million subscribers due to a contract dispute over fees and terms. Both companies are blaming each other for the blackout that began during key sports events.
New Delhi, September 2: Disney reportedly blocked ESPN, ABC, and other channels from DirecTV subscribers due to a contract dispute. The dispute between The Walt Disney Company and DirecTV has left millions of viewers without access to popular channels. The dispute centres on the terms and fees Disney charges for its programming, which DirecTV finds unreasonable. As per reports, both companies have been negotiating for weeks but failed to reach an agreement.
As per a report of CNN, Disney on Sunday pulled its ABC stations, ESPN, and other cable networks from DirecTV’s lineup as the two companies failed to reach a new distribution deal. The negotiations hit a dead end over the fees that Disney charges for its content, which DirecTV reportedly finds excessive. Despite several weeks of discussions, the two companies were unable to come to an agreement, leading to the removal of Disney-owned channels from DirecTV. ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’: Government Summons Netflix India Content Head Over Controversy Surrounding Web Series.
DirecTV has around 11 million subscribers who are affected by this situation. According to a report of The Verge, Disney believes that its channels have a higher value and is asking for a premium payment from DirecTV. DirecTV and Disney are pointing fingers at each other and blaming one another for the blackout that has occurred. The blackout began during the broadcast of the US Open tennis tournament on ESPN and right before the start of the NFL season opener this weekend. ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’: Pissed Netizens Trend #BoycottNetflix Over Anubhav Sinha’s Series Naming Terrorists ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’, but Here’s What Actually Happened!.
DirecTV reportedly claims that it is unable to provide customisable packages that align with what consumers want because Disney is directing viewers towards its own streaming services like Hulu and Disney Plus. DirecTV believes that it is causing a shift away from traditional network TV. Multiple reports also suggest that Disney has been accused of making a sudden request to waive any claims that its actions are anti-competitive.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2024 05:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).