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2024 DIRECTV-Disney Dispute

The 2024 DIRECTV-Walt Disney Company Programming Dispute is a prolonged blackout of Disney-owned television channels on DirecTV’s satellite and streaming platforms and on U-Verse (formerly AT&T U-Verse).

The situation began on September 1, 2024 after a contractual agreement between Disney and DIRECTV for the carriage of certain channels expired. Without a new agreement in place, Disney exercised its legal right to prevent DirecTV from redistributing its channels, effectively leaving millions of pay TV subscribers without access to ESPN, FX, Freeform, National Geographic, the Disney Channel and related cable networks.

The dispute also prevented DIRECTV via Satellite and DIRECTV via Internet customers from accessing ABC-owned broadcast stations in eight metropolitan areas, and DIRECTV Stream and U-Verse customers from having access to more than 200 ABC stations and independently-owned network affiliates across the country.

An earlier decision by Disney to participate in a joint venture called Venu Sports is seen as a key element that triggered the programming dispute with DIRECTV.

(Image courtesy the Walt Disney Company, Graphic by The Desk)

DirecTV says still no agreement with Disney on “clean slate” term

The company is moving forward with its complaint at the FCC, even though the channels have been restored to DirecTV.

A promotional image for DirecTV's streaming and satellite TV services.

Disney agreed to three genre-based bundles on DirecTV, exec says

DirecTV originally wanted six genre-based bundles of channels, a Disney executive said in an interview, but was eventually convinced to cut that number in half.

A sound technician with ESPN helps produce a telecast of a football game.

ESPN sees lower audience for Week 1 Monday Night Football game

More Americans watched Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers get hurt in Week 1 last year, compared to the number of fans who witnessed his return on Monday.

The Alameda Avenue entrance to the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California as it appeared in 2016.

DirecTV says Disney asked for ABC to be restored during presidential debate

The Walt Disney Company this week rejected an offer from DirecTV to restore ABC, ESPN and other channels through next Monday, the satellite TV company said.

A sound technician with ESPN helps produce a telecast of a football game.

ABC to simulcast Jets-49ers “Monday Night Football” game

ABC will simulcast a highly-anticipated match-up between the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers on Monday — which is good news for DirecTV customers who have an antenna.

DirecTV's ad campaign uses Disney's Steamboat Willie to draw attention to its ongoing dispute with the entertainment giant. Steamboat Willie entered into the public domain earlier this year. (Graphic by The Desk)

DirecTV taps Steamboat Willie in new ad campaign on Disney dispute

DirecTV has tapped a former Disney character to draw attention to its ongoing carriage dispute with the Walt Disney Company.

DirecTV files FCC complaint against Disney as dispute drags on

DirecTV has escalated its fight against Disney to the FCC, accusing the broadcaster of violating the agency's good faith negotiation rules during its programming dispute.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper in March 2023.

NC Governor tells DirecTV, Disney to “resolve this dispute”

In a letter sent to DirecTV, Disney and ESPN, North Carolina Roy Cooper said the ongoing dispute involving channels like ESPN, ABC and FX is unacceptable.

(Stock image via Pixabay, Graphic by The Desk)

DirecTV tells customers to use Sling, Fubo for ESPN

With channels like ESPN and ABC unavailable to DirecTV and U-Verse subscribers, the company is pointing customers to some of its competitors.

A stock image of a football.

DirecTV sends letters to college sports conferences about Disney dispute

The company recently sent letters to leaders at the SEC, ACC and Big 12 Conference, whose games are distributed by ESPN and ABC.

A DirecTV satellite dish. (Photo by James Artis via Flickr Creative Commons)

Dispute between Disney, DirecTV impacting bars, government agencies

Tens of thousands of DirecTV for Business customers, including bars and restaurants, may not have access to ESPN and ABC for weeks during football season. Government agencies that rely on DirecTV as a lifeline during emergencies may suffer, too.

(Stock image via Pixabay, Graphic by The Desk)

DirecTV exec warns ESPN blackout could affect football season

Bars, restaurants and hotels with DirecTV for Business service may not be able to offer "Monday Night Football" from ESPN.

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