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.

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

DirecTV’s dispute with Disney feels different because it is different

For years, carriage disputes have centered around fees paid by cable and satellite companies to programmers. Now, distributors are redrawing the battle lines.

September 1, 2024

A passenger uses a tablet to watch a live feed of ABC, powered by DirecTV, on a Southwest flight. (Courtesy image)

DirecTV exec accuses programmers of ‘posturing’ as Disney blackout looms

Exclusive: DirecTV's Chief Programming Officer Rob Thun said the development of Venu Sports proves broadcasters are ready to embrace genre-based channel bundles, and they should afford that opportunity to other distributors, too.

August 29, 2024

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