Disney Says That DirecTV Has “Not Engaged in Earnest” in New Contract Negotiations
With just four days until the current carriage deal between Disney and DirecTV expires, the pressure on the two parties to reach a new agreement is beginning to ramp up.
As we previously reported, DirecTV is looking for a deal similar to the one that Disney struck with Charter Communications earlier this year.
That would likely include more flexible package options and access to Disney’s streaming services.


Photo: Disney
“We absolutely have to find our way to offering something smaller and less expensive than what we have today,” Rob Thun, DirecTV’s chief content officer, wrote last week.
Disney Says DirecTV Has “Not Engaged in Earnest”
While Disney has reportedly been open to many of DirecTV’s requirements, a new deal does not sound imminent.
In a recent interview with Variety, president of Disney Platform Distribution, Justin Connolly accused DirecTV of not taking the negotiations seriously.


Photo: DIRECTV
“We continue to put a number of tangible options on the table, and DirecTV has not engaged in earnest at this point.”
Time is Ticking
If Disney and DirecTV do not come to an agreement by September 1, Disney-owned channels could be blacked out. The timing would be especially impactful, as Monday Night Football is set to return to ESPN on September 9.


Photo: Sporting News
While it may be premature to assume that a blackout is indeed coming, the signs don’t look good. Hopefully, with time running out, the two sides will come to an agreement, or at the very least an extension, and DirecTV customers will not be caught in the fray.
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