Disney Offers to Let DirecTV Customers Watch the Presidential Debate Tonight Amid the Continuing Blackout
As the blackout of Disney-owned stations on DirecTV moves into its 10th day, a new carriage deal does not seem to be on the horizon.
DirecTV customers, however, may get a brief reprieve tonight as ABC News will temporarily return to the carrier to allow viewers to watch the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
“As we announced in May, the ABC News presidential debate will be widely available across broadcast, cable and streaming,” Disney said in a statement. “Although we have yet to reach an agreement [with DirecTV], we are providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost because we want all Americans to be able to view tonight’s debate at this important moment in our history.”
Disney says it has offered to give DirecTV access to ABC News for the debate, though the cable provider has not yet accepted the offer.
“We remain at the table negotiating with DirecTV and the restoration of our programming to their subscribers is completely within their control,” Disney ended their statement.
The Blackout Continues
While there was initially hope that DirecTV and Disney would quickly reach a new carriage agreement once the blackout began, that hope has since been shattered.
Deadline
Last weekend, DirecTV filed a complaint with the FCC, accusing Disney of failing to engage in good-faith negotiations.
After missing last night’s Monday Night Football broadcast, DirecTV customers would surely appreciate access to the presidential debate tonight.
Photo: Sporting News
However, with both the NFL and college football seasons underway, the pressure will only intensify for the two sides to reach an agreement.
