DIRECTV vs. Disney: Could You Miss the Trump-Harris Debate? (Hint: No)

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.
Former editor of Satellite DIRECT magazine. Reported on DIRECTV for 30 years.

TV Answer Man, how can DIRECTV and Disney have a blackout of ABC when the Trump-Harris debate will be on ABC next week? That sounds like election interference to me! — Cindy, Biloxi, Mississippi.

Cindy, DIRECTV and Disney are engaged in a bitter carriage battle that has left the subscribers of DIRECTV’s three TV services without the Disney channels since Sunday night. The list of affected channels includes eight Disney-owned ABC stations on DIRECTV satellite and all ABC affiliates on DIRECTV Stream and DIRECTV Via Streaming.

With ABC broadcasting the Trump-Harris presidential debate on Tuesday (September 10) at 9 p.m. ET, I’ve seen some stories, and received some reader e-mails, suggesting that many DIRECTV viewers might miss the debate. However, this is a non story because the debate will be simulcast on CBS, Fox, PBS, and NBC and the cable news networks. If you’re a DIRECTV subscriber, you might miss the ABC broadcast, but you won’t miss the debate unless you forget to turn on your television. It will be broadcast seemingly everywhere.

However, as I pointed out this morning, you might miss the first Monday Night Football game of the NFL season on September 9. You can read my article about that here.

Cindy, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.

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