DIRECTV vs. Disney: Why the Next 2 Days Are Big Ones

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

TV Answer Man, do you think we will get ABC back in time for tonight’s Monday Night Football game? And what about the debate tomorrow? Doesn’t DIRECTV have to give in with the debate coming up? — Brian, Manhattan Beach, California.

Brian, the DIRECTV-Disney blackout today enters its second week with no end in sight. The TV provider, in fact, yesterday announced that it has filed a complaint against Disney with the Federal Communications Commission, charging the company with not negotiating in “good faith.” You can learn more about the FCC filing here.

The FCC action combined with DIRECTV’s offer of a $30 credit to subscribe to rivals Fubo or Sling TV, which have the Disney channels (including ESPN), would suggest that the satcaster is digging in for an extended battle. Or, at least, it wants Disney to think that to gain leverage in the negotiations.

Either way, I don’t think a settlement will come before tonight’s Monday night game between the Jets and 49ers (airing on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+.) The gap between the companies appears to be large to resolve in time.

I predicted at the start of this dispute that it would likely not be settled until somewhere between two and four weeks and I think the forecast is still likely.

That’s bad news for DIRECTV football fans who might have to get out an antenna to watch tonight’s game, or find another service that will carry it. (DIRECTV Stream and DIRECTV Via Streaming have lost all ABC affiliates while DIRECTV’s satellite subs have only lost ESPN, and ABC in markets where Disney owns the ABC affiliate.)

As for the debate tomorrow night between former President Trump and Vice President Harris, there’s no concern. Although ABC is hosting it, it will air on several networks, including CBS, PBS, NBC, CNN and Fox.

I would also add that if the dispute is not settled over the next two days, it likely won’t be settled until this Saturday’s college football games at the earliest. There’s no other important event this week that would pressure either side to settle so both companies would likely fall back until the weekend. That’s why the next two days are important ones. If Monday Night Football and a Presidential Debate can’t break this logjam, the odds are good that we’re in for at least another week of the blackout.

Brian, 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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