DIRECTV vs. Disney: So What Will Happen Next?

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, you were right again!! DIRECTV and Disney didn’t settle before Monday Night Football or the debate. So tell us, Nostradamus, what will happen next? What does your crystal ball say now? — James, Fairfax, Virginia.

James, the DIRECTV-Disney carriage dispute is playing out as I predicted at the outset. Despite two high-profile events on Monday and Tuesday (Monday Night Football and the presidential debate) on ABC and ESPN, DIRECTV did not settle with Disney to return the programmer’s channels to its subscribers.

We are now in the 10th full day of this battle with no end in sight. So, now what?

I would be surprised if there is a breakthrough over the next three days, at least not today and Thursday. There isn’t any must-viewing show or event on the Disney channels that would compel the two sides to find common ground.

Consequently, the dispute is highly likely to extend until the weekend. But it’s then where I could see a resolution. The blackout is hurting both sides, perhaps equally. DIRECTV is losing subscribers while Disney is losing ratings. With another weekend of college football and Monday Night Football coming up, this might be the time when the companies finally agree to make some compromises. I’m not guaranteeing a settlement, but this weekend will be the best chance of getting one since September 1 when it began.

If there isn’t a deal this weekend, I could see the blackout lasting several more days, or perhaps even a week or two more. But if I was in Vegas, I would bet on this weekend if the odds were good.

Tony, 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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