Dish Talks S—- About DIRECTV – Literally

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

If you think Dish and DIRECTV are on friendly terms after trying to merge last year, think again. Dish has launched a new advertising campaign that says DIRECTV doesn’t give a S—- about its customers.

Referencing DIRECTV’s recent ad initiative featuring two animated pigeons discussing the company’s streaming plans, Dish says its rival is turning its back on rural customers who may not have access to reliable Internet service.

“(Dish’s) cheeky new ‘Pigeon Targets’ campaign calls out DIRECTV’s move to abandon traditional satellite TV customers in favor of urban, streaming-only audiences. DISH, on the other hand, is staying true to its roots, continuing to invest in cutting-edge satellite technology to ensure rural and small-town Americans get the entertainment access they deserve — no matter how remote their address,” Dish says in a press release. “The message is simple: DIRECTV doesn’t give a S%$! about its customers. Why pay more a year for fewer features and more hassle? DISH saves customers up to $30 a month compared to DIRECTV — and is now sweetening the deal with an exclusive three-months-free offer for new customers.”

While DIRECTV has increased its marketing emphasis on streaming, the company has not abandoned its satellite business. Consumers can still order satellite plans from DIRECTV. However, Dish, which operates a streaming service (Sling TV) as well as the Dish satellite business, charges that DIRECTV is ‘pivoting’ from satellite to streaming, leaving rural residents in the lurch.

To make its point, Dish says new customers can now get three free months of Dish.

“Let’s be honest — DIRECTV’s walking away from millions of rural Americans in favor of chasing shiny city audiences and streaming-only models,” said Kurt Simon, vice president of brand development for DISH TV. “Meanwhile, we’re doubling down on the people and places who rely on us the most, investing in unbeatable technology and offering real value without the nonsense. This campaign is our way of calling them out — and having a little fun while we do it.”

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