The battle between DirecTV and Disney has left millions of customers in the dark, potentially missing out on NFL’s “Monday Night Football” game on ESPN. The ongoing dispute over fees and bundling has caused Disney’s TV networks, including ESPN, FX, and ABC in certain markets, to go dark for DirecTV customers since September 1st.
Negotiations are still ongoing, but a deal may not be reached in time for the highly anticipated game. DirecTV is advocating for genre-specific bundles, which Disney opposes, leading to a standstill in talks. As a result, customers have already missed out on major events like the U.S. Open and the start of the college football season.
Live sports remain a significant draw for audiences, resulting in lucrative media rights deals. ESPN, one of the most expensive networks on TV, commands high fees from pay-TV companies. However, the landscape is shifting as more customers flock to streaming platforms, leading to a decline in pay-TV subscriptions.
DirecTV’s battle with Disney comes at a time when the company is emphasizing its streaming options in a bid to attract consumers. The legal tussle also extends to sports streaming service Venu, with DirecTV supporting a lawsuit against its launch due to antitrust concerns.
Amidst the dispute, DirecTV has raised concerns about Disney’s tactics and filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. The standoff highlights the challenges facing traditional pay-TV providers as they navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape.
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