The latest disputes between DirecTV and Disney put the NFL season in jeopardy for the viewers across the nation.
On Sunday, DirecTV turned dark on Disney-owned channels like ESPN and ABC in its efforts to close a long-term distribution deal. The Carriage dispute eventually fell off as both the parties blocked each other out in their negotiation deals. Disney Channel ESPN suffered a major hit as the US Open Tennis tournament broadcast switched off.
In amidst of heated arguments taking place in between both the parties, it is around 11 million subscribers of DirecTV that are bearing the cost of the dispute.
DirecTV on their behalf claimed that Disney is blocking their way of prioritising customer benefits by denying customer-tailored packages. Additionally, Disney is favouring OTT channels like HULU and Disney PLUS resulting in fewer users on traditional networks. The arguments haven’t ended here as it is to be believed that Disney is demanding to dismiss all the allegations of anti-competitive practices last-minute.
According to a recent statement, DirecTV’s CCO Rob Thun criticised The Walt Disney Co. for looking down on their responsibility towards consumers, distribution partners, and the American legal system. On Disney’s behalf their officials demanded a premium pay to which DirecTV refused. Disney also stated that we are in no rush to close terms with DirecTV but we cannot demean the proposed terms to our television partners and programs. The OTT company seeking a mutually satisfying deal and asking DirecTV to not let their viewers suffer more.
The discussed contract terms were initially signed in 2019 as reported by Reuters. Normally, the OTT providers and distributors keep the contract ending dates during the main season so that renegotiation of terms can take place. It is not the first time Disney is pulling hands from its distributor partner because of Carriage disputes. Earlier, Charter’s Spectrum got blacked out during the US Open for twelve days before a new deal was secured.
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