Walt Disney Co. has withdrawn its ABC stations, ESPN, and other cable networks from DirecTV’s lineup after both parties failed to secure a new licensing agreement, affecting millions of customers. Disney is pressing DirecTV to promptly finalize a deal that would restore the programming.DirecTV has attributed the dispute to Disney, explaining that DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse customers lost access as Disney retracted its programming despite DirecTV’s efforts to establish multi-billion-dollar licensing agreements covering a wide range of content.This conflict coincides with the eagerly awaited return of the NFL, college football, the US Open, and notable events such as the Emmy Awards and a Presidential Debate on ABC later this month.In response, Disney stated that millions of DirecTV customers are left without access to ESPN and other Disney-owned channels because DirecTV rejected a fair, market-based agreement. Disney emphasized that it has been negotiating with DirecTV for weeks, offering various flexible solutions and innovative cooperation methods to make Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming services available to DirecTV viewers.Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, co-chairmen of Disney Entertainment, along with Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN, remarked, “DirecTV chose to deny millions of subscribers access to our content just as we approach the final week of the US Open and the start of the college football and NFL seasons. While we are open to providing DirecTV with flexibility and terms similar to those given to other distributors, we will not agree to any partnership that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs.”Conversely, DirecTV stated it had attempted to reach new, multi-billion-dollar licensing agreements encompassing local ABC broadcast stations and affiliates, streaming content like Hulu, and the suite of ESPN channels.DirecTV accused Disney of adopting an anti-consumer stance, insisting that DirecTV and other TV distributors’ customers pay for channels they do not watch. Additionally, DirecTV claimed Disney is demanding that their customers subscribe to Disney-owned streaming services they may not want or already have.Furthermore, DirecTV noted that Disney demanded a waiver of all claims alleging Disney’s anti-competitive behavior as a prerequisite for any licensing agreement or continued programming access.Rob Thun, Chief Content Officer at DirecTV, commented, “The Walt Disney Co. is once again shirking accountability to consumers, distribution partners, and the American judicial system. Disney thrives on creating alternate realities, but this is the real world where accountability and consumer interests should prevail. They aim to maximize profits and retain dominant control at the expense of consumers, making it difficult for them to choose their preferred shows and sports at a reasonable price.”The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com
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