DirecTV Says Will Fight "As Long as It Needs to" in Carriage Dispute with Disney

DirecTV is engaged in a carriage dispute with Disney, which has resulted in the blackout of several Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, for DirecTV customers. The company's CFO, Ray Carpenter, stated that DirecTV will continue to fight for as long as necessary, emphasizing the need for more flexible programming options, such as "skinny, genre-based" bundles that allow customers to select content based on their preferences. The dispute escalated as the channels went dark on September 1, coinciding with significant sporting events. Carpenter described the negotiation as "existential," arguing that it is crucial for the future of the pay TV industry. He criticized Disney for orchestrating the timing of the blackout to maximize disruption for customers. In response, Disney representatives accused DirecTV of denying access to content and expressed willingness to negotiate but not at a discounted rate. Carpenter highlighted the importance of offering competitive pricing and immediate access to content, advocating for a model that allows customers more choice and flexibility. He noted that the overall value of traditional pay TV packages has declined as more content shifts to direct-to-consumer platforms. The situation mirrors a previous dispute between Charter Spectrum and Disney, which ultimately led to a deal that included Disney+ and ESPN+ access for Charter subscribers.

- DirecTV is in a carriage dispute with Disney, resulting in channel blackouts.

- The company seeks more flexible programming options for customers.

- DirecTV's CFO describes the negotiation as critical for the future of pay TV.

- Disney blames DirecTV for the blackout, while DirecTV accuses Disney of timing it to cause disruption.

- The dispute reflects broader trends in the shifting landscape of content distribution.