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The Disney–DIRECTV blackout lasted nearly two weeks: Disney channels went dark for DIRECTV customers on September 1, 2024, and the companies announced an agreement in principle on September 14. The deal restored Disney’s linear networks and opened the door to select Disney streaming services in some DIRECTV packages or as separate offerings. The negotiations are over; what a DIRECTV customer can access today depends on the specific plan and its terms.
What happened, and when did the blackout end?
On September 1, 2024, Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, went dark for DIRECTV customers amid a carriage dispute. On September 14, the companies announced an agreement in principle, ending the nearly two-week blackout. Their announcement described continued carriage of Disney’s entertainment, sports, and news networks, along with select Disney direct-to-consumer services in certain DIRECTV packages or as separate offerings. Disney and DIRECTV’s joint announcement
Why did the companies say they disagreed?
The companies gave competing public accounts of the dispute. DIRECTV argued for more flexible packaging and said it had offered to restore channels temporarily while negotiations continued. On September 10, DIRECTV said, “For the past 10 days, The Walt Disney Co. has blocked sports fans and families from enjoying their programming on DIRECTV while we have tried to reach a new agreement.” That is DIRECTV’s characterization, not an independent finding about the private talks. DIRECTV’s September 10 statement
Disney said it would not accept terms it believed undervalued its programming portfolio. In its September 1 statement, Disney and ESPN said, “While we’re open to offering DirecTV flexibility and terms which we’ve extended to other distributors, we will not enter into an agreement that undervalues our portfolio of television channels and programs.” This, too, is the company’s stated position rather than a neutral account of the bargaining. Disney and ESPN’s September 1 statement
What did the agreement change for DIRECTV customers?
The companies described the settlement as a way to offer more flexible viewing options. Their joint statement called it a “first-of-its-kind collaboration” that would let customers tailor their video experience. The announcement covered Disney’s linear networks and select streaming services, but did not promise every service in every DIRECTV plan. Joint agreement announcement
DIRECTV later introduced genre-based packages, including MyEntertainment with Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Basic, and announced ESPN streaming access for eligible customers. Its current streaming-app information lists Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN offerings for select plans, subject to eligibility and device conditions. Included services do not replace existing subscriptions. Check the current plan details before assuming a particular service is included. DIRECTV genre-pack announcement; DIRECTV ESPN streaming announcement; DIRECTV streaming-app information
Rank #2
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
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What is not publicly known about the negotiations?
The companies’ public statements do not reveal the confidential carriage fees, private concessions, or full sequence of bargaining rounds. They show how each side presented its case, but do not establish a neutral explanation of the negotiations. The documented outcome is the September 14, 2024 agreement in principle and the subsequent package and streaming options.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- ✅ ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT - Replace your broken AT&T TV Now Remote or DirecTV Stream Remote with this original replacement
- ✅ VOICE RECOGNITION - Once paired, voice recognition is also available with the RC82V Remote Control so you can use voice search.
- ✅ DIRECTIONAL PAD - The RC82V Remote Control has a directional pad. Basic operations and functions can be made by pressing the direction, then pressing ok.
- ✅ TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION - The remote uses two-way communication to the AT&T TV to send feedback back and forth.
- ✅ INFRARED MODE - Basic remote operations can be performed in the Infrared Mode while others can be done in RF Mode.
Rank #3
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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