DirecTV and Disney Standoff Threatens NFL Season, Monday Night Football

Sep 3, 2024, 03:20 PM

DirecTV and Disney are engaged in a standoff that could affect millions of viewers as the NFL season approaches, including Monday Night Football. The dispute has resulted in a blackout of ESPN and other channels for DirecTV subscribers. DirecTV CFO Ray Carpenter has criticized Disney for shutting down their TV Everywhere app, which allowed pay-TV subscribers to watch content away from their TV, and for significantly increasing the price of their apps. Carpenter also highlighted the challenges consumers face with fragmented streaming services and the high costs associated with them. The timing of Disney's signal pull was described as orchestrated to cause maximum disruption. Despite the ongoing negotiations, there is no easy resolution in sight, even with the NFL season starting soon. DirecTV held an investor call to discuss the blackout and its implications.