Disney Channels Go Dark on DirecTV

Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, went dark on DirecTV Sunday evening as the two companies failed to reach a new carriage agreement before the deadline, impacting an estimated 11 million subscribers. This blackout coincided with significant sporting events, such as the LSU vs. USC college football game and US Open tennis coverage, leaving many fans frustrated. Disney and ESPN condemned the disruption, urging DirecTV to finalize a deal that reflects the value of their programming, while DirecTV criticized Disney for prioritizing profits over consumer access. The ongoing dispute is reminiscent of similar past conflicts, including a recent one with Charter-Spectrum, and highlights the growing tensions in media distribution. In response, many affected viewers are turning to alternative streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV to access the content lost during the blackout. The situation underscores the volatility of media rights negotiations and its direct impact on sports fans and consumers.