directv disney espn DirecTV subscribers feeling the effects of the ongoing carriage dispute with Disney can now get a bit of relief in the form of a $20 credit. As the battle between the two entertainment giants leaves popular channels like ABC and ESPN blacked out, DirecTV is offering a way for customers to ease some of the frustration. Here’s how you can claim the credit and what to do in the meantime to keep up with your favorite programming.
How to Claim Your $20 DirecTV Credit
DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-Verse customers can head to the company’s dedicated website, directv.com/tvpromise, to claim the $20 credit. The process is straightforward, requiring you to:
- Select your service (DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, or U-Verse).
- Enter your zip code.
- Provide the email address associated with your active DirecTV or DirecTV Stream account.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to maintain an active account until the credit is applied, which could take up to two billing cycles.
The Disney Carriage Dispute: What Happened?
The dispute between DirecTV and The Walt Disney Company escalated when the two parties couldn’t reach a new carriage agreement before the expiration of their previous deal, leading to a programming blackout on channels like ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks.
DirecTV reassured customers that they’re negotiating to provide more flexible channel lineups, promising to restore these beloved networks as soon as possible. However, until a new agreement is reached, many sports fans and entertainment lovers are looking for alternatives to catch their favorite shows and games.
Alternatives for Sports Fans and TV Viewers
While popular channels like ESPN are currently unavailable, DirecTV is offering alternatives to ensure that you don’t miss out on key sporting events, including NFL and college football games.
Here’s where you can tune in:
- NFL Games: Local Fox, CBS, and NBC affiliates, as well as Amazon Prime Video, are still airing NFL action. DirecTV also pointed out that Monday night games may not impact most viewers until later in the season.
- College Football: Big Ten football fans can still enjoy games on the Big Ten Network, while Big 12 games are aired on Fox, FS1, and other channels. Although many ACC and SEC games are on Disney-owned networks, some are still available via The CW.
DirecTV has included full NFL and college football schedules on its website to help you stay on top of the action.
What About Your Favorite TV Shows?
For TV viewers, the good news is that ABC’s primetime series won’t return with new episodes until September 17, giving DirecTV time to hopefully reach a new agreement with Disney. Meanwhile, Disney-owned local broadcast stations typically stream newscasts and other content on their websites and apps, providing some access to your usual programming.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing dispute between DirecTV and Disney is certainly frustrating for subscribers, but the $20 credit offers some compensation during this blackout. By following the simple steps on DirecTV’s website, you can claim your credit and explore alternative ways to stay connected with your favorite sports and shows until the issue is resolved.
With both companies working toward a solution, DirecTV customers can only hope that their favorite networks will return sooner rather than later. Until then, stay tuned to the alternatives provided, and make sure to claim your credit.
