directv disney espn As DirecTV ongoing dispute with Walt Disney Co. continues, the blackout of ESPN and ABC channels has stirred up a storm, with notable figures like ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit weighing in. The conflict, which began over the weekend, has impacted around 11 million homes, leaving subscribers without access to major events like the USC vs. LSU game and the US Open, as well as upcoming NFL and college football coverage.
Herbstreit Weighs In
In a pointed remark on social media platform X, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit threw shade at DirecTV, hinting at the advantages of switching to YouTube TV. “Knew @YouTubeTV would pay off,” Herbstreit tweeted, implying that he and his family wouldn’t miss out on ESPN or ABC content amid the blackout. His tweet highlights the frustration many sports fans feel as they grapple with missing key games and events.
The Dispute Explained
The clash between DirecTV and Disney began when negotiations over a new carriage agreement failed, leading to the removal of Disney-owned networks from DirecTV’s lineup. The timing couldn’t be worse for sports fans, as the blackout coincided with USC’s highly anticipated game and the start of the NFL season. Disney executives, including ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, have criticized DirecTV for denying millions of subscribers access to essential sports and entertainment content.
DirecTV’s Response
DirecTV has fired back, accusing Disney of an “anti-consumer approach” that forces distributors to pay for channels that many viewers don’t watch. Rob Thun, DirecTV’s Chief Content Officer, has criticized Disney for refusing to take responsibility, further fueling the heated exchange between the two companies.
Broader Impact
In addition to ESPN Monday Night Football, which kicks off on September 9, the blackout also affects ABC affiliates. This could result in viewers missing local news, popular game shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” and talk shows such as “Good Morning America” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The situation bears resemblance to a similar dispute between Disney and Spectrum TV in 2023, which ended after a 12-day blackout.
Public Reaction
The public’s reaction has been mixed, with some DirecTV subscribers expressing frustration and threatening to cancel their services. One user on X vented, “Fix it now or you’re losing a long-time customer,” while another vowed to “cancel my @DIRECTV asap.” Conversely, some have pointed fingers at Disney, citing a pattern of disputes over channel extensions and media rights.
The Future of Pay-TV
This dispute is part of a broader trend of declining pay-TV subscriptions, which saw a loss of 2.4 million customers in the first quarter of 2024. With Disney charging distributors around $10 per subscriber per month for ESPN’s networks, the stakes are high for both parties as they navigate this latest standoff.
As DirecTV and Disney continue their negotiations, subscribers are left in limbo, hoping for a swift resolution that will restore their access to beloved sports and entertainment channels.
