directv disney espn If your TV suddenly went dark this past weekend, you’re not alone. A contract dispute between DirecTV and The Walt Disney Company has led to a blackout of popular channels like ESPN, ABC, and others across millions of homes — including many in the Fresno area.
The blackout, which began on Sunday, Sept. 1, has left viewers without access to critical TV programming just as the fall sports season heats up, including major college football matchups, the NFL season opener, and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Here’s everything you need to know about the situation and how it affects Fresno-area customers.
What Channels Are Affected in Fresno?
In Fresno and other parts of California, Disney-owned channels, including ABC, have gone dark on DirecTV. Local stations like KFSN-TV (ABC 30) in Fresno and the San Francisco Bay Area are impacted, meaning that ABC is currently unavailable in these markets.
Beyond ABC, DirecTV subscribers also lost access to several other popular Disney channels, including:
- ESPN and ESPN2
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- FXX
- Freeform
- National Geographic
- Nat Geo Wild
The loss also extends to Disney’s streaming apps such as Watch ABC, DisneyNow, FXNow, and Nat Geo TV, which have been removed from DirecTV’s platform during this dispute.
Why Did This Happen?
The blackout stems from a breakdown in contract negotiations between DirecTV and Disney. A five-year carriage agreement between the two companies expired, and they’ve been unable to come to terms on a new deal.
DirecTV argues that Disney is pushing up costs for consumers while shifting some of its best content to its own streaming services, such as Disney+ and ESPN+. DirecTV’s chief content officer Rob Thun accused Disney of “forcing prices to go up while simultaneously making its content disappear.”
In response, Disney executives said they’ve offered DirecTV fair terms, similar to what they’ve agreed on with other distributors, and urged the satellite TV provider to quickly reach a deal that would restore service for customers.
How Long Will the Blackout Last?
Unfortunately, there’s no clear end in sight for the blackout. Both companies have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, but negotiations remain ongoing. As the dispute lingers, Fresno-area customers could remain without access to their favorite Disney programming for an extended period.
Are DirecTV Customers Eligible for a Credit?
Yes, many DirecTV customers impacted by the blackout can receive a credit on their bills. DirecTV is offering a $20 voucher for eligible subscribers. To check if you qualify:
- Visit the website directv.com/tvpromise.
- Enter your TV service details, ZIP code, and county to determine eligibility.
- If eligible, go to the “Explore bill credits” section and follow the instructions to apply.
Credits may take up to two billing cycles to reflect on your account.
Alternatives to Watch ESPN and ABC During the Blackout
If you’re a DirecTV customer looking to catch live sports or your favorite shows during the blackout, there are alternatives available:
- Digital Antenna: Many local ABC stations, including Fresno’s ABC 30, can be accessed with a digital antenna for free over-the-air viewing.
- Other Networks: NFL games and some other popular sporting events are broadcast on FOX, CBS, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, which are still available on DirecTV.
- Streaming Services: Consider subscribing to platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, or Hulu + Live TV to access Disney’s extensive library and live sports programming.
What’s Next?
As negotiations between DirecTV and Disney continue, it’s unclear when, or if, an agreement will be reached soon. In the meantime, affected viewers may want to explore other viewing options to avoid missing key sports events or shows.
For updates on the status of the dispute, be sure to check DirecTV’s website or stay tuned to local news sources.
This blackout serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the evolving landscape of TV programming and streaming services, where customers often get caught in the crossfire of corporate battles.
