Disney and DirecTV Dispute: Temporary Access to ABC News Debate Amid Ongoing Carriage Feud

For ten days and counting, Disney networks, including ESPN and ABC, have been unavailable on DirecTV due to an ongoing carriage dispute. However, in a move to ensure that viewers don't miss the upcoming presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, Disney has announced it will temporarily provide DirecTV with access to ABC News' coverage of the event.

In a statement, Disney said, "As we announced in May, the ABC News presidential debate will be widely accessible across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. Even though we haven't yet reached an agreement with DirecTV, we are offering a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all affected DirecTV customers at no charge. We believe it's crucial for all Americans to have the opportunity to watch tonight's debate during this pivotal moment in our history." Disney added, "We continue to negotiate with DirecTV, and restoring our programming to their subscribers is entirely in their hands."

Earlier on Tuesday, an offer was extended to DirecTV from Disney to access the ABC News debate feed, but as of now, DirecTV had not accepted it. DirecTV representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The debate between Harris and Trump is set to start at 9 p.m. ET on September 10. It will be broadcast live on ABC, streamed on the ABC News Live digital channel, and simulcast on other networks including CNN, Fox News, CBS, NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, and NewsNation.