DirecTV Rejects Disney's Offer to Air Presidential Debate Amid Carriage Dispute

In an update to an earlier story, DirecTV has rejected Disney's offer to air the U.S. Presidential debate while Disney's channels remain unavailable to DirecTV customers. Disney, which owns ABC News, proposed a temporary three-hour return of ABC for the debate, but DirecTV viewed the offer as self-serving and likely to confuse customers. They argued that briefly restoring access only for the debate would leave viewers frustrated when the channel went dark again afterward.

In response, DirecTV proposed a different arrangement, offering to bring back all Disney channels, including ABC, in time for the debate and keep them live for a week. However, Disney rejected this proposal. Disney reiterated its commitment to making the debate widely available across multiple platforms, including other networks and streaming services, but DirecTV subscribers in major markets like New York and Los Angeles will be left without access to the broadcast.

The standoff between Disney and DirecTV mirrors a larger trend in the shifting television landscape. As cable and linear TV decline, Disney seeks higher fees for its content, including live sports, while DirecTV aims to offer more flexible, smaller bundles. Aside from the debate, Monday Night Football, and the upcoming Emmys remain caught in the middle of this ongoing negotiation.