Carriage fights create some strange bedfellows.
DirecTV Files FCC Complaint Accusing Disney of Negotiating in Bad Faith as Blackout of ESPN, ABC Drags On
DirecTV, at loggerheads with Disney over a new deal for ESPN, ABC and other networks, announced that it would give its customers a $30 credit toward two competing streaming TV services — Sling, from longtime satellite rival Dish Network, and Fubo.
Disney and DirecTV failed to reach an agreement before the Sept. 1 expiration of their prior agreement , resulting in ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, NatGeo, Freeform and the rest of Disney’s networks getting pulled from the DirecTV lineup.
The new offer from DirecTV signals that the two sides aren’t close to reaching a détente. DirecTV will provide a $30 credit for customers who sign up to Fubo (via fubotv.com/deal ) for a seven-day free trial from Fubo, either for the Pro ($80/month) or Elite with Sports Plus ($100/month) plans — with $30 off the first month after that. In addition, DirecTV will provide a $30 credit for Fubo users.
DirecTV’s offer for new subscribers to Sling (via slin g .com/directv ) provides a $10 discount off the first month of Sling Orange service (regularly $40/month), which includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney Channel, Freeform and other Disney networks; and DirecTV will provide a $30 credit to offset the remaining cost.
“Unfortunately, Disney is back at it again, this time targeting DirecTV customers. That’s why we’re giving you more ways to watch this weekend’s college football games, Monday Night Football and the U.S. Open – on us,” DirecTV said in a blog post announcing the offers.
DirecTV Tells Customers It's Hiking Prices Next Month, Coming Amid Blackout of ESPN, ABC and Other Disney Nets
DirecTV customers can get more info about how to redeem the $30 credit at tvpromise.com starting Saturday, Sept. 7. Once redeemed, the credit will apply to active DirecTV accounts within two months. The company previously offered a $20 credit to customers for the loss of Disney networks; those who opt for the Sling or Fubo offer will get an $10 additional credit (i.e. $30 is the maximum credit available).
“This is a small way to help you stay connected to your sports and entertainment while we work with Disney to reach a new agreement,” the satellite and streaming TV provider said in the blog post.
Separately, Disney-owned Hulu on Friday announced a new promotion giving a $30 credit to new subscribers who sign up for a Hulu + Live TV plan through Sept. 11. The offer is available at hulu.com/live-tv . The Hulu + Live TV subscription provides viewers with a more than 95 TV channels — including ESPN — plus access to Hulu’s entire on-demand streaming library.
Earlier Friday, Disney launched a campaign reminding DirecTV customers that they have “plenty of options” to get ABC, ESPN and other nets from rival providers, including Fubo and Sling.
'Plenty of Options': Disney Steers DirecTV Customers to Dish, Hulu, YouTube TV and More as Blackout of Channels Including ESPN and ABC Hits Day 6
Local News
