Makes Any Licensing Agreement Fully Contingent on DIRECTV Waiving Future Challenge of Antitrust Actions
Seeks to Avoid Future Considerations by U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett or Southern District of New York
by Limiting Legal Venues Available to DIRECTV Consumers at Risk for Paying for Disney Content Twice and Channels They Do Not Want, While ABC-Owned Stations Go Dark in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco Bay Area, and Fresno-Visalia During Election Season
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, millions of DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and U-verse customers lost access when Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) pulled its programming despite attempts by DIRECTV to reach new, multi-billion-dollar licensing agreements for a broad range of programming, including local ABC broadcast stations and affiliates, streaming content like Hulu, and Disney’s ESPN suite of channels.
The sudden blackout has left consumers in the dark, figuratively and literally, as they are unable to access popular shows and sporting events. Many customers are now faced with the possibility of paying for Disney content twice if they seek alternative ways to watch their favorite programs.
By making any future licensing agreements contingent on DIRECTV waiving the right to challenge antitrust actions, Disney is effectively limiting the legal avenues available to consumers in case of disputes. This move aims to avoid potential legal challenges by U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett or the Southern District of New York, where such cases are often heard.
As ABC-owned stations go dark in major cities during the crucial election season, viewers are left without access to important news and information. The blackout affects cities such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco Bay Area, and Fresno-Visalia, potentially influencing voter opinions and engagement.
How Will This Affect Me?
As a DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM, or U-verse customer, you may experience disruptions in your access to programming, particularly from ABC-owned stations and affiliates. You may also face challenges in accessing streaming content like Hulu and Disney’s ESPN channels. Additionally, you may have to consider alternative ways to watch your favorite shows and sports events, potentially leading to additional costs.
How Will This Affect the World?
The blackout of Disney programming on DIRECTV platforms impacts millions of viewers worldwide, limiting their access to important news, entertainment, and sports content. The move by Disney to make licensing agreements contingent on waiving antitrust challenges sets a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for the media industry as a whole. It highlights the power dynamics between content providers and distributors, raising concerns about monopolistic practices and consumer choice.
Conclusion
The blackout of Disney programming on DIRECTV platforms underscores the challenges faced by consumers in an increasingly complex media landscape. As companies jockey for leverage and control over content distribution, viewers are caught in the crossfire, facing disruptions and limitations in their access to entertainment and information. The implications of this move by Disney go beyond individual customers, shaping the future of the media industry and the regulatory environment in which it operates.
