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DirecTV offers a solution to watch the presidential debate
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DirecTV offers a solution to watch the presidential debate

DirecTV says its customers will be able to watch ABC News’ presidential debate on Tuesday night, even though the company cannot reach a deal with ABC parent Disney in advance due to the two companies’ ongoing dispute over the broadcast.

DirecTV’s more than 11 million customers were left unable to watch several major events after Disney removed its channels, including ABC News and ESPN, from DirecTV last week. In response, DirecTV filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Disney over the weekend.

Former President Donald Trump speaks in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 23, 2024. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Greensboro, North Carolina on July 11, 2024.

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will debate each other for the first time on Tuesday. ( / Getty Images)

If an agreement isn’t reached in time, the situation could impact DirecTV customers’ ability to watch “Monday Night Football” this week. However, the company says it has a solution that will allow customers to watch the first debate between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

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“Despite The Walt Disney Co.’s intention not to broadcast the September 10 presidential debate to DIRECTV satellite customers in the eight cities where Disney owns the local ABC station, and despite Disney blocking its own local ABC affiliates from providing coverage of the ABC News debate for DIRECTV customers who choose to stream their news and analysis, DIRECTV customers will still have access to this live event,” a DirecTV spokesperson said in a statement to FOX Business.

directv logo on smartphone

DirecTV says its customers will be able to watch the ABC News presidential debate despite the ongoing dispute with ABC parent company Disney over the broadcast. (Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images)

“C-SPAN, the other major broadcast networks in addition to ABC, and multiple national news and commentary channels will simulcast ABC News coverage of the debate, beginning at 9:00 p.m. EDT from Philadelphia,” the statement continued. “DIRECTV will carry all ABC News competitors and CBS, NBC and FOX local affiliates in the same cities where Disney has suspended its own or affiliated broadcast stations.”

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In its complaint to the FCC, DirecTV alleged that Disney imposed unreasonable conditions on the renewal of its distribution agreement, including bundling requirements and penetration requirements that a federal court recently ruled unlawful.

Disney Co. logo on smartphone

The Walt Disney Company last week pulled its channels, including ESPN and ABC News, from DirecTV amid an ongoing dispute over broadcasting. (Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via / Getty Images)

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
DIS THE WALT DISNEY CO. 87.94 -0.71

-0.80%

DirecTV also said that Disney is pushing for a “thick package” of channels, forcing the provider to offer less popular programming while Disney offers consumers cheaper, “leaner” packages.

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Disney did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on Monday.

In a statement over the weekend, a Disney spokesperson told Reuters: “We are still negotiating with DirecTV to restore access to our content as quickly as possible.”

Reuters contributed to this report.