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Disney, DirecTV reach deal restoring channels to 10 million subscribers after public fight
The Walt Disney Company presenting details of its Disney+ streaming service at a Disney expo.
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Getty Images for Disney
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Topline:
DirecTV customers can once again watch Disney-owned networks like ESPN and ABC, after the two companies hammered out an agreement on key terms this morning. Their contract expired two weeks ago.
Why it matters: Over 10 million DirecTV and AT&T U-Verse subscribers had been unable to watch Disney-owned channels since Sept. 1.
The backstory: On that date, DirecTV placed the blame on Disney, saying that the entertainment conglomerate was "sidelining" football fans and forcing DirecTV to agree to waive all anticompetitive claims against it. The cable company then fired back and filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against Disney on Sept. 9 alleging anticompetitive behavior like failing to negotiate in good faith. Disney has largely not commented publicly on the dispute.
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Why now: The agreement comes ahead of a big weekend for TV. Football season is in full swing, including many games on ESPN, and the Emmy Awards will be broadcast Sunday evening on ABC.
What's next: DirecTV and Disney still haven't finalized the new contract, though they said in a joint statement they are continuing to work on a new multi-year deal.
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