DirecTV Disney Blackout: Networks Restored with Deal Reached
DirecTV subscribers who missed Disney-owned channels including ESPN and ABC could apply for at least $20 worth of credit, but now, channels are restored.


DirecTV and Disney had a face-off this month, and while it's now resolved, it wasn't without its impacts. In one corner, DirecTV, the U.S.’s third-largest pay TV provider, and in the other corner, the ultimate media giant, locked in a dispute over the terms of a new distribution deal for Disney-owned content.
The companies failed to resolve their differences before DirecTV’s rights to carry ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned programming expired, which meant some channels went dark at the start of September — part-way through the US Open tennis tournament and just as NFL and college football seasons were getting underway.
The content blackout affected around 11 million customers for nearly two weeks. This past weekend, the companies announced they'd reached a preliminary agreement, and Disney networks were restored for DirecTV customers.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
During the blackout, DirecTV offered impacted customers a $20 credit they had to go claim. Now that the blackout is over, however, the credit is no longer on offer.
How to get a DirecTV blackout credit
Any time you are missing channels you should have on DirecTV, like with this blackout, you can head to the company's TV Promise page to see if you're eligible for a credit.
On that page, you select your TV service from the drop-down menu and enter your zip code. Next, select the "Search" button to check for service disruption in your area and see if you're eligible for a one-time credit offer. Third, if you do qualify, go to the "Explore bill credits" section of the TV Promise page and select the appropriate button to initiate a $20 credit.
Now that the Disney blackout is over, if you search your information, you'll likely see there are no available credits, since the channels have been restored.
But if you already applied for the credit and are wondering where it is, DirecTV advised: “Blackout credits can take up to two billing cycles until they appear on your DIRECTV bill. If you currently have a pending blackout credit on your bill, you’ll need to wait for the next bill cycle to request a new blackout credit.”
Will a blackout happen again?
As well as all ESPN network channels and ABC-owned stations, Disney-branded channels Freeform, FX and National Geographic channel went dark on DirecTV for almost two weeks. Last year, a similar disagreement between Disney and Charter Communications, which owns the Spectrum TV service, lasted 12 days.
The new deal between DirecTV and Disney, according to Variety, is preliminary, but the channels are restored "while both parties work to finalize a new, multiyear contract." The hope is that if this is a multiyear contract, customers won't face a similar situation at least for a few years.
Meanwhile, DirecTV customers will have to pay more for the service soon. The company announced new prices will be taking effect October 6.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Charlotte comes to Kiplinger with more than two decades of experience in print and online journalism in the UK, with a focus on consumer rights, personal finance and law. She has worked for leading consumer rights organisation Which? and the UK government, and studied modern and medieval languages at the University of Cambridge.
-
AI Goes To School
The Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
Where to Invest in an Uncertain Market
In an uncertain market, you can still pocket juicy payouts ranging from 4% to 14%, depending on risk.
-
How to Budget for College Expenses Beyond Tuition
Some universities waive tuition for families with incomes below a certain threshold. But you'll still need a plan to cover other costs.
-
My First $1 Million: Events Industry CEO, 65, Northern New Jersey
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Delta’s New Fare Changes Just Made Booking Flights and Earning Miles More Complicated
Here’s what travelers need to know about Delta’s fare changes before booking their next flight.
-
United Airlines Raises the Bar with New Business Class Suites
Discover how United's new Polaris Studio suites redefine luxury and comfort on long-haul flights.
-
Walmart Raising Prices Soon — Here’s Which Products Will Cost You More This Summer
If you heard about Walmart raising prices, here are the key details you need to know ahead of your next shopping trip.
-
I'm an Insurance Pro: How Not to Get Dumped by Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent or broker might show you the door if you do any of these five things. Being a good customer is about more than paying your bill on time.
-
How Capital One Venture X's Travel Perks Make the Fee Worth It
Travel Cards Travel cards, like the Capital One Venture X come with a sizable annual fee. Here are four ways to offset it.
-
Hail Damage Insurance Claims: Is Filing Worth the Cost and Hassle?
Before filing a hail damage insurance claim, understand the potential costs, risks and whether it’s worth the effort. Learn when to file and when to pay out of pocket.