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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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
-
Dow Trims Its Loss to 498 Points: Stock Market TodayMarkets are wondering more and more about returns on the enormous amounts of capital hyperscalers are investing in AI.
-
5 Mark Cuban Quotes Every Retiree Should Live ByThe billionaire businessman and Shark Tank alum has some advice that may surprise you.
-
7 Frugal Habits That Aren't Worth It (and What to Do Instead)Avoiding waste is important, but some frugal habits are just more trouble than they're worth.
-
How Much Should You Spend on Holiday Gifts This SeasonWith U.S. consumers spending near record levels on holiday items, here's how much to allocate for gift-giving, how to avoid debt and how to fit your budget into your bigger financial picture.
-
The States Facing the Biggest Electric Bill Increases in 2025Energy prices keep rising. Discover the reasons behind the hikes, the areas most affected and how you can save on energy costs.
-
A Retirement Guide for Solo AgersIf you’re single without adult children to rely on for help, planning for your older years requires an added layer of intention and urgency.
-
I'm the CEO of a Credit Union: This Is What We Do to Earn Our Members' TrustWhat people want most from their financial institutions is a financial partner that listens, responds and acts with their best interests at heart.
-
What You Will Pay for Medicare in 2026Medicare premiums for 2026, as well as the costs of Parts A, B, and D, have increased. Here is how much you'll pay in 2026.
-
Your Four-Step Guide to True Financial Freedom, From a Financial PlannerYes, you can achieve financial independence, even if it seems elusive. While it may not be an easy journey, these are the steps to get things rolling.
-
Medicare Premiums 2026: IRMAA Brackets and Surcharges for Parts B and DWill you have to pay the monthly Medicare premium surcharge next year? It depends.
