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
-
The AI Doctor Coming to Read Your Test ResultsThe Kiplinger Letter There’s big opportunity for AI tools that analyze CAT scans, MRIs and other medical images. But there are also big challenges that human clinicians and tech companies will have to overcome.
-
The Best Places for LGBTQ People to Retire AbroadLGBTQ people can safely retire abroad, but they must know a country’s laws and level of support — going beyond the usual retirement considerations.
-
How to Get Apple TV Plus for just $2.99For a limited time, you can get three months of Apple TV Plus for just $2.99 per month. Here’s how to get the deal.
-
Don’t Panic About the “Retail Blackout” – See Which Stores Are Closing (and Which Aren’t) for Easter 2025Dozens of major retailers are planning to close their doors on April 20. Find out which of your go-to stores are on the list.
-
Home Insurance: How to Cut Costs Without Losing CoverageNatural disasters are causing home insurance premiums to soar, but don't risk dropping your coverage completely when there are ways to keep costs down.
-
Why Homeowners Insurance Has Gotten So Very ExpensiveThe home insurance industry is seeing more frequent and bigger claims because of weather, wildfires and other natural disasters.
-
Zelle App Shut Down? Why Zelle Has Discontinued Its AppWith the Zelle app shut down, learn how you can still use Zelle and which other mobile payment apps you might want to consider.
-
Use This 1-Year CD if You’ll Owe Taxes Next YearA one-year CD allows you to set money aside now for taxes you'll owe next year. We'll show our best choice.
-
How to Lower Home Insurance Rates When Climate Change Increases CostsA top insurer warns the damage climate change causes is making it cost-prohibitive for insurers in some areas. Learn how to protect your home and lower costs.
-
Stick to the Plan: Don't Panic During Economic UncertaintyTake a breath and step back. Focus on a solid fiscal foundation to stabilize your investments during stock market volatility.
