DirecTV and the Walt Disney Company have reached an agreement in principle, returns the Disney channels to DirecTV consumers.
The parties are still working to finalize a new multi-year contract, according to a joint press release Saturday from the two companies. The channels, including ESPN, Disney, ABC stations and streaming services including Hulu, were immediately restored.
The channels have been dark for millions DirecTV customers since September 1. DirecTV has 11.3 million customers, CBS News previously reported.
The dispute focused on the carriage fees that DirecTV pays to Disney. DirecTV accused Disney of “taking an anti-consumer approach” by demanding a new deal that includes bundled services. DirecTV said it wants to allow customers to choose between smaller packages of networks when they subscribe, so they can lower their costs.
As part of the core deal agreed upon by both parties, Disney’s streaming services Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ will be included in select DirecTV packages. DirecTV will continue to offer Disney’s entertainment, sports and news programming.
“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to customize their video experience through more flexible options,” the companies said in a joint statement. “DIRECTV and Disney have a long history of connecting consumers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the changing preferences of DIRECTV’s customers. We want to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are excited to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”