The ongoing battle between DirecTV and Disney rages on, with each side pointing fingers like "compadres en una cuchillada."
Blame Game Escalates
DirecTV alleges that Disney is being rigid, insisting customers pay for content they don’t want, while ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro passionately contends that this claim is “flat out false.”
Pitaro Speaks Out
In a candid appearance on CNBC, Pitaro left no room for misunderstanding. “I will tell you without any reservation, that we have been incredibly flexible,” he said with the conviction of a quarterback firing a Hail Mary pass. “In fact, we have offered them several flexible packages for their customers, starting with sports and broadcast.”
He continued, outlining a two-pronged approach that sounds as detailed as a well-executed playbook:
- A sports and broadcast package, akin to what was offered to Venu.
- An entertainment package, including Disney’s entertainment and kids’ channels.
“What we’ve received in response is basically hypotheticals,” Pitaro added, visibly as frustrated as a coach after a fumbled snap. “We don’t even know if they can execute and deliver against what they’re specifically proposing to us.”
Streaming Concerns
DirecTV’s additional gripe, of course, is the growing presence of Disney/ESPN content on streaming platforms. They’re navigating these streaming waters like a cornerback trying to keep his eyes on both the wide receiver and the quarterback.
Past Tensions
Online clashes aside, this standoff recalls last year’s ugly fight between Disney and Charter Communications. The squabble ended just before the kickoff of Monday Night Football – a last-second touchdown winning the game. A similar playbook seems to be at work here, with both giants holding out until the final whistle to find a compromise that gets ESPN and ABC back on DirecTV, hopefully in time for the highly-anticipated Jets-49ers showdown.
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