Millions Could Miss Trump-Kamala Debate Due to DirecTV and Disney Dispute

Millions of Americans may be unable to watch the highly anticipated presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, thanks to an ongoing contract dispute between DirecTV and Disney. The dispute, which began on September 1, has resulted in more than 11 million DirecTV subscribers losing access to major Disney-owned channels, including ABC News, ESPN, and FX.

With the ABC-hosted debate just days away on September 10, the blackout could prevent millions from watching what is expected to be a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle. Unfortunately, no resolution appears to be on the horizon. A source close to the negotiations said there are no ongoing discussions, leaving DirecTV subscribers in limbo.

What We Know:

• DirecTV subscribers lost access to Disney-owned channels on September 1 due to contract disputes over what DirecTV calls "bloated" packages.

• More than 11 million subscribers could miss out on the Trump-Harris debate and the NFL's Monday Night Football season opener.

• DirecTV CEO Ray Carpenter insists the company is focused on a long-term solution and is not rushing to make a deal by the September 10 debate.

While those with Disney+, Hulu, or ABC News Live can stream the debate, DirecTV subscribers relying on traditional cable may be out of luck. Hollywood insiders believe the dispute is part of a broader issue plaguing the linear TV business as audiences increasingly shift to streaming services. One operative noted that Disney might want to strike a deal soon, but it’s unclear if the debate will be enough to push negotiations over the finish line.

For now, millions of viewers will have to explore other options to witness what could be the one and only Trump-Harris showdown before the election.

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