The dispute between DirecTV and Disney continues. As usual, both sides are blaming the other.
DirecTV has accused Disney of being inflexible in its efforts to force customers to pay for content they don’t want. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro has denied that claim.
Over Sports Business DailyPitaro called the allegation “completely false” during an appearance on CNBC.
“I can tell you without reservation that we have been incredibly flexible,” Pitaro said. “In fact, we have offered them several flexible packages for their customers, starting with sports and broadcasting. That’s part one, a package very similar to what we offered Venu. Second, we have offered them an entertainment package, a package that includes our entertainment and kids channels. And the answers we have received are basically hypothetical, and quite frankly, we don’t even know if they can implement and deliver what they are specifically proposing to us.”
Another problem for DirecTV is the increasing prevalence of Disney/ESPN content in its streaming offering.
The battle between Disney and Charter Communications last year was also ugly. And then it ended on the first day of the Monday Night Football. That’s probably what it’s going to come down to. Big talk and boasting and bullshit — until a deal is done to get ESPN and ABC back on DirecTV in time for the Jets-49ers.
