Disney, DirecTV end blackouts; working on new multi-year deal for carrying channels

(TND) — DirecTV customers can once again watch Disney, ESPN and ABC-owned stations.

DirecTV and Disney on Saturday announced an agreement in principle to end its carriage dispute.

DirecTV said they’re working to finalize a new multi-year contract.

All channels were immediately restored to DirecTV satellite, streaming and U-verse customers, according to the company.

Disney-owned channels were off DirecTV since the evening of Sept. 1, according to The Associated Press.

ABC-owned stations, ESPN networks, Disney-branded channels, Freeform, FX networks and the National Geographic channels are back for DirecTV customers.

DirecTV also said that Disney’s streaming services – Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ – will be included in select DirecTV packages under a wholesale agreement and also be made available on an a la carte basis.

And DirecTV will have the rights to distribute Disney’s upcoming ESPN flagship direct-to-consumer service upon its launch at no additional cost to DirecTV customers.

“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options,” the companies said in a joint statement. “DIRECTV and Disney have a long-standing 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 evolving preferences of DIRECTV’s customers. We’d like to thank all affected viewers for their patience and are pleased to restore Disney’s entire portfolio of networks in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.”