DirecTV Rejects Disney’s Offer to Provide Access to ABC News’ Harris-Trump Debate Amid Contract Standoff

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor UPDATED, 3:45 PM ET: Disney offered to temporarily provide DirecTV access to ABC News‘ coverage of the presidential debate Tuesday night between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump — but DirecTV turned the offer down.

Customers of DirecTV will still be able to watch the debate on a number of other outlets that will simulcast it live. Disney networks including ESPN and ABC remain dark on DirecTV amid a carriage feud for a 10th day (and counting).

DirecTV said in a statement Tuesday, “Unfortunately, returning only Disney’s ABC stations from the entire portfolio of channels for a limited three-hour window will cause customer confusion among those who would briefly see the debate only to lose the channel again shortly after.” According to DirecTV, the satellite and streaming TV company agreed to return ABC in time for Tuesday’s presidential debate if Disney was also willing to “restore all its channels across platforms” through the end of “Monday Night Football” at 11:59 p.m.

ET on Monday, Sept. 17. However, “The Walt Disney Co. flat-out rejected DirecTV’s offer,” according to the pay-TV operator. “Returning the Disney-owned channels for the next week while we work to reach a new agreement would benefit customers who would regain access to ABC for the debate and the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Sept.