Disney Offers to Give DirecTV Customers Access to ABC News’ Kamala Harris-Donald Trump Debate Amid Contract Standoff

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Disney networks including ESPN and ABC remain dark on DirecTV amid a carriage feud for a 10th day (and counting).

But for Tuesday night’s presidential debate between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the media company said, it will temporarily provide DirecTV access to ABC News‘ coverage. “As we announced in May, the ABC News presidential debate will be widely available across broadcast, cable and streaming,” Disney said in a statement. “Although we have yet to reach an agreement [with DirecTV], we are providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost because we want all Americans to be able to view tonight’s debate at this important moment in our history.” Disney added, “We remain at the table negotiating with DirecTV and the restoration of our programming to their subscribers is completely within their control.” According to Disney, the company earlier Tuesday offered to give DirecTV access to the ABC News debate feed but that DirecTV had not yet accepted the offer.

Reps for DirecTV did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Harris-Trump debate is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

ET on Sept. 10. It will air live on ABC, stream live on the ABC News Live digital channel and will be simulcast on additional broadcast and streaming news networks including including CNN, Fox News, CBS, NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS and NewsNation.