Disney has released another statement today accusing DirecTV of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the dispute which ultimately resulted in the removal of Disney-owned channels from DirecTV’s live TV packages.
In reality, the latest statement does not provide any more details on what was covered earlier this week in our article detailing the arguments of both sides. Instead, Disney mostly reiterated that it has offered DirecTV fair terms and flexible options.
Previously, DirecTV accused Disney of being too greedy by forcing subscribers to pay for all channels instead of offering options subscribers actually want. This is in addition to also expecting customers to pay for its streaming services, amounting to paying double for similar content.
In response to these claims, Disney says it “proposed a variety of packages that align to DirecTV’s cited needs, give their customers more choice and control, and provide DirecTV with the ability to participate in future opportunities to distribute Disney’s content.”
Examples of these proposals include:
- Sports centric option featuring the ESPN Networks and ABC
- Entertainment based option featuring the Disney Entertainment networks
- Linear offerings paired with Disney’s direct-to-consumer subscription services
Disney also says it offered DirecTV “multiple options” to seamlessly bridge the gap between its linear and DTC products.
In terms of the accusation surrounding the fees being too high to begin with, Disney reiterated two points from earlier this week. Firstly, it is offering DirecTV “rates that are in line with other distribution providers.” Secondly, the value of its portfolio is “indisputable.”
In backing up the last point, Disney cited Nielsen data to explain how “90% of DirecTV households watched its linear programming every month last year.”
While 90% sounds impressive, DirecTV has its own take on how its customers consume Disney content. According to DirecTV, less than 40% watch Disney sports content for at least three hours a month, 40% watch Disney’s general entertainment channels for a combined three hours or more a month, and only 10% watch a combined three hours or more of Disney’s kids programming each month.
In spite of the differences between the two companies, Disney still says it believes “there is a path to a fair and flexible agreement.” One that strikes a balance between the needs of DirecTV (and its customers) and the value Disney places on its content.
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