Andre Yoskowitz
6 Mar 2014 22:17
Following a blockbuster deal with rival Dish Network, Disney is in talks with DirecTV where the satellite company will license the rights to offer Disney's broadcast/cable channels via a new Internet-based TV product.
DirecTV and Disney's current contract expires in December, and the Internet rights would be part of a larger multi-year programming deal.
"The deal and terms are not unexpected as the Dish contract was the most recent in the Disney timeline to expire," DirecTV added. "The DirecTV contract is up next and we're in the process of working with Disney on a similar long-term agreement of our own."
The landmark deal between Dish and Disney was the first time a major pay TV operator gave rights to its content to be viewed via smartphones, tablets, PCs and set-top boxes outside of their already paid for TV subscriptions.
Disney controls ABC, the Disney Channel, ESPN and more popular content.