DirecTV Is Giving Customers $20 Credits Amid Battle With Disney

DirecTV subscribers were cut off from Disney programming earlier this week as both companies negotiate new contract terms. To keep viewers happy, DirecTV is giving out $20 credits to its customers.

In order to get the credit, customers must go to DirecTV’s website and choose which service — DirectTV, DirecTV Stream, or U-verse — they subscribe to. After entering their zip code, customers are taken to a page where they select how they access their subscriptions, via satellite or internet. The next step is to enter their account’s email address. If successful, the subscriber will receive up to two $20 credits over the next two billing cycles, according to USA Today.

“We’re pursuing every avenue to get your station back,” DirecTV wrote. “To thank you for your patience, until the situation is resolved, we’re offering you a bill credit.”

When the contract between the two entertainment giants expired on Sept. 1, several Disney networks, including ABC, ESPN, and FX, went dark, leaving viewers bewildered. Millions of customers have since been unable to watch major sporting events, such as the U.S. Open and several college football games.

While contract disagreements between TV providers and Disney seem to be common, there’s no end in sight for this one with DirecTV. Even DirecTV Chief Financial Officer Ray Carpenter voiced frustration earlier this week on a call with analysts.

“This is not a run-of-the-mill dispute. This is not the kind where people are haggling over percentage points on the rates,” said Carpenter, per Reuters. “This is really about changing the model in a way that gives everyone confidence that the industry can survive.”

DirecTV wants to cater to customers by offering more customized channel bundles based on viewer preferences. Part of the dispute with Disney involves being able to offer smaller, lower-priced package options, such as removing channels like ESPN for customers not interested in sports. On the other side, Disney is asking DirecTV for more money to cover rising programming costs.