The Changing Landscape of TV Carriage Disputes

Current negotiations between DirectTV and Disney highlight a significant shift in the dynamics of TV carriage disputes. In the past, channel owners typically held substantial leverage over distributors due to viewer demand for popular content like sports. However, as cord-cutting grows and the balance of power evolves, distributors like DirectTV are starting to push back, arguing they should not subsidize Disney's transition to streaming while being charged for content that is increasingly unavailable in traditional bundles. This change complicates negotiations, as both parties must navigate a landscape where fans are less reliant on specific providers and more inclined to leave for alternatives.