UPDATED October 3, 2022: After a long dark weekend, the Disney-owned media networks were back on DISH TV and Sling TV late Sunday night after the media conglomerate and cable operator were able to come to a tentative agreement that restored access to the ABC-owned stations, the Disney Channels, ESPN Networks, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic to millions of DISH customers.

In a statement to customers, DISH said, “We are pleased to announce that all your Disney/ESPN channels have been restored. Thank you for your patience and support.”

Meanwhile, Disney says, “We have reached a handshake agreement with DISH/Sling TV, which properly reflects fair market value and terms for The Walt Disney Company’s unparalleled content,” Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution said in a statement Sunday night. “As a result, we are pleased to restore our portfolio of networks on a temporary basis while both parties work to finalize a new deal.”

PREVIOUS October 1, 2022: With both sides standing their ground, The Walt Disney Company and the DISH Network Corporation failed to reach a new carriage agreement that impacts DISH TV and Sling TV customers. As of October 1, 2022, Disney’s media networks, including the ABC-owned stations, the Disney Channels, ESPN Networks, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic, are unavailable on DISH TV and Sling TV in what is called a channel blackout. ABC stations impacted by the blackout include stations in such big markets as Chicago, IL (WLS), Fresno, CA (KFSN), Houston, TX (KTRK), Los Angeles, CA (KABC), New York, NY (WABC), Philadelphia, PA (WPVI) and San Francisco, CA (KGO).

In a statement (via Deadline), Disney said, “After months of negotiating in good faith, DISH has declined to reach a fair, market-based agreement with us for continued distribution of our networks. As a result, their DISH and Sling TV subscribers have lost access to our unrivaled portfolio of live sports and news plus kids, family and general entertainment programming from the ABC Owned Television Stations, the ESPN networks, the Disney-branded channels, Freeform, the FX networks, the National Geographic channels and BabyTV.” 

Disney further notes, “The rates and terms we are seeking reflect the marketplace and have been the foundation for numerous successful deals with pay TV providers of all types and sizes across the country. We’re committed to reaching a fair resolution, and we urge DISH to work with us in order to minimize the disruption to their customers.”

In a statement released by DISH, the company says Disney “declined DISH’s offer for a contract extension, walked away from the negotiation table and refused to keep its programming accessible for millions of DISH and SLING customers across the United States.” Further, they point out, “The removal of these channels will also have an oversized impact on rural consumers who rely on satellite television as a primary means of entertainment.”

“Disney has exploited its market position to increase fees without regard for the public viewing experience,” said Brian Neylon, executive vice president and group president, DISH TV. “Clearly, Disney insists on prioritizing greed above American viewers, especially sports fans and families with children who watch their content.”

Pointing out Disney’s push to prioritize its Disney+ and ESPN+ brands over its linear broadcast and cable networks, DISH says, “Disney is more interested in becoming a monopolistic power than providing its programming to viewers under fair terms. Disney plans to spend billions on its direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Disney+ and ESPN+ — platforms not included for DISH and SLING customers.”

“We will continue to negotiate to provide the best value for our customers. We want to provide customers with fair rates, reliable service and the freedom of choice to pay for the channels they watch most,” added Gary Schanman, executive vice president and group president, SLING TV. “Disney is an important long-term partner for us, and we hope they will be reasonable in their demands so we can reach a fair agreement and bring our customers’ channels back as quickly as possible.”

DISH TV and SLING TV customers can visit dishpromise.com or slingpromise.com for more information.

A prolonged dispute between the companies could have a long-term negative impact on such high-profile shows as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Monday Night Football,” “General Hospital,” “The View,” among others, who count on viewers to set ad rates for the just started 2022-2023 television season.