[Fox Business] Disney, DirecTV reach deal to restore ESPN, ABC, other networks as college, pro football seasons ramp up

Disney and DirecTV announced on Saturday they had reached a deal to restore its “entire portfolio of networks,” including ESPN and ABC, to the satellite provider following a two-week blackout. 

The “agreement in principle” comes as the college and pro football seasons are ramping up.

“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, DIRECTV and Disney are giving customers the ability to tailor their video experience through more flexible options,” a joint statement from both companies said. 

“Disney and DIRECTV have a long-standing history of connecting customers to the best entertainment, and this agreement furthers that commitment by recognizing both the tremendous value of Disney’s content and the evolving preferences of DIRECTV’s customers.”

US OPEN, COLLEGE FOOTBALL COVERAGE PULLED FOR MILLIONS OF DIRECTV CUSTOMERS OVER CARRIAGE DISPUTE WITH DISNEY

The companies thanked “all the affected viewers for their patience,” adding that “Disney’s entire portfolio of networks” would be restored “in time for college football and the Emmy Awards this weekend.” 

The college football season started at the end of August and, among other things, DirecTV customers weren’t able to watch the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump last Tuesday, which was hosted by ABC, or the U.S. Open tennis, as well as the NFL’s “Monday Night Football.”

DISNEY’S THEME PARK BUSINESS UNDER PRESSURE

DirecTV’s 11 million subscribers had had no access to Disney-owned channels since Sept. 1 when licensing renewal talks fell through. 

Customers with the satellite provider can now choose more genre-specific packages like sports or family programming to better compete with streaming offerings. Customers can also add Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, Disney’s streaming services, to packages. 

DirecTV’s chief marketing officer Vince Torres revealed on Thursday that the two-week blackout had made them lose customers. 

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Last year, Disney and cable provider Spectrum TV had a similar dispute in which ESPN, ABC, the Disney Channel and other networks were restored, but Spectrum customers lost others like Freeform, FXX and FXM. Spectrum now offers ESPN+ and Disney+ for free for some packages.

Reuters contributed to this report. 

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[Fox Business] CEO of Boeing closes on $4.1M Seattle home amid factory workers’ strike: ‘They can pay us, too’

Boeing’s new CEO has made a costly move to Seattle amid the aerospace company’s factory workers’ strike.

Robert “Kelly” Ortberg was recently named the chief executive of Boeing on Aug. 8. The 64-year-old also serves as president of the embattled company as well as a member of its board of directors.

Ortberg also closed on a $4.1 million mansion in a gated community in Seattle on Tuesday, according to Zillow.

BOEING’S NEW CEO KELLY ORTBERG: WHAT TO KNOW

Ortberg’s move comes as tens of thousands of Boeing factory workers went on strike this week after 96% of union members rejected a new contractor offer.

The 1928 Tudor revival home sold for $4,212,580 after taxes, according to a deed obtained by FOX 13 Seattle. The home is 4,180 square feet and sits on a 9,217 square foot lot.

“We know they got the money. If they can pay the CEO, they can pay us too,” Boeing worker Ethel Dominique told FOX 13. 

“You know, we’re not asking for much. And we’re happy that he can afford a nice new mansion, some of us can’t. Some of us are paycheck to paycheck,” added Dominique.

BOEING WORKERS VOTE TO STRIKE AFTER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS REJECTED BY MEMBERS

One of the main demands from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ Union (IAM) is a 40% pay raise.

According to Boeing, more than 33,000 workers are currently represented by IAM 751 in Washington state, Oregon, and parts of California.

After Ortberg claimed “no one wins” in a walkout, workers were seen picketing outside Boeing factories in Washington state on Friday.

“For Boeing, it is no secret that our business is in a difficult period, in part due to our own mistakes in the past,” Ortberg said. “Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together.”

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Boeing did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

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