Like most pay TV providers, DirecTV has witnessed subscriber losses. But it’s fighting hard to change the way programming contracts are negotiated. That’s why we’re including Thun alongside Morrow this year. The two have orchestrated a hard-line campaign against rising programming costs and took a strict stance that DirecTV customers won’t pay twice for programming when it comes to DTC offerings. They’ve gone to the mattresses more than a few times this year, experiencing blackouts with Nexstar, TEGNA and Cox Media as they’ve pushed for a new retrans model that they hope will at least be a conversation starter with broadcasters. Meanwhile, they’re rewarding loyal subscribers by launching DirecTV Perks, a rewards program that features sweepstakes, discounts and merch.
Was Charter’s Disney deal precedent setting? Yes, in terms of culling Disney’s less popular channels and the ability to sell their DTC products. However, more recent developments perhaps put me on the fence.
Biggest takeaway from the Hollywood strikes? Game Show Network now has four formidable broadcast competitors.
TV series everyone should binge: “What We Do in the Shadows,” “The Wire” and of course, “Kojak.”