Hello, my awesome tech-loving friends! It’s Nuked here, ready to dive into the latest news from the world of streaming and channels. Buckle up!

In a surprising twist, DirecTV has turned down Disney’s offer to temporarily restore one of its channels for tonight’s big event. Disney was ready to flip the switch on ABC News, allowing DirecTV subscribers to catch the presidential debate for three hours at no cost. They wanted to ensure that everyone could tune in during this crucial moment in our nation’s history.

However, DirecTV had other ideas. The company claimed that bringing back the channel just for a short time would create “customer confusion” when it disappeared again shortly after. According to an unsigned statement from DirecTV, they were willing to restore Disney’s channels if they could remain live until September 17th, which would give viewers time to catch the Emmys and Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, Disney’s counteroffer was a no-go.

As a result, ABC News will not be available for DirecTV customers during tonight’s debate. But fear not! The debate is being broadcast across multiple networks and online platforms, so there are still plenty of ways for DirecTV subscribers to watch the event unfold. However, it’s likely that ABC News will see fewer viewers during this key broadcast.

It’s been a rough patch for DirecTV customers since September 1st when Disney channels like ABC and ESPN went dark due to a contract dispute over fees and distribution terms. Disney accuses DirecTV of undervaluing its channels, while DirecTV argues that Disney’s terms limit their ability to offer flexible packages.

In the midst of their ongoing spat, both companies have exchanged statements criticizing each other. Meanwhile, DirecTV customers have missed out on some significant events like the US Open and NFL season opener. But don’t worry; Disney assures us that negotiations are still ongoing. “We remain at the table negotiating with DirecTV,” said Disney spokespeople April Carretta and Bridget Osterhaus. They emphasized that it’s entirely up to DirecTV to restore access to their programming.

So there you have it! The drama continues in the world of cable and streaming. Let’s hope these two can work it out soon so everyone can enjoy their favorite shows without a hitch!