DirecTV blackout threatens viewership of Trump-Harris debate on ABC

The ongoing dispute between the Walt Disney Company and DirecTV has resulted in a blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ABC, affecting millions of households. This blackout comes just ahead of the highly anticipated presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, scheduled for September 10 at 9 p.m. ET, from the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia. The debate is expected to draw significant viewership, making the blackout particularly detrimental for ABC's ratings. Negotiations between Disney and DirecTV over their carriage agreement, which expired at the beginning of September, have stalled, with no active discussions reported as of Tuesday. DirecTV's CEO has indicated that the company is not focused on a quick resolution, suggesting a prolonged conflict that could impact viewership for upcoming events. The debate will feature specific rules, including no live studio audience and restrictions on candidates bringing notes. Each candidate's microphone will only be active during their speaking turns, which adds a layer of structure to the event. Kamala Harris attempted to alter these rules but ultimately conceded after Trump refused to negotiate. This debate marks Harris's first unscripted televised event since becoming her party's candidate, raising the stakes for her performance. Critics have noted her avoidance of press conferences and live interviews, which some interpret as a strategy to shield her from challenging questions regarding pressing issues like consumer prices and immigration.