The satellite and pay TV giant is currently locked in negotiations with Disney, resulting in a programming blackout that is affecting networks such as ABC and ESPN.

To claim the credit, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, and U-Verse customers can visit directv.com/tvpromise. Once on the website, customers will be prompted to select their service and provide their zip code, followed by their email linked to their active DirecTV or DirecTV Stream account. It is important to note that the credit will be applied after up to two billing cycles, and customers must maintain an active account during this time.

The blackout began on Sunday evening after the expiration of the contract between DirecTV and Disney. In a statement on its website, DirecTV expressed appreciation for the patience of its subscribers while negotiating for more flexible channel lineups and access to their favorite shows and sports in one place. However, Disney has accused DirecTV of misrepresenting the carriage negotiations, asserting that there is a "path to a fair and flexible agreement."

During the blackout, DirecTV has recommended that sports fans turn to their local Fox, CBS, and NBC affiliates, as well as Amazon's Prime Video, to keep up with NFL action. Additionally, college football games from the Big Ten Network and some ACC and SEC games on the CW are still available on DirecTV.

To stay updated with news and other programming, Disney-owned local broadcast stations typically stream their content on their respective websites and apps. While ABC's primetime series will only return with original episodes during the week of September 17, DirecTV is actively working to restore programming as soon as possible.

DirecTV remains optimistic that a new agreement will be reached before the later part of the NFL season when customers' favorite teams are expected to play. In the meantime, the company urges its subscribers to take advantage of alternative viewing options and assures them that efforts are being made to resolve the dispute swiftly.

It is worth noting that the $20 credit is a gesture from DirecTV to compensate its subscribers for any inconvenience caused by the programming blackout. The company hopes that this credit will provide some relief as negotiations with Disney continue.