The ongoing dispute between The Walt Disney Co. and DirecTV has taken another turn as the two sides engage in another round of bickering amidst a prolonged blackout of Disney channels. As the blackout reaches its 10th day, Disney proposed a partial, temporary detente to restore the ABC network for tonight's highly anticipated debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump. However, the proposal was met with a counteroffer from DirecTV, leading to further deadlock.

In a statement, a Disney spokesperson mentioned that despite not having reached an agreement with DirecTV, they would be providing a three-hour feed of ABC News coverage to all impacted DirecTV customers at no cost. The goal is to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to view this significant moment in our history. However, DirecTV responded by requesting a more comprehensive compromise. They asked Disney to restore not only ABC but also the full suite of Disney channels, including ESPN, for an additional week as negotiations for a new distribution agreement continued.

DirecTV justified their counteroffer by highlighting the benefits it would bring to customers, such as regaining access to ABC for the debate, as well as being able to watch the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony and their favorite college and professional football games on ABC and ESPN. Despite the proposal, Disney declined it, according to DirecTV. On the other hand, Disney claims that it was DirecTV who rejected their offer to broadcast the presidential debate.

The channel blackout, which began on Sunday and affects nearly 11 million DirecTV subscriber homes, has not only left viewers without access to Disney channels but has also impacted major events such as the USC-LSU college football game and ESPN's "Monday Night Football." While viewers have alternative avenues to watch the debate through networks like PBS, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and streaming platforms, ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, who have moderated presidential primary debates before, were hoping to shine before a nationwide audience.

Apart from the potential ratings boost for ABC, the outage has tested the patience of viewers and their loyalty to DirecTV and U-Verse. This dispute, which initially revolved around fee negotiations, is now extending beyond the sports world with channels like Disney Channel, FX, and ABC television stations remaining dark since September 1st. The situation has escalated to the point where DirecTV filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission, accusing Disney of not negotiating in good faith and engaging in anti-competitive tactics.

With Disney-owned stations like KABC-TV in Los Angeles being blacked out, viewers are missing out on local newscasts, "Good Morning America," "The View," "Jeopardy!," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and now the debate itself. As the Disney-DirecTV dispute enters its second week, the tension between the two parties continues to sour, leaving viewers frustrated and uncertain about when a resolution will be reached.

As the blackout continues, both Disney and DirecTV face the growing challenge of maintaining viewer loyalty and regaining public trust. While negotiations continue, the fate of access to beloved Disney channels and the upcoming live events remains uncertain.