Why is NBC not working on DIRECTV?

NBC blacked out on DIRECTV as contract ends without renewal

Tens of millions of DIRECTV customers who tuned into NBC stations on October 1 to watch the network’s hit series saw error messages on affiliates across the country. Well, what has happened is that NBC suddenly pulled out its channels from DIRECTV so what does this mean to the consumers? It is imperative that you continue reading in order to gain insight into this current controversy.

What is the Background of the Dispute Between NBC and DIRECTV?

NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast Corp, and DIRECTV, an affiliate of AT&T Inc, did not come to a new distribution agreement before September 30 when their previous contract expired. However, given that there is no contract in place, DIRECTV does not possess the legally required authority to broadcast NBC’s broadcast stations and cable channels. Therefore, roughly 20 million DIRECTV, U-Verse and DIRECTV Stream consumers were cut off from NBC materials.

This is referred to in the industry as a “blackout” which occurs when a pay TV provider pulls out from airing a network or stations because of a failure in the negotiations over carriage. However, such large-scale blackouts have become more common in recent years as networks and distributors struggle with increasing programming expenses and decreasing pay-TV customers. Companies such as NBC employ the use of blackouts to force providers like DIRECTV to pay higher fees and accept better contract terms and conditions.

Why couldn’t NBC and DIRECTV come to a new agreement?

This fight, as with most fights in the business world, is all about money and contractual disagreements. NBC probably wanted more money from DIRECTV to air NBCU’s portfolio of national cable networks such as USA Network and Bravo along with NBC broadcast stations in various markets. However, DIRECTV was against increasing the rates highly due to the cost being passed on to the consumers in the form of monthly tariffs.

Other sources indicate that NBC was keen on having their streaming service, Peacock, included in channel bundles by DIRECTV while the latter was not keen. This is because pay TV providers have become more choosy in terms of expensive deals with programmers that require streaming rights as consumers move to on-demand programs. Other issues which are likely to have caused controversy could be the clauses relating to authentication rights and advertising splits; contentious provisions that affect future revenue and trends in subscription.

What Duration Of This Blackout Might Be Possible?

However, people who are looking forward to watching their favorite NBC programs such as Sunday Night Football, Saturday Night Live, The Voice, and Chicago Fire may have to wait. Given the tenor of the statements made in public domain, one gets the impression that both parties are well entrenched. NBC stated that DIRECTV terminated its carriage to pressure while the latter said that NBC’s move was a blatant attempt to make NBC customers pay for Peacock despite the service’s ineffectiveness.

High-profile blackouts have been observed to last for about two weeks on average in recent years. But if the two parties do not reach an agreement on rates and the special contract details in the next few days, this blackout may move towards days or even a month or more unless the losses in terms of viewership and revenues compel one side or the other to reconsider its options. It remains to be seen whether increasing consumer anger, coupled with demand from advertisers eager to get access to the NFL also brings NBC and DIRECTV back to the negotiating table to find a resolution for the dispute.

What Can the People Who Are Affected by the DIRECTV Service Do?

But since NBC channel is unavailable for the DIRECTV customers, what is there for the latter to do in order to view the popular shows? Here are a few alternatives beyond waiting for the dispute to resolve:Here are a few alternatives beyond waiting for the dispute to resolve:

Watch Over-the-Air Broadcasts: People within the reach of NBC affiliate broadcast signals who installed an HDTV antenna could watch ABC, CBS, Fox, and other local stations for free. But picture quality surpasses cable and satellite as well.

Stream NBC Shows on Peacock: DIRECTV customers angry enough to pay NBC money can now sign up for Peacock for $4. 99 ad-supported or $9. 99 ad-free to watch NBC live streams online or on the Peacock app.

Binge Past Seasons of NBC Shows on Other Streamers: You may not be able to catch the latest episodes but Netflix, Hulu, Prime video and others have NBC series library that can fill your sitcom, drama or reality show cravings until the blackout is over.

Change Providers if Possible: It is inconvenient to change the TV service but for customers of DIRECTV, there are other options available like Dish Network, YouTube TV, Hulu Live and local cable operators to regain NBC now by swapping their package. Basically, just avoid contracts that are long and companies or service providers that charge for early termination.

Access NBC with an OTA DVR: For the inclusion of OTA broadcasts into the channel guides without losing such DVR features as those given by DIRECTV hardware, one may connect an otad dvr like TiVo, Plex, or Tablo.

Check NBC's Viewer FAQ for Updates: NBC created an information page concerning other choices that are available at nbc. com/directv which could provide some assistance. Worries should also watch out for changes too indicating if negotiations have reached a point of producing a conclusion for NBC to resume airing on DIRECTV.

When Could NBC Return to DIRECTV?

Regrettably, no clear time frame has been set for this. Usually, resolution occurs swiftly as soon as the last concessions are made. But if talks are held up over antitrust concerns raised by the Department of Justice over a previous collusive blackout, this standoff contains ingredients to drag on.

Typically, broadcasters have the upper hand, with viewers tuning into programming such as live sports, which gives providers more incentive to negotiate. However, cord-cutting that reduces the viewership numbers of NBC could lead to a compromise on its bargaining power. Perhaps more pressure will bring about concessions to enable NBC stations and networks to dazzle back to the DIRECTV receivers soon that subscribers who wish to get back their Sunday Night Football and other favorite programs lost due to this contract standoff.