DirecTV and Disney last Tuesday announced a multiyear distribution renewal that covers TV, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and other connected devices. DirecTV customers will have access to live linear feeds and VOD content from ESPN networks. ESPN Classic also will be reintroduced as a VOD service. Disney and DirecTV also renewed carriage for ABC's eight local stations. Expanded on-demand content from ESPN will include ESPN Deportes and ESPN Films (Disney/DirecTV). BROADCASTING & CABLE's Jon Lafayette noted the deal "adds networks" such as Longhorn Network, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater and Fusion. The companies said that "they will explore over-the-top opportunities." Disney "already has an agreement with Dish's upcoming over-the-top video product." Financial terms of the deal "were not disclosed" (BROADCASTINGCABLE.com, 12/23). In Austin, Brian Davis noted LHN "is finally coming" to Univ. of Texas fans with DirecTV. The satellite distributor "was one of the biggest holdouts remaining who didn't carry LHN." The "only major distributor still holding out is Comcast." It is "unclear how that company's merger with Time Warner Cable will affect negotiations." TWC "already carries" LHN (STATESMAN.com, 12/23).
