Disney, DirecTV reach deal to restore programming to satellite TV users

Walt Disney and DirecTV announced they have reached an agreement in principle on Saturday, restoring college football and other programming to the satellite TV provider’s more than 11 million subscribers.

The deal affords satellite TV subscribers greater choice and flexibility, the companies said in a joint statement. DirecTV customers had lost access to ABC, ESPN and other Disney-owned networks on Sept. 1, after the two sides reached an impasse in renewal talks.