The CW was removed from DirecTV’s channel lineup due to a carriage dispute. However, it was later restored after the two companies reached an agreement.
In early 2021, DirecTV subscribers noticed that The CW was no longer available on their channel lineup. This was the result of a carriage dispute between AT&T, the parent company of DirecTV at the time, and the entities that owned The CW’s local affiliate stations. Carriage disputes are not uncommon in the television industry and typically occur when the contract terms for carrying a channel expire, and the parties involved cannot agree on the financial terms for renewal.
The CW is a popular network that airs a variety of shows, including “Riverdale,” “The Flash,” and “Supernatural.” The absence of The CW from DirecTV was met with frustration from viewers who followed these shows. During the dispute, viewers were encouraged to watch The CW’s programming through alternative means, such as the network’s own app or website, where episodes were available for free after airing.
After negotiations, DirecTV and the station owners reached a new agreement, and The CW was restored to the DirecTV channel lineup. The resolution of such disputes often involves compromises on carriage fees and terms that reflect the value of the channel to the provider and its subscribers. The exact details of the agreements are usually not disclosed to the public, but the end result was that DirecTV subscribers once again had access to The CW’s content through their service.