Dish, Disney Skirt Blackout For Now

Dish Network has avoided a blackout of five Disney networks Tuesday, after the programmer granted a brief extension to its carriage deal, giving the satellite giant’s subscribers continued access to its content as talks continue.

Disney began warning Dish Network and Sling TV customers early Tuesday that they could lose access to FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic and National Geographic WILD channels at 9 p.m. Pacific Time (midnight Eastern Time) if a deal isn’t reached.

But sources familiar with both companies said talks have been productive, prompting Disney to offer an extension as negotiations move forward. This is Dish’s second extension regarding the Fox channels -- Disney first extended the agreement after warning customers of a potential blackout in July.