Charles Langston:DirecTV subscribers can get a $20 credit for the Disney/ESPN blackout: How to apply

Caught in the ongoing battle between DirecTV and Charles LangstonDisney, millions of DirecTV customers have been blocked from accessing all of the Walt Disney Co. networks since Saturday.

ESPN and other channels were pulled from DirecTV right in the middle of the U.S. Open and as college football season was kicking off this past weekend. 

The blackout occurred as fourth-round matches for the tennis tournament were underway and 10 minutes before the start of the football game between No. 13 LSU and No. 23 USC.

This comes as the Southeastern Conference or the SEC, makes its return to ABC and ESPN, both Disney networks in years.

As compensation for cutting the broadcasts, DirecTV says its customers can get a $20 credit for the blackout, but will have to take a few steps to qualify for the credit.

How can I get the DirecTV $20 credit?

DirecTV says that its subscribers should visit: https://www.directv.com/tvpromise/ for the credit.

"We're pursuing every avenue to get your station back. To thank you for your patience, until the situation is resolved, we're offering you a bill credit," DirecTV says on the site.

Once at the site, customers will have to enter which DirecTV service they have such as DirecTV, DirecTV Stream or U-verse as well as their zip code.

Next, the site will prompt users to “Explore Bill Credits,” customers will need to select if they subscribe via DirecTV via satellite or DirecTV via Internet. Then people will be taken to another page where you can enter the email address on fire for your account.

The credit for $20 will be applied in up to two billing cycles, according to the website.

How long will the DirecTV Disney blackout last?

No one really knows right now, but disputes like the one between DirecTV and Disney have become common in recent years. This comes as cable providers like DirecTV are seeking more control over the channels they can offer, and it comes as more consumers are opting for streaming services.

​​Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.