broadcast provider has restricted access to this program

Just noticed the same issue - very annoying since I got the Premium Package as EXPECT to get all the channels promised!

Just like cable and satellite, streaming services have to renew contracts with the program providers. Many times the program provider requires the cable, satellite or streaming service to remove the programing if the negotiations are still taking place after the current contract has expired. It will then be unblocked after a new agreement is reached. 
You may also see it when there is network programing where the programing is owned by a certain company and they want the service to pay extra for it, and the cable, streaming or satellite service feels it is not worth it and they have to black out that specific program. 

Which programs are you seeing blocked?

Yeah, lou_do, I get all that. The frustrating part is that NEVER happened with DirecTV or DISH or Time Warner/Spectrum/Roadrunner. They may block a channel because of a contract issue, but not individual movies or shows. 

TCM has movies blocked at times. One of the networks (CBC or NBC, I forget) had Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer blocked last night. Our local affiliate channel. Frustrating for the kids. 

As I said, I get the contract crap which puts customers in the middle of content and distribution providers. It's wrong, but I get it. What I hate is that DirecTV lists these shows as available and with no warning, they can't be viewed. Sets up for some pretty sad children...and adults!

This time of year this issue always comes up with regard to the Rankin/Bass “Rudolph” and “Frosty” animated programs on CBS.  The license CBS has (with the program owners) to show these (and perhaps some others) does not allow them to be streamed.  This license predated the existence of the live streaming services, and was probably because streaming rights were licensed to other parties. What it means is that CBS doesn’t have the right to let any live streaming service that carries a CBS affiliate show those particular programs - you can think of it as analogous to a sports blackout.   At this point, there is nothing that either CBS or DirecTV can do about it.  Perhaps that will change the next time that CBS license with the program owners is renegotiated, but no one “outside” would know when that will be.

If those aren’t the programs you are referring to, provide more details on what you encountered. 

TCM for one.  Showing the wife how to use the guide and it can up.  This is probably a deal killer since it is one of our favorites. 

@Greggrz9000 - no, it wouldn’t happen on those, because the restriction is specific to streaming, not cable or satellite.  The fact that such restrictions exist is irritating, and hopefully when these agreements come up again, a carve out will be made specifically for the live streaming services.  WRT the fact that they show in the guide - the guide contents come from third-party services that aren’t aware of these issues (and DirecTV may not be either - they may just get a signal at the time indicating the program is blacked out). It would be nice if they could figure out a way to indicate this in the guide, but it’s likely difficult to coordinate the needed info amongst the involved parties. 

@mjagey - TCM is similar to the “Rudolph” situation.  TCM doesn’t own all the movies they show - some they license from other owners. And for some of those there are license restrictions against streaming.  These are also likely licenses that predate the live streaming services and were probably related to the owners licensing exclusive streaming rights to some other service (like Netflix). And again, one hopes that when TCM next negotiates for those licenses, they will address this case. 

@Greggrz9000 If you are looking for holiday stuff--Freeform has the rights. Those shows are on this month. Here is their schedule. Rudolph is on Dec 3.

https://www.freeform.com/news/recaps-and-news/25-days-of-christmas-schedule