Out-of-the-way direction taken by channel-hopper (6,7)
I believe the answer is:
remote control
'channel-hopper' is the definition.
(device for changing the TV channel)
'out-of-the-way direction' is the wordplay.
'out-of-the-way' becomes 'remote' (synonyms).
'direction' becomes 'control'.
'remote'+'control'='REMOTE CONTROL'
'taken by' is the link.
(Other definitions for remote control that I've seen before include "Device for operating equipment from a distance" , "Device encouraging sedentary habits in TV watchers?" , "Management from a distance" , "Electron motor? (anag)" , "TV zapper" .)