Disney and YouTube TV Resolve Dispute,Restoring Access to Channels
Weeks of disruption for YouTube TV subscribers ended with Disney and YouTube TV reaching an agreement to restore Disney’s networks to the streaming platform. The dispute,which began in October,impacted access to channels including FX,National Geographic,Nat Geo Wild,Disney channel,and ABC News Live.
The conflict centered on negotiation terms, with YouTube TV accusing Disney of using “the threat of a blackout” to secure deal terms that would increase prices for customers. Disney countered that YouTube TV was seeking “preferential treatment with lower rates” compared to other partners, including its own Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
The blackout caused viewers to miss programming like the November 3 Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. Disney even requested ABC be restored for US election day coverage on November 4, citing public interest, but YouTube TV declined, stating a temporary return would be confusing for subscribers.
As a gesture of goodwill during the extended disruption, YouTube TV offered its pay-TV subscribers a US$20 credit.
The resolution follows similar,recently concluded challenging negotiations YouTube TV had with comcast-owned NBCUniversal,Fox,and Paramount,successfully securing continued access to their networks. This deal with Disney marks the latest in a series of negotiations for the streaming service as it works to maintain its channel lineup.
