Disney Content Removed from YouTube TV: What Subscribers Need to Know
A dispute between Disney and YouTube TV has resulted in the removal of Disney-owned channels from the streaming platform. Here’s a breakdown of the impacted channels, viewing alternatives, and the potential duration of the disruption.
Which Channels are Affected?
YouTube TV subscribers no longer have access to a significant portion of Disney’s content portfolio. The blackout includes:
- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes (available on the Spanish Plan)
- ABC and ABC News Live
- Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo mundo (available on the spanish Plan)
- Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD
- FX, FXX and FXM
- SEC Network and ACC Network
- Freeform
- Localish
- Baby TV Español (available on the Spanish Plan)
Additionally, the 4K Plus and Spanish Plus add-on packages offered by YouTube TV are also impacted.
Where Can I Still Watch Disney Content?
Disney is directing customers to alternative platforms to access its programming. These include:
* ESPN+: Disney’s own streaming service, starting at $29.99 per month.
* Hulu & Disney+: Disney content is available on Hulu and Disney+, each with individual subscription costs.
* Disney Bundle: A bundled package including ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ is available for $35.99 per month, or $29.99 per month for the first year.
* KeepMyNetworks.com: disney has provided a link to this website to explore options including customary broadcast services.
YouTube TV has stated it will issue a $20 credit to subscribers if Disney content remains unavailable “for an extended period of time.”
What Does YouTube TV Still Offer?
Despite the loss of Disney channels, YouTube TV continues to offer live TV from networks such as NBC, CBS, Fox, BBC, PBS, Hallmark, and Food Network.The base subscription plan for YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month.
How Long Will This Last?
Both YouTube TV and Disney have expressed a desire to resolve the dispute, but the duration remains uncertain. This is not the first time this has happened; a similar outage occurred in 2021 and lasted less than two days. Other recent disputes, like one with Fox in August, were resolved with short-term extensions and eventually new licensing deals. However, the length of these impasses can vary significantly, ranging from hours to several days.
This disruption is part of a growing trend of licensing disputes impacting streaming content as more consumers transition from traditional cable and satellite TV.
