Disney, YouTube TV Negotiations Continue as Deadline Looms, CEO Iger Vows to Find Resolution
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Disney CEO Bob Iger stated the company is working “tirelessly” to reach a deal with YouTube TV to avoid a blackout of Disney-owned channels, as negotiations continue with a Sunday deadline rapidly approaching. The potential disruption threatens access to popular networks like ESPN, FX, and National Geographic for YouTube TV subscribers.
The dispute centers on financial terms, with Disney accusing Google, YouTube TV’s parent company, of leveraging its $3 trillion market capitalization to unfairly influence negotiations. A Disney spokesperson said Google is attempting to “eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” the company has secured with other distributors. The outcome of these talks could set a precedent for future negotiations between media giants and streaming platforms, impacting the cost and availability of live television for millions of viewers.
“With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor,” the spokesperson said. “We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible.”
similar negotiations are underway between YouTube TV and Univision. The uncertainty surrounding the Disney deal contributed to a nearly 8% drop in Disney’s share price on Thursday.
