Subscribers to YouTube TV, owned by Google, have lost access to several Disney channels, including ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel, due to failed negotiations over a licensing agreement. Disney claims that YouTube TV has not agreed to pay reasonable rates for the content. In contrast, YouTube TV asserts that Disney’s proposed terms disadvantage its subscribers while favoring Disney’s own live TV services.
The channels were removed just before midnight on Thursday, which was the deadline for reaching a new deal. This disruption affects approximately 10 million subscribers. YouTube TV has indicated that if the blackout continues for an extended period, it will provide subscribers with a $20 credit as compensation.
YouTube TV and Hulu, both major players in the U.S. online TV landscape, have recently faced contentious negotiations. Earlier this month, Google managed to secure an agreement with NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, to keep popular programs on YouTube TV. It has also reached similar deals with Paramount and Fox in recent months.
Both companies have issued statements indicating that they are striving to resolve the issues at hand to restore Disney’s content on YouTube TV. However, they remain at an impasse regarding the fees involved. A Disney representative commented that Google is using its significant market presence to undermine competition and disrupt standard industry rates. YouTube TV countered that Disney’s proposed terms would increase costs for its customers and limit content options, ultimately benefiting Disney’s own offerings like Hulu + Live TV.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2emmdx0x38o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss