As the NFL season approaches, several television contracts are up for renewal, raising concerns about potential disruptions. On Monday, both YouTube TV and Fox issued notifications regarding the possible expiration of their agreement, which may conclude as soon as August 27 at 5 PM ET. YouTube TV, owned by Google, indicated that Fox is demanding payments significantly higher than those of other partners providing similar content. Conversely, Fox has accused Google of leveraging its market dominance to impose unfavorable and one-sided conditions, prioritizing its interests over a fair arrangement for customers.
The channels potentially affected include Fox News, Fox Business, Fox Sports, and the Big Ten Network. In locations where Fox also owns the local broadcast network, a disruption could impact viewers’ access to certain NFL games. This contract renewal is particularly pressing, as the first significant event on the schedule is a college football game between Texas and Ohio State, set to occur shortly before the NFL season kicks off the following weekend.
Complicating the negotiation process is the recent launch of Fox’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, Fox One, which currently offers access to pay TV subscribers without extra charges. The implications of this service on the ongoing discussions are uncertain, as is the potential public reaction from prominent figures if Fox News is not available to YouTube TV subscribers, a group estimated by analyst MoffettNathanson to number approximately 9.4 million.
YouTube TV has communicated that should an agreement not be reached, Fox One will be available as an alternative for consumers. Additionally, they plan to offer a $10 credit to members if Fox content becomes unavailable for an extended duration.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/765663/fox-news-sports-youtube-tv-fox-one-carriage-dispute