Disney Channels Removed from YouTube TV Amid Contract Dispute
YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, following unsuccessful contract negotiations between the two companies.
YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to Disney-owned channels, including ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic, after the two companies failed to reach a new distribution agreement. The blackout, which began late Thursday, affects coverage of major sporting events such as college football, NBA, NFL, and NHL games.
YouTube TV, the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with over 9 million subscribers, stated that Disney's demands would lead to higher prices for consumers and benefit Disney's own streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. In response, YouTube TV is offering subscribers a $20 credit if the dispute continues for an extended period.
Disney contends that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair market rates for its channels and accuses Google of leveraging its market dominance to undercut industry-standard terms. Both companies have expressed a desire to resolve the dispute promptly to restore access to the affected channels.
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