Disney Urges YouTube TV to Reinstate ABC Amid Carriage Dispute

Disney has requested that YouTube TV restore access to ABC for Election Day coverage, emphasizing the importance of public access to reliable information during a critical democratic event. This appeal follows the removal of Disney's networks from the platform due to unsuccessful licensing negotiations. A Disney spokesperson stated, "Despite the impasse that led to the current blackout, we have asked YouTube TV to restore ABC for Election Day so subscribers have access to the information they rely on." YouTube TV, operated by Google, has not yet responded to the request. The blackout, which began on October 31, 2025, affects major Disney-owned networks, including ESPN, ABC, FX, National Geographic, and Disney Channel. This disruption has already impacted sports programming, such as college football and NBA games. Both companies have expressed a commitment to resolving the dispute but have not indicated when subscribers can expect programming to resume.