YouTube TV Loses Disney Channels Amid Contract Dispute
Disney and Google have hit an impasse in contract negotiations. As a result, popular Disney channels including ESPN and ABC have been pulled from YouTube TV.
“Despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach a fair agreement, and starting today, Disney programming will no longer be available on YouTube TV,” the platform announced via X on Thursday.
They added, “We understand how disappointing it is to lose these channels, and we’re committed to working toward an agreement. If the content is unavailable for an extended time, we’ll provide members with a $20 credit,” although no specific timeline has been mentioned for this.
YouTube TV reiterated, “This means you won’t be able to watch channels like ABC or ESPN or access recordings from those networks in your library.”— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV)
Earlier, in October, YouTube had stated in their blog, “Disney is proposing expensive economic terms that will increase prices for YouTube TV customers and limit their options, benefitting Disney’s own live TV services like Hulu + Live TV and soon Fubo.”
It seems Google has a deadline until October 30th at 11:59 pm ET to finalize a renewal agreement with Disney. A representative from Disney mentioned that they are eager to resolve this issue swiftly.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Disney said, “Google, with a market capitalization of $3 trillion, is using its market power to stifle competition and negotiate unfavorable terms for other distributors.”
The full list of channels no longer available on YouTube TV includes:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- Freeform
- FX
- FXX
- Disney Junior
- SEC Network
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Wild
- Disney Channel
- ESPNU
- FXM
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Disney XD
- ESP News
This change will also impact Spanish language subscription packages.
This marks the third recent contract dispute that YouTube TV has faced with a major provider. Similar challenges were encountered with Fox in August and NBCUniversal earlier this month.
In the past, agreements were reached, but both Fox and NBCUniversal mentioned that Google’s negotiation tactics were less than accommodating regarding realistic terms or fees.
The YouTube TV “Basic Plan” is available for $82.99 per month, which includes a three-week free trial.
