YouTube TV subscribers are no longer able to access Disney channels such as ABC and ESPN due to a failed agreement between the two parties. In addition to these channels, other content like the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo have also disappeared from Google’s pay TV platform. The dispute led to Disney following through on its threat to suspend content during negotiations.
The absence of these channels could impact the coverage of various sports events, including college football games, NBA, NFL, and NHL matches. YouTube TV, the leading internet TV provider in the U.S. with over nine million subscribers, faces competition from Hulu, owned by Disney, which has approximately half the number of subscribers.
Viewers have been alerted to the disagreement through on-screen notifications in recent weeks. YouTube accused Disney of using the blackout threat as a bargaining tactic to raise subscription costs, benefiting Disney’s streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.
Expressing disappointment over the situation, YouTube urged Disney to engage in constructive discussions to restore the networks to YouTube TV. As a gesture, YouTube mentioned offering a $20 credit to subscribers if Disney content remains unavailable for an extended period. The base subscription fee for YouTube TV stands at $82.99 per month.
Disney, on the other hand, claims that YouTube TV is not willing to pay fair rates for its channels, depriving subscribers of valuable content. Disney highlighted the presence of top-ranked teams in upcoming events and accused Google of leveraging its market power to stifle competition and negotiate unfavorable terms. Disney emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue promptly.