Disney Channels Removed from YouTube TV
YouTube TV viewers can no longer see Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after the two sides failed to agree on a new content distribution deal.
Other channels that vanished from Google’s pay TV platform include the Disney Channel, FX and Nat Geo.
Background of the Dispute
Google’s pay TV platform said in a blog post late Thursday that Disney had followed through on a threat to suspend its content amid the negotiations.
The breakdown could impact coverage of some college football games on Saturday, as well as NBA, NFL and NHL games.
YouTube is the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers. Hulu, owned by Disney, is next, with about half that many subscribers.
Impact on Viewers
Viewers have become aware of the dispute in recent weeks because of warnings being scrolled across their screens.
YouTube said Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic that would have resulted in higher prices for its subscribers. Disney’s move to take down its content also benefits its own streaming products Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, YouTube said.
“We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,” it said.
Response from YouTube
YouTube said it would give subscribers a $20 credit if Disney content unavailable “for an extended period of time.” YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month.
Disney’s Statement
Disney said that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and has chosen to “deny their subscribers the content they value most," pointing out the number of Top 25 teams playing this weekend.
“With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor," Disney said. The company said that it was committed to reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
The removal of Disney channels from YouTube TV is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the two companies. The impact on viewers will be significant, with many missing out on popular sports and entertainment content. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved, but for now, YouTube TV subscribers will have to look elsewhere for their Disney fix.
FAQs
- Q: What channels have been removed from YouTube TV?
A: Disney channels, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo, have been removed from YouTube TV. - Q: Why were the channels removed?
A: The channels were removed due to a dispute between YouTube TV and Disney over a new content distribution deal. - Q: Will YouTube TV subscribers be compensated for the loss of content?
A: Yes, YouTube TV will give subscribers a $20 credit if Disney content is unavailable for an extended period of time. - Q: How many subscribers does YouTube TV have?
A: YouTube TV has over 9 million subscribers. - Q: What is the cost of YouTube TV’s base subscription plan?
A: YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month.
