YouTube has struck a short-time deal that ensures various Fox networks remain available to YouTube TV subscribers for now. While positive in general, an extension doesn’t guarantee a deal will be done.
Earlier this week, it became clear that a carriage dispute had surfaced between YouTube and Fox. And with a varied selection of channels, including Fox, Fox News and Fox Sports, on the line, the stakes were high for YouTube TV subscribers.
The deadline for the two sides to come to an agreement was 5pm ET today (Aug. 27). Although a deal wasn’t agreed by that time, the two sides did reach a short-term extension while they continue to negotiate.
“We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement. We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress,” YouTube said.
Even though the two companies are continuing to negotiate, the risk remains that a deal won’t be done. If an agreement is not reached, the following Fox channels are expected to be removed from the YouTube TV lineup.
- BTN
- FOX
- FOX Business
- Fox Deportes
- FOX News
- FOX Soccer Plus
- FOX SOUL
- FOX Sports 1
- FOX Sports 1 4K
- FOX Sports 2
- FOX Weather
- KTVU Plus
- LiveNOW from FOX
As the duration of the extension currently remains unclear, it is also unclear how long the two sides have to agree a deal, or how long they expect the dispute to last.
When the dispute first came to light, YouTube indicated that one of the major differences between the two was Fox “asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive.”
Considering this dispute appears to revolve around the price, it also remains unclear as to whether any potential deal could result in YouTube TV subscribers paying more for their live TV package in the future.
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