YouTube TV and NBCUniversal Reach Short-Term Agreement Delaying the Loss of NBC Channels

YouTube TV and NBCUniversal have agreed a short-term extension while they continue to negotiate. The short-term agreement ensures YouTube TV subscribers maintain access to a number of NBC channels for the time being.

The dispute between YouTube TV and NBCUniversal came to light last week when it became clear that a number of NBC channels, including NBC, MSNBC, USA, Bravo, and Telemundo, were set to be dropped from the YouTube TV channel lineup.

The deadline for the two sides to reach a new agreement was yesterday (Sept. 30) and, at the last minute, both YouTube TV and NBCUniversal confirmed they had reached a short-term agreement.

With the extension in place, YouTube TV subscribers will continue to have access to the affected NBCUniversal channels.

“We’ve reached a short-term extension to avoid disruption to our service while we work toward a new agreement with NBCUniversal. We appreciate our subscribers’ patience while we negotiate on their behalf,” YouTube said in a statement.

Although only a short-term extension, it is a good sign that a more permanent deal might be agreed. Otherwise there wouldn’t be much point in agreeing to the extension.

This is very different to the landscape last week, when it seemed as though YouTube TV was set on removing the channels. According to an open letter published last week by the Telemundo chief, Google was using these negotiations to make an “example” out of the network.

In spite of the short-term extension being a positive update in general, an extension is not the same as a permanent deal, and the affected channels continue to be at risk.

If a new deal is not agreed, and the channels are removed from the lineup for an extended period of time, YouTube TV previously confirmed subscribers would receive a $10 credit.