YouTube TV may need to drop NBCUniversal channels from its lineup in the coming days and this could also result in a reduction in the price of the monthly subscription. Disputes are nothing new in the live TV industry and this is something that has become all the more common with live TV streaming services in recent years as well.
Generally speaking, YouTube TV is an expensive service compared to others. However, the higher price can be justified to some degree through the addition of premium features as well as the channel lineup. With more than 85 channels on offer, the live TV service does provide a good mix of channels overall. However, the loss of so many channels in one go could be an issue for many existing subscribers as well as those now considering giving the live TV service a try.
YouTube and NBCUniversal have so far been unable to agree a new deal and this could lead to a number of channels being removed from the live TV service. According to YouTube, the current deal is due to expire on September 30, 2021. If a new deal is not reached by Thursday, the channels included with the deal will be dropped from the service. This not only includes NBC and NBCSN, but also a number of other channels owned by NBCUniversal, such as Bravo, CNBC, Golf, Syfy, and USA among others.
YouTube TV has already made it clear that if a deal is not reached then it will take immediate action by lowering the cost of a subscription. YouTube TV currently costs $64.99 per month and the price will decrease by $10 down to $54.99 per month. The lower price will then remain in effect while the channels remain unavailable through YouTube TV.
In explaining the issue, YouTube TV suggests NBCU is asking YouTube TV to pay higher rates than it believes is reasonable. Specifically, YouTube TV states that it is simply seeking “the same rates that services of a similar size get from NBCU.” The posting goes on to explain that if NBCU is able to agree to these terms then the deal will be renewed and consumers will not see any change to their channel lineup or their monthly subscription cost.
From NBCUniversal’s perspective, NBCU is focusing heavily on the fact that subscribers will lose access to around 14 channels. The company has since launched a youneedchannels.com page to explain which channels are set to be affected and offers various ways consumers can help to put pressure on YouTube TV to agree a new deal, such as Tweeting the live TV service, chatting with YouTube TV, or switching providers altogether.
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