YouTube TV subscribers have now lost access to a variety of Disney-owned channels, including the Disney Channel, ABC, ESPN, and FX, among others. The channels have been removed as part of a dispute between Disney and YouTube.
Key Takeaways
- A contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney has led to the removal of Disney-owned channels like ABC, ESPN, and FX.
- YouTube has accused Disney of demanding higher fees that would raise costs for subscribers, while Disney claims it offers fair value for the content.
- YouTube TV plans to offer a $20 credit to affected subscribers if the blackout continues.
The dispute first came to light last week when subscribers were warned that the channels could be removed from the YouTube TV lineup.
With no deal still in place, that warning has become reality, resulting in a large selection of popular channels having now been removed.
The Disney channels currently unavailable on YouTube TV include:
- ABC
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- Freeform
- FX
- FXX
- Disney Junior
- SEC Network
- Nat Geo
- Nat Geo Wild
- Disney Channel
- ESPNU
- FXM
- ABC News Live
- ACC Network
- Disney XD
- Localish
- ESPNEWS
These channels were removed late last night, so many subscribers are only likely to realize they are gone when they next open the YouTube TV app.
As was the case last week, YouTube has accused Disney of wanting to unfairly raise the price YouTube pays for the channels. A price increase YouTube suggests would need to be passed on to the consumer.
“Last week Disney used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on our customers. They’re now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV,” YouTube said in a statement.
Also similar to last week, YouTube again made the point that the terms Disney is seeking would benefit Hulu Live TV and Fubo, both of which Disney owns.
“This decision directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo,” YouTube said.
From its perspective, Disney has launched KeepMyNetworks.com to provide consumers with additional information on the dispute and their options following the removal of the channels.
According to Disney, it offers “the most value in pay TV” and it is committed to agreements that increase value for consumers and distributors. Disney also urged YouTube TV to continue to negotiate a deal which is deems to be fair for the content on offer.
“We urge YouTube TV to work with us on a fair resolution and minimize the disruption to their customers,” Disney said.
While YouTube and Disney both say they want to continue to negotiate over a fair deal, it currently remains unclear if or when the channels could return.
If the channels remain unavailable for “an extended period of time,” YouTube TV subscribers can expect to receive a $20 credit.
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