Due to a persistent contract disagreement, all channels owned by Disney were taken off YouTube TV over the weekend. In a single action, YouTube TV lost ESPN, ABC, and a few other channels. Naturally, numerous YouTube TV subscribers are upset, particularly now that we’re deep into the college football season. Indeed, some of the louder voices online have claimed that ESPN was the primary reason they subscribed to YouTube TV initially. Moreover, access to college football on ESPN was a significant aspect of YouTube TV’s marketing efforts this year.
At this point, there’s no sign of when Disney and YouTube may come to a resolution. We are somewhat in unexplored territory at the moment. Disputes over contracts involving YouTube TV and content providers are not uncommon, but historically, YouTube TV usually manages to finalize a deal at the last minute. For instance, back in 2021, a comparable contract conflict between YouTube TV and Disney was resolved in less than 24 hours after Disney channels were taken down. Currently, Disney channels have been absent for five days, with no sign that a breakthrough in discussions is close.
Disney requested Google to restore ABC for Election Day
As contract talks between the two entities are progressing slowly, Variety reports that Disney has this week requested Google to reinstate ABC on YouTube TV on November 4th for 24 hours to allow viewers to watch the channel’s election coverage. “Despite the stalemate that prompted the current blackout, we have requested YouTube TV to bring back ABC for Election Day so subscribers can access the information they depend on,” a Disney representative stated earlier this week. “We prioritize public interest and hope YouTube TV will take this minor step for their customers while we continue working towards a fair agreement.”
Unsurprisingly, YouTube TV declined. In a statement addressing the situation, YouTube TV commented that Disney’s proposal would only create confusion among customers who would see the ABC channel return only to be removed again just as suddenly. YouTube TV also mentioned that there are plenty of other options for customers to access election coverage, including the ABC News page on YouTube.
Adding a bit of fuel to the fire, the statement included the following remark: “In fact, on the last two U.S. election days, the vast majority of tuned-in YouTube TV subscribers opted not to watch ABC.” As part of Google’s response, it suggested that Disney allow it to restore ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue, a request that Disney predictably turned down.
YouTube TV isn’t affordable anymore
What makes the removal of Disney-owned channels from YouTube TV particularly exasperating is that YouTube TV has evolved into a costly service over the past few years. In a way, it has become everything it aimed to challenge. There was a time when YouTube TV was undoubtedly the best streaming bargain available. When it debuted in 2017, it was only $35 per month. Since then, the service’s price has increased fivefold. Currently, YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month, which in many regions is more expensive than the costly cable packages YouTube TV was meant to replace.
Amidst all the price increases in recent years, many individuals have begun questioning whether YouTube TV is actually worth it. And while I’m a fan of YouTube TV, it’s a valid question now that YouTube TV faces legitimate competition from platforms like Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu.
Regarding the current negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney, it’s uncertain which side is being unreasonable. Presumably, Disney wants to increase charges as YouTube TV’s subscriber base has surged in recent years. Meanwhile, YouTube TV likely aims to avoid another price hike, especially since it raised the monthly subscription cost by 14% less than a year ago.
Read More
