# YouTube TV and Paramount Finalize Agreement to Retain 34 Channels
## What Occurred?
YouTube TV and Paramount have finalized a deal to keep 34 channels owned by Paramount accessible on the live TV streaming platform. This conclusion follows a period of intense negotiations, during which YouTube TV cautioned users that channels like CBS, CBS Sports, and Nickelodeon could be removed from the service.
## The Negotiation Challenge
The contention between YouTube TV and Paramount centered on price points and contract conditions. YouTube TV publicly took issue with Paramount for not providing what it deemed “a fair deal,” while Paramount initiated a “Keep Paramount” campaign on social media to garner public backing.
The talks were made more difficult by YouTube TV’s recent increase of $10 per month, which had already caused discontent among several subscribers. The loss of Paramount’s channels—especially with significant sporting events like March Madness and The Masters on the horizon—could have considerably impacted YouTube TV’s attractiveness to viewers.
## A Timely Solution
On February 12, YouTube TV informed customers that Paramount’s channels might potentially be cut by the following day. However, on February 13, the company announced a temporary extension while discussions were ongoing. YouTube TV even indicated that, should a deal fall through, it might provide users with a credit to subscribe separately to Paramount Plus.
Fortunately, by February 15, both sides confirmed they had established a long-term agreement. YouTube TV shared the update through a blog post, reassuring subscribers that channels owned by Paramount—such as CBS, CBS Sports, and Nickelodeon—would remain within their reach.
## What This Entails for YouTube TV Subscribers
With this arrangement finalized, YouTube TV will continue to provide over 100 channels, including the Paramount line-up. Furthermore, add-ons like Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME will stay available on the service.
This agreement guarantees that YouTube TV subscribers will not miss significant broadcasts on CBS and CBS Sports in the coming months. It also underscores the persistent challenges that streaming platforms encounter in obtaining content while maintaining competitive subscription rates.
## An Ongoing Challenge for YouTube TV
This is not the first instance of YouTube TV grappling with channel retention issues. Historically, the service has experienced conflicts with other networks, such as Disney and NBCUniversal. While such negotiations are prevalent in the streaming sector, they frequently leave subscribers in doubt regarding the status of their preferred channels.
For the time being, YouTube TV users can relax, knowing that Paramount’s channels will continue as part of their subscription. Yet, as streaming services progress, similar conflicts are likely to emerge in the future.
