UNITED STATES – YouTube TV subscribers can no longer access Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after negotiations failed to yield a new content distribution agreement.
Channels such as the Disney Channel, FX and Nat Geo have also been removed from the platform. This removal could disrupt coverage of college football games on Saturday, along with NBA, NFL and NHL games.
YouTube TV, the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers, expressed disappointment over Disney’s decision. In a blog post, YouTube said, “We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV.”
Disney accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay fair rates for its channels. The company stated that YouTube’s actions deny subscribers the content they value most, highlighting the importance of the weekend’s sports events.
“With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor,” Disney said.
YouTube TV has responded by offering a $20 credit to subscribers if Disney content remains unavailable “for an extended period of time.” The base subscription plan for YouTube TV costs $82.99 per month.
As the dispute continues, viewers are left without access to some of their favorite channels and sports coverage. Disney remains committed to resolving the issue swiftly.
