YouTube TV, ESPN, and Disney: the latest on the blackout that’s now over
In a significant turn of events, Disney and YouTube have successfully negotiated a deal to restore ESPN and over 20 other Disney-owned channels on YouTube TV, just two weeks after they were removed due to a contentious dispute. This agreement comes after a series of accusations exchanged between the two media giants, with Google alleging that Disney was attempting to inflate prices to enhance its competing streaming services, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. In contrast, Disney argued that Google was being unreasonable in its demands, seeking preferential treatment and below-market rates, which they deemed unacceptable.
During the blackout, which had a notable impact on Disney’s revenue—reportedly costing the company over $4 million a day—YouTube TV customers were given a $20 credit as compensation for the disruption. The situation escalated to the point where both companies’ CEOs, Bob Iger of Disney and Sundar Pichai of Google, became directly involved in the negotiations. The urgency of the matter was underscored by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who publicly urged the companies to resolve the issue swiftly. This resolution marks a stark contrast to a similar carriage dispute in 2021, which was resolved in just a couple of days, highlighting the complexity and stakes involved in the current negotiations.
The return of Disney channels to YouTube TV is a relief for subscribers who were missing out on popular programming, including sports events and news coverage. With the reinstatement of ESPN, fans can now look forward to live sports, including Monday Night Football, which had been a significant loss during the blackout. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, this agreement not only restores essential content for viewers but also reflects the ongoing competition between major media players in the digital space. As Disney and Google navigate this complex relationship, the implications for their future collaborations and the broader streaming market will be closely watched by industry analysts and consumers alike.
Disney and YouTube have
reached an agreement
to bring back ESPN and more than 20 other Disney-owned channels two weeks after they
went dark
on YouTube TV.
During the dispute, Google has accused Disney of trying to raise prices for its customers in an effort to
boost its own Hulu + Live TV
and
Fubo
offerings, while Disney claimed that Google was being unreasonable and seeking preferential treatment and below-market rates.
Google even gave YouTube TV customers a
$20 credit
for the inconvenience while the dispute was going on. And days before the deal was done, CEOs Bob Iger and Sundar Pichai
reportedly got more involved
in the negotiations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also urged the companies to
“get it done!”
The situation was quite different from the 2021 carriage blackout between the two companies, which
was resolved within a couple of days
.
Read on below for all of our news and updates about Google and Disney’s battle.
Disney and ESPN are back on YouTube TV
Disney is “trying really hard” to get ESPN back on YouTube TV.
Bob Iger and Sundar Pichai reportedly join the ESPN / YouTube TV dispute.
Disney is losing over $4 million a day in revenue on the YouTube TV blackout
Disney CEO Bob Iger is going on the ManningCast, which airs on ESPN2.
Google is issuing a $20 credit to YouTube TV subscribers.
Films from YouTube and Google Play are no longer available on Movies Anywhere
No Monday Night Football, no Election Night ABC News for YouTube TV.
ESPN, ABC, and other Disney channels go dark on YouTube TV
Disney is suing YouTube for poaching a key media and sports executive
