YouTube TV's 10 Million Subscribers Face Disney-ABC Blackout as Negotiations Stall
A widespread blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, hit YouTube TV subscribers at midnight Thursday after negotiations between the two sides broke down. This means that fans in Philadelphia will no longer have access to popular shows like "Abbott Elementary" on 6ABC, and sports enthusiasts will miss out on the upcoming Philadelphia Eagles game against the Green Bay Packers.
The dispute centers around a contract renewal for the Disney-owned networks' carriage on YouTube TV, which expired at midnight. The Google-owned platform has expressed its frustration with the situation, stating in a statement that Disney had begun using the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic last week. "We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers," the company said, urging Disney to work constructively towards reaching a fair agreement.
However, Disney blamed YouTube TV for the impasse, arguing that Google's market dominance was being used to eliminate competition and undercut industry-standard terms. The media giant claimed that it had successfully negotiated favorable agreements with other distributors and remained committed to working towards a resolution as quickly as possible.
As tensions remain high, YouTube TV has offered subscribers a $20 credit if the Disney-owned stations are kept off its service for an extended period, although no specific timeline was provided. This is not the first time that YouTube TV has faced blackouts with other networks this year, having experienced disputes with Paramount (CBS), Fox Corporation, and Comcast-owned NBCUniversal.
The blackout marks another escalation in a growing dispute between Google and Disney over content distribution. While negotiations are ongoing, subscribers will be left without access to popular shows like "Abbott Elementary" and sports events like the Philadelphia Eagles game until a new agreement is reached.
A widespread blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, hit YouTube TV subscribers at midnight Thursday after negotiations between the two sides broke down. This means that fans in Philadelphia will no longer have access to popular shows like "Abbott Elementary" on 6ABC, and sports enthusiasts will miss out on the upcoming Philadelphia Eagles game against the Green Bay Packers.
The dispute centers around a contract renewal for the Disney-owned networks' carriage on YouTube TV, which expired at midnight. The Google-owned platform has expressed its frustration with the situation, stating in a statement that Disney had begun using the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic last week. "We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers," the company said, urging Disney to work constructively towards reaching a fair agreement.
However, Disney blamed YouTube TV for the impasse, arguing that Google's market dominance was being used to eliminate competition and undercut industry-standard terms. The media giant claimed that it had successfully negotiated favorable agreements with other distributors and remained committed to working towards a resolution as quickly as possible.
As tensions remain high, YouTube TV has offered subscribers a $20 credit if the Disney-owned stations are kept off its service for an extended period, although no specific timeline was provided. This is not the first time that YouTube TV has faced blackouts with other networks this year, having experienced disputes with Paramount (CBS), Fox Corporation, and Comcast-owned NBCUniversal.
The blackout marks another escalation in a growing dispute between Google and Disney over content distribution. While negotiations are ongoing, subscribers will be left without access to popular shows like "Abbott Elementary" and sports events like the Philadelphia Eagles game until a new agreement is reached.
just when i was getting hooked on that abbott elementary show... now it's all blacked out? youtube tv needs to step up their game or at least negotiate better with these big players 
and btw, 10 million subs is a pretty impressive number, but is it worth the drama? 
just because Google & Disney can't agree on prices? I get it, both sides wanna make a profit, but come on 
. It's like they're playing a game of chicken here 
. What's the end goal? Subscribers getting left in the dark? Not cool 
. Hope they figure out a solution soon & we can get back to watching our shows without any drama 
? i'm loving abbott elementary and now i won't be able to watch it because of this stupid blackout 
youtube tv needs to step up their game and negotiate like adults 
this is so unfair!!! i'm so bummed that ppl in philly won't b able 2 watch "abbott elementary" anymore 
i feel 4 u, youtube tv!! 
u're tryin 2 do the right thing, but dis is crazy 
& it's not like dis is the first time dis has happnd... like, what's up w/ these blackouts?! 
pls resolve dis ASAP so we can get back 2 watchin our fave shows 
what happened with youtube tv and disney? they're saying google is trying to cut them out but Disney says google is using their power to mess with them 
do you think youtube tv will come around and make a new deal or are they gonna stick with the credit thing? 
It's not just the shows that are missing, it's also the live sports games! My fave team, the Eagles, is playing tonight and I won't be able to catch the game 
20 bucks credit isn't gonna cut it for me, though - I want my fave shows back on 
.
This is getting crazy! 
. It's not like YouTube TV is asking for the moon 
, just some decent deals 
Come on! 
This affects real people who are trying to watch their favorite shows and sports events. Can't they just talk it out? 
anyway, back to youtube tv... can we please get some updates on when these channels will be back up again? and btw, has anyone tried that new coffee shop downtown? their cold brew is to die for! 
️
Still gonna miss "Abbott Elementary" though 
and now they're gonna take it away from us?!?! I know YouTube TV has its issues but come on Google can't you just negotiate or something?