Disney removes YouTube TV channels due to fee dispute

Subscribers to YouTube TV have recently lost access to several major Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, due to failed negotiations over a licensing agreement.

This situation arises from a dispute over fair payment rates for the content provided by Disney, which also includes channels like National Geographic. The blackout, affecting approximately 10 million users, occurred just before a deadline for reaching a new deal, highlighting the tensions between the two companies.

Both parties have expressed their positions regarding the negotiations. Disney claims that YouTube TV has refused to pay competitive rates, undermining the value of their content, while YouTube argues that Disney’s terms would disadvantage its subscribers and lead to higher costs.

The companies have experienced similar disputes with other media entities, emphasizing a broader trend of contentious negotiations in the streaming industry. Notably, Google has successfully negotiated with other major networks like NBCUniversal and Paramount to maintain content on its platform.

As the impasse continues, both Google and Disney have stated their commitment to finding a resolution.