Google's YouTube TV Platform Goes Dark Amid Disney Dispute Over Carriage Deal
A major disruption to thousands of users is unfolding as popular channels, including 6ABC and ESPN, have suddenly disappeared from the platform. The sudden loss of carriage for approximately 10 million subscribers has sparked a heated dispute between Google-owned YouTube TV and Disney-owned stations.
At midnight Thursday, the two sides failed to reach a new agreement following the expiration of their carrier deal. As a result, shows like "Abbott Elementary" have become inaccessible to fans in Philadelphia. This blackout also threatens to deprive viewers from watching this week's Philadelphia Eagles game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday, November 10.
In a statement issued by Google, YouTube TV expressed frustration and disappointment at the situation, urging Disney to engage constructively with them in order to reach a fair agreement that would restore the networks. However, the company also offered subscribers $20 as an incentive if the channels remain off their service for an extended period of time.
Meanwhile, Disney has accused YouTube TV of attempting to eliminate competition and undercut industry-standard terms for carriage deals. With a significant market dominance, Google's actions are seen by some as an attempt to restrict access to various networks.
This latest development marks yet another episode in the ongoing saga between YouTube TV and its network partners. The platform has been plagued with disputes over carriage deals throughout the year, including threats of blackouts during negotiations with Paramount, Fox Corporation, and NBCUniversal.
In a stark contrast, a multiyear agreement was reached with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal just two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Univision has remained in a blackout with YouTube TV since September. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex web of carriage deals and content distribution that governs the world of television streaming services.
A major disruption to thousands of users is unfolding as popular channels, including 6ABC and ESPN, have suddenly disappeared from the platform. The sudden loss of carriage for approximately 10 million subscribers has sparked a heated dispute between Google-owned YouTube TV and Disney-owned stations.
At midnight Thursday, the two sides failed to reach a new agreement following the expiration of their carrier deal. As a result, shows like "Abbott Elementary" have become inaccessible to fans in Philadelphia. This blackout also threatens to deprive viewers from watching this week's Philadelphia Eagles game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday, November 10.
In a statement issued by Google, YouTube TV expressed frustration and disappointment at the situation, urging Disney to engage constructively with them in order to reach a fair agreement that would restore the networks. However, the company also offered subscribers $20 as an incentive if the channels remain off their service for an extended period of time.
Meanwhile, Disney has accused YouTube TV of attempting to eliminate competition and undercut industry-standard terms for carriage deals. With a significant market dominance, Google's actions are seen by some as an attempt to restrict access to various networks.
This latest development marks yet another episode in the ongoing saga between YouTube TV and its network partners. The platform has been plagued with disputes over carriage deals throughout the year, including threats of blackouts during negotiations with Paramount, Fox Corporation, and NBCUniversal.
In a stark contrast, a multiyear agreement was reached with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal just two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Univision has remained in a blackout with YouTube TV since September. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex web of carriage deals and content distribution that governs the world of television streaming services.
so its like google is trying to protect its own interests but at the same time its affecting other people's lives who watch their shows 
like what if i wanna catch a game or watch my fav show but cant because disney stations arent available 
meanwhile disney is saying google is just trying to cut competition 
but honestly it feels like both sides are kinda at fault 
this carriage deal thingy is super complicated 
anyway i dont think google should have offered that $20 incentive lol thats like them giving up 
. Can't believe these giants are fighting over just cable deals... like, what's the big deal? 
. I'm all for a good fight, but this is getting ridiculous 
. No thanks, I'll stick with my free YouTube TV (for now) 
...it's crazy to think about how much power these companies wield now. Like, Disney is basically holding YouTube TV hostage? 
And $20 for watching shows disappear from your screen? 
about all these channels going dark! It's like I just start binge-watching my fave shows and then poof, they're gone. Can't they just figure it out already? 
Anyway, I feel bad for people in Philly who won't be able to watch "Abbott Elementary" anymore. That show is so funny! 
️ Can't they just work it out already? This is what happens when you have so many players and interests clashing... I'm rooting for the fans to get their shows back ASAP! 
especially when there are so many other options available streaming-wise 
it's like Google's all about the Benjamins but what about the users? 
And now channels like 6ABC and ESPN are MIA 
For 10 million subscribers, that's a major disruption 
It's not just about the shows disappearing though - this is about market dominance and competition 
Google wants to be fair, but it seems like they're trying to undercut industry standards 
Meanwhile, Disney thinks YouTube TV is trying to stifle their growth 
This whole thing is a mess 
And it's not just this one deal - we've seen disputes over carriage deals all year round 
It's a complex web of content distribution and contracts 
But in the end, it's about what's best for subscribers like us 
