Disney-owned channels leave YouTube TV during contract dispute

by · UPI

Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Subscribers of YouTube TV have lost all content owned by Disney as of Friday due to a contract negotiations breakdown, YouTube said.

More than 20 channels will be removed from YouTubeTV, including Disney, ESPN and ABC. The contract negotiations deadline was Oct. 30, and YouTube refused to accept Disney's price.

"Members, when we renew our contracts with network partners, we advocate for fair pricing to offer you the best TV experience. Our contract with Disney has reached its renewal date, and we'll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney's TV products," YouTube TV posted on X.

If the dispute goes on for an extended time, YouTube TV will give subscribers a $20 credit, it said.

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Disney said in a statement, "Google's YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC.

"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. We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible," Disney said.

On Oct. 24, Disney announced it set the deadline for negotiations and warned viewers that they could lose access.

"We invest significantly in our content and expect our partners to pay fair rates that recognize that value," Disney said in a statement.

YouTube is the top U.S. media distributor by audience engagement. It had more than 13% of TV watch-time in July, according to Nielsen, CNBC reported.