Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Millions of US viewers discovered ESPN, ABC, National Geographic and other Disney-owned networks missing from YouTube TV. The blackout began shortly before midnight on Thursday after licensing negotiations between Google and Disney failed to reach an agreement.
The dispute focuses on carriage fees. Disney says YouTube TV refused to pay fair market rates and is using its scale to press for lower prices. YouTube TV responds that Disney’s proposed terms would push subscription costs higher, restrict consumer choice and effectively steer viewers toward its own Hulu + Live TV service.
About 10 million subscribers are affected by the outage. YouTube TV said it would provide a $20 credit to users if the Disney channels remain unavailable for an extended period.
The standoff echoes recent clashes between streaming platforms and content owners as both sides try to strengthen their bargaining position. Earlier this month, YouTube narrowly avoided a similar disruption after striking a last-minute deal with NBCUniversal to keep shows such as Sunday Night Football on the platform.
Negotiations are continuing, and viewers are waiting to see when Disney programming and sports coverage will return to YouTube TV.
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