- More than 20 Disney channels disappear from YouTube TV as their contract is not renewed.
- Those affected include: ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic, and Freeform.
- YouTube accuses Disney of imposing conditions that would increase the cost of the service; it offers a $20 credit if the blackout continues.
- Direct impact in the US; in Spain and Europe the effect is indirect, but it sets a precedent in distribution negotiations.
An Trade dispute between Google and The Walt Disney Company has ended in Signal outage that blocks YouTube TV to several of the most-watched networks in the United States. Starting at midnight on October 30, more than 20 Disney-owned channels They have been removed from the platform live TV on YouTube.
The disconnection comes after a new distribution agreement could not be reached before the deadline. YouTube TV explained that, despite the talks, He did not accept the conditions set by Disney and that The content of the conglomerate becomes unavailable immediately. for subscribers of the service.
What exactly happened?
Both companies were negotiating the renewal of the transportation agreement that allows YouTube TV to distribute Disney's linear channels. expire the contract at 23:59 on October 30 without consensus, An automatic shutdown was activated which made those signals inaccessible on the platform.
It's a statement, YouTube TV indicated that Disney allegedly used the possibility of a blackout as a pressure tactic to force terms that would increase the final price for customersThe platform added that it will not accept conditions that disadvantage its members compared to Disney's own television products.
Channels affected and scope of the blackout
The cut affects a broad portfolio of chains, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic and FreeformAmong others. The loss impacts key sporting broadcasts (such as college football), family content, hit series, and flagship documentaries.
For the user, this means fewer options live sports and children's programmingas well as the temporary disappearance of on-demand libraries associated with these channels within YouTube TV.
Company positions and measures for customers
YouTube TV maintains it remains willing to negotiate with Disney to restore service and that, if the outage is prolonged, it will offer a $20 credit to eligible subscribers. The company emphasizes that Their priority is to protect members from price increases resulting from agreements. wholesalers.
For its part, Disney has not commented in detail in these statements, while the industry points out that these kinds of disputes over rights and distribution fees are common. Meanwhile, a tense corporate climate has emerged following YouTube's recent hiring of Justin Connolly (former Disney executive), a move that prompted legal action from the mouse group.
Market background and context
This isn't the first time YouTube TV has come close to a high-profile blackout: Last month it nearly lost major shows from other networks before closing a last-minute extensionCompetition for live sports, premium series, and local news is putting upward pressure on licensing costs.
Furthermore, the distribution of power in streaming is evolving rapidly. According to estimates from firms such as MoffettNathanson, YouTube already accounts for more than 13% of total television viewing time in the USAAnd, if the trend continues, it could surpass Disney in revenue in the coming periods.
How it affects Spain and Europe
The direct impact is limited outside the United States, since YouTube TV does not officially operate in Spain or in most European countriesHowever, the dispute serves as a barometer of the tensions between live television distributors and large content owners in European markets as well.
For users with US accounts who travel or reside temporarily in Europe, the effect is the same: Disney channels will not be available Disney content will remain unavailable on YouTube TV for the duration of the dispute. In Spain, Disney content is offered through other agreements and platforms, so no immediate changes are expected as a result of this specific cut.
What can subscribers do?
While the blackout lasts, YouTube TV advises its members to be on the lookout for official communications on credits and adjustments in the subscription. If the compensation is confirmed, it's advisable to check your email and account area to verify the application of the $20 credit.
Those who prioritize live sports or specific channels can evaluate temporary alternatives in the United States that they maintain those rights, as well as direct apps from the programmers when they are available, always checking geographical availability and conditions.
It is also advisable to monitor the sports calendar and premieres to avoid surprises: if there is a match or key episode on ABC or ESPNIt will be necessary to seek legal alternative emissions until both parties seal a new agreement.
With negotiations underway and precedents of last-minute agreements in the industry, A rapid restoration is not ruled out The service will be available once the license price and other key terms are unlocked. Until then, users will have limited access to the usual Disney channels on YouTube TV.
The situation leaves millions of subscribers without access to flagship channels while YouTube and Disney try to reconcile figures and terms. The clash, which affects more than twenty signsIt highlights the cost pressures in live streaming and anticipates complex negotiations in Europe as well, although for now the practical effect is concentrated in the US market.
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