Launched in 2017, YouTube TV is working hard to keep some of the major channels on the TV streaming service. However, so far, things have not gone as planned at the level of negotiations. The platform had a conflict with Disney and came to the point of parting ways with many channels.
Popular networks like ESPN and ABC have been removed from service
YouTube TV sat down to reach a new deal with Disney. But after the meeting, which lasted for 18 hours, the parties could not meet at the middle point. Thus, the platform removed channels such as ESPN and ABC from the broadcast stream as of December 18. However, the parties left the door open for a second meeting.
Disney released a statement yesterday.
As a result, YouTube TV subscribers lost access to our unrivaled portfolio of networks, including family and general entertainment from ABC, ESPN networks, Disney channels, Freeform, FX networks and National Geographic channels. They refused to reach a fair settlement with us based on market terms and conditions. We are prepared to reach a fair settlement with Google as soon as possible to minimize the inconvenience experienced by YouTube TV viewers by restoring our networks. We hope Google will join us in this effort.
Disney feels they are not being treated fairly. After that, he said the following on YouTube TV.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach a fair deal before our current deal expired and their channels are no longer available on YouTube TV. We know this is distressing news for our customers and not what we want. We will continue to engage with Disney to advocate on behalf of users in hopes of restoring Disney content on YouTube TV.
Full list of channels left because no agreement could be reached
- FX
- FXX
- FXM
- National Geographic
- National Geographic Wild
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN3 (by authentication to the ESPN app)
- ESPNU
- ESPNEWS
- SEC Network
- ACC Network
- Your local ABC channel
- ABC News Live
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- Disney XD
- Freeform
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