YouTube TV loses ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned channels… for now
“There is nothing new under the sun,” said a smart guy some time ago. Consider these words if you’re looking for Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN on your YouTube TV live service today. They disappeared because Google and Disney failed to reach a new streaming deal. This contentious process is the same one that regularly happens to cable and satellite customers.
Variety reports that the Disney Networks were removed from YouTube TV shortly before midnight US Eastern Time, minutes before the current contract expired. Even programs recorded on Disney Channels are not safe, as YouTube TV has removed these shows and broadcasts from users’ virtual DVR storage.
“Distribution Agreement” is the industry term for agreements between content and channel owners like Disney and service providers like YouTube/Google. It’s often a patchwork of payments between some of the world’s biggest media companies, in a process largely invisible to viewers…until something goes wrong. These companies then begin pointing fingers publicly, attempting to pressure the other side into getting a better deal. YouTube TV has been a lightning rod for these disagreements, battling with NBC, Paramount/CBS and Fox over the past calendar year.
Disney fired the first shot in this particular volley by raising its prices. The company accuses Google of “using its dominant market position to eliminate competition.” Disney says Google wants to get a better deal than its competitors, including cable and satellite providers that have more customers. YouTube representatives point out that this will benefit Disney’s own products, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, which compete directly with YouTube TV. Disney also offers dedicated ESPN streaming packages.
That said, this comes at a particularly difficult time for YouTube TV, which now costs $83 per month. This is the best sports season in the United States, with the NFL, NBA and NHL in full swing, as well as college leagues. Primetime TV, although suffering greatly from the streaming boom, is still well into the regular season of its scripted shows.
Google representatives say that if YouTube TV customers go without Disney programming “for an extended period of time,” it will give them a $20 credit on their bill. That will be little comfort to hundreds of thousands of Dallas Cowboys fans if they miss Monday Night Football in three days.
