Is Disney’s carriage dispute with YouTube wrapping up?
Is Disney’s carriage dispute with YouTube wrapping up?
The two sides have temporarily ended their public sniping, which could be an indication that negotiations are progressing.
The back-and-forth between Disney and YouTube TV during their ongoing carriage dispute is pretty much exactly what an observer would expect in this situation. Disney-owned channels first went dark on YouTube TV at the end of October, and ever since, both sides have done their best to enlist public sentiment and blame the other party for the dispute. But over the weekend, things have gotten awfully quiet between the two sides, suggesting a deal might be on the way at last.
Key Details:
- A dark fortnight: Disney-owned channels have been blacked out on YouTube TV for nearly two weeks.
- No time to snipe: The two companies have likely spent the weekend negotiating toward a new deal.
- Strong incentive: Monday night’s game between the Eagles and Packers promises to be a big ratings draw.
Disney circulated an internal memo on Friday that eventually leaked out to the press. In the communication, Disney told its employees about some of the deal terms it has offered YouTube TV, and shamed the streamer for trying to overreach with its demands. In response, YouTube TV accused Disney of leaking the memo intentionally to try to rally public support.
Since that last round robin, however, there has been nothing but silence from the two sides, which could be an indication that they are more focused on talking to each other than sniping at each other through the press. Deadline reports that YouTube TV submitted a new carriage deal proposal to Disney over the weekend, and that the sides are still negotiating.
Tonight’s “Monday Night Football” on ESPN could break the dam at long last. The game is between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, two of the best teams in the NFC. The contest is seen by many analysts as a possible playoff preview, and fans will see it as a must-watch.
Ratings for last week’s “MNF” game fell 21% from the same week in 2024, and much of that decline is attributable to the carriage dispute. While there are still plenty of other ways to watch tonight’s game, YouTube TV has 10 million subscribers, and if the dispute is not resolved today, “MNF” will likely see another large ratings decline.
YouTube TV has officially begun offering a $20 credit to customers affected by the blackout. Fans are hoping they’ll get to have their cake and eat it too; that is, that they’ll be able to use the credit, and that YouTube TV and Disney will put their differences aside before another “Monday Night Football” game is blacked out on the streamer.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.