TelevisaUnivision channels blacked out on YouTube TV
TelevisaUnivision channels blacked out on YouTube TV
The disagreement over carriage arrangements between the two sides will now have major consequences for viewers.
YouTube TV managed to avoid one blackout this week, but it could not avoid them all. The streaming service is now without channels owned by TelevisaUnivision, one of the largest providers of Spanish-language content in the entertainment industry. A carriage dispute has caused a blackout of TelevisaUnivsion channels on YouTube TV, and from the sound of things both sides are digging in for a battle.
Key Details:
- You’re out: TelevisaUnivision has been resisting efforts by YouTube TV to move Univision out of its base package.
- Back it up: The streamer says Univision’s recent performance doesn’t warrant the kind of demands it’s making.
- Other options: DIRECTV and Fubo both offer plans with Univision.
In the early part of September, TelevisaUnivison began warning customers that a dispute was brewing. Reports indicated that YouTube TV wanted to remove Univision from its base channel plan, a move that TelevisaUnivision labeled as a “Hispanic tax” in ads telling customers to contact YouTube TV and encourage it to negotiate.
Those efforts have gone for naught, as the channel is now blacked out on YouTube TV. In a statement to subscribers, YouTube TV confirmed the dispute, and did its best to lay the blame at the feet of the Spanish-language programmer for asking too much in talks.
“Unfortunately [TelevisaUnivision’s] current demands aren’t supported by their performance on YouTube TV over the last four years, and despite our best efforts, we’ve been unable to reach a deal,” the statement says. “Starting today, TelevisaUnivision content, including Univision and UniMas, will be removed from YouTube TV, as well as any Library recordings you have from these channels.”
YouTube TV managed to reach a short-term deal with NBCUniversal to keep its channels on the streamer on Tuesday night, but no such agreement appears in the offing for TelevisaUnivision. Neither side made it sound as if they’re terribly willing to give ground, and TelevisaUnivision’s statement encourages customers to seek out its programming elsewhere.
“Google has made an unfortunate mistake that is easily reversible, and we are always open to finding constructive ways for Hispanics to regain access to their trusted and critical content,” the company said. “We remain steadfast in advocating for our audience and ensuring that YouTube TV subscribers know they have many options to continue watching Univision’s programming through other providers.”
Viewers who want Univision content can find it on DIRECTV’s MiEspañol Genre Pack, which comes with 60+ channels and access to ViX Premium for a total of $35 per month, or with the ÓPTIMO MÁS package, which has 110+ English and Spanish channels for $50 per month. Fubo’s Latino plan also comes with Univision, and costs $15 per month.
| DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Save with Sling | Free Trial | |||||
| $20.99 | $9.99 | $28.99 | $25 | $19.99 | $29.99 | $45.99 | $45.99 | $64.99 | ||
| Univision | + $15 | + $59 | + $61 | - | - | - | - | - | ✓ | |
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.