Google and Disney are negotiating to restore ESPN to YouTube TV after a dispute caused a blackout of channels like ESPN and ABC, frustrating customers and impacting viewership; a resolution is hoped for soon, with some compensation offered to affected subscribers.
YouTube TV refused Disney's request to temporarily restore ABC for Election Day, citing subscriber preferences and alternative coverage options, amid ongoing negotiations over channel carriage.
Disney-owned channels including ABC and ESPN have been removed from YouTube TV due to failed negotiations, prompting subscribers to seek alternative streaming options like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV, or short-term solutions such as Sling Day Passes and over-the-air antennas to watch sports and shows during the blackout.
YouTube TV and Fox reached a short-term agreement to prevent a channel blackout just before the NFL and college football seasons, as they continue negotiations over distribution fees amid broader industry shifts away from traditional pay-TV models.
YouTube TV and Fox Corp. have agreed to a short-term extension of their contract, preventing an immediate blackout of Fox News and other Fox channels while negotiations for a new deal continue, amid ongoing disputes over programming fees.
Hearst Television has caused a blackout of 37 local channels on DISH TV, affecting customers in 27 markets, due to unreasonable demands for rate increases. DISH Network has been negotiating with Hearst for months but is now facing higher prices despite declining viewership and the availability of Hearst's content on other platforms. This situation highlights the disconnect between programming providers and distributors, with other recent examples including Nexstar with DirecTV and Disney with Charter. DISH Network hopes for a fair agreement to restore the channels for its customers.