YouTube TV will start issuing a $20 credit to eligible customers starting November 9 if Disney channels, including ESPN and ABC, remain unavailable due to ongoing negotiations, with credits issued by November 12. The dispute centers on pricing disagreements, with Disney seeking higher fees and YouTube TV resisting, leading to the blackout since October 30.
A survey indicates that 24% of YouTube TV subscribers have canceled or plan to cancel due to the Disney blackout, which has led to frustration over missing key sports content and a potential spike in churn if the dispute continues. Many users are seeking alternative ways to access Disney networks, and the company plans a small credit if the blackout persists, but most feel it won't compensate for the loss of popular channels.
The ongoing Disney blackout on YouTube TV has caused sports fans to miss key broadcasts, with critics like Big Cat from Barstool accusing ESPN of complicating access to sports content to boost their new app and streaming services, ultimately frustrating consumers who just want easy access to sports.