Subscribers to YouTube TV no longer have access to ESPN, ABC, and other Disney-owned channels. This cessation of service occurred after Disney and Google-owned YouTube TV failed to reach an agreement on a new licensing deal.
Access Disruption
On Thursday, just before midnight, Disney-owned channels ceased to be available on YouTube TV. This followed the expiration of their existing licensing agreement and unsuccessful negotiations for a new deal.
Company Statements
Disney stated that YouTube TV, an online pay-TV platform owned by Google and available in the U.S., had declined to pay rates Disney considered appropriate for its content. The affected content includes channels such as ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel.
In response, YouTube TV issued a statement asserting that Disney's proposed terms would disadvantage its members while providing benefits to Disney's own live TV products.
Affected Services and Subscribers
The disruption impacts approximately 10 million YouTube TV subscribers. The channels that ceased to be available include, but are not limited to, ESPN, ABC, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel.