YouTube TV, ESPN, and Disney: the latest on the blackout

ESPN, ABC, Nat Geo, and over 20 other Disney-owned channels went dark on YouTube TV due to a contract dispute between Google and Disney.
Google accuses Disney of trying to raise prices for its customers to boost its own Hulu + Live TV and Fubo offerings, while Disney claims Google is being unreasonable and seeking preferential treatment.
Disney streamed College GameDay for free during the dispute, which is a significant departure from their 2021 carriage blackout that was resolved within a couple of days.
Google has responded to the blackout by offering YouTube TV subscribers a $20 credit for the inconvenience, but it appears the two sides are no closer to an agreement.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Google and Disney over content distribution and pricing, with significant implications for YouTube TV customers who rely on these channels for their entertainment options.

On October 31st, ESPN, ABC, Nat Geo, and over 20 other Disney-owned channels went dark on YouTube TV. As the two sides disagree about terms for a new content distribution contract, Google has accused Disney of trying to raise prices for its customers in an effort to boost its own Hulu + Live TV and Fubo offerings.

Meanwhile, Disney claims that Google is being unreasonable and seeking preferential treatment and below-market rates, and streamed College GameDay for free during the dispute. It’s quite different from their 2021 carriage blackout, which was resolved within a couple of days.

The two don’t seem any closer to an agreement at this point, as the war of words continues, and now Google is even giving YouTube TV customers a $20 credit for the inconvenience.

Read on below for all of the news and updates about Google and Disney’s ongoing battle.

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Q. What channels went dark on YouTube TV?

A. ESPN, ABC, Nat Geo, and over 20 other Disney-owned channels.

Q. Why did the blackout occur on YouTube TV?

A. The blackout occurred due to a disagreement between Google and Disney about terms for a new content distribution contract.

Q. What is Google accusing Disney of doing?

A. Google accuses Disney of trying to raise prices for its customers in an effort to boost its own Hulu + Live TV and Fubo offerings.

Q. How did Disney respond to Google’s accusations?

A. Disney claims that Google is being unreasonable and seeking preferential treatment and below-market rates.

Q. What was done during the dispute, according to Disney?

A. Streamed College GameDay for free during the dispute.

Q. Is this different from their 2021 carriage blackout?

A. Yes, it’s quite different as the previous one was resolved within a couple of days.

Q. How is Google responding to the ongoing disagreement?

A. Google is giving YouTube TV customers a $20 credit for the inconvenience.

Q. What other changes occurred due to the dispute?

A. Films from YouTube and Google Play are no longer available on Movies Anywhere, and Monday Night Football and Election Night ABC News are not available on YouTube TV.

Q. Is Disney suing YouTube over something?

A. Yes, Disney is suing YouTube for poaching a key media and sports executive.

Q. What is the current status of the agreement between Google and Disney?

A. The two sides seem no closer to an agreement at this point, with the dispute continuing.