Menu

Search

  |   Business

Menu

  |   Business

Search

YouTube, Disney reach deal after subscribers lost access to channels including FX, ESPN

Photo by: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

YouTube and Disney finally resolved their conflict after a standoff last weekend that resulted in subscribers losing access to Walt Disney programs, including FX and ESPN.

The agreement to feature Disney channels on YouTube TV expired on Saturday, Dec. 18, and their conflict over distribution fees made it impossible to renew the contract. As a result, subscribers can't view programs from Walt Disney Co. anymore.

As per Fox Business, Google's YouTube TV subscribers were not able to view the match between Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers due to the conflict with Disney that also owns the ABC network, Freeform, and Disney Channel.

Subscribers aired complaints about the sudden halt on the airing of the basketball game via social media. While they vent out, Disney explained why the interruption on viewing has happened.

"We have been in ongoing negotiations with Google's YouTube TV and unfortunately, they have declined to reach a fair deal with us based on market terms and conditions," Disney told Variety in a statement.

Disney added it is ready to reach an agreement with Google and it is hoping it will come as quickly as possible to lessen the inconvenience to viewers of YouTube TV. Fortunately, in the latest update about the conflict, CNN Business reported that the companies have finally reached a deal.

With the new agreement, Google's YouTube TV will be restoring access to all channels owned by Disney. The two sides have agreed for the streaming television service provider to distribute Disney's channels.

"We are happy to share that we've reached an agreement with Disney to return their content to YouTube TV while preserving a $64.99/mo. price for our members," YouTube stated in a blog post on Dec. 19. "We have already started to restore access to Disney networks including their live and on-demand content. We apologize for the disruption and appreciate your patience as we continued to negotiate on your behalf."

YouTube TV further said it values its partnership with Disney as well as its willingness to work so they can reach an agreement. All the Disney channels including those that were previously listed on the streaming site's Library, have all been restored already.

  • Market Data
Close

Welcome to EconoTimes

Sign up for daily updates for the most important
stories unfolding in the global economy.