After a two-week blackout, YouTube TV and Disney announced Friday that they have reached an agreement.
In addition to bringing back Disney networks like ABC, ESPN and FX to the YouTube TV streaming service, the agreement it will also see ESPN make its new direct-to-consumer service available on YouTube TV at no additional cost. YouTube will also be able to sell select Disney networks and the Disney+/Hulu bundle as part of different packages.
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, described the deal as one that “recognizes the tremendous value of Disney programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with greater flexibility and choice.”
“We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football,” Disney executives added.
YouTube too issued a statement Friday saying subscribers will see affected channels restored “throughout the day.” The company also said: “We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”
YouTube TV is meant to be a cable TV alternative for cord cutters, but like most cable providers, the service has had its share of disputes with big content providers — usually over how much to pay them and how much flexibility it has to offer their content in different packages.
The last time YouTube and Disney renegotiated in 2022, there was a similar (though much shorter) blackout. This time, YouTube offered customers a $20 credit that they can apply to their next bill.
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A survey even showed that because of the Disney blackout, 24% of the service’s 10 million-plus subscribers said they had have already canceled their subscription or planned to do so soon. (A YouTube spokesperson said the actual reversal was “manageable and not aligned with the findings of this investigation.”)
Indeed, TechCrunch’s Amanda Silberling said the blackout was ruining her life because she couldn’t watch “Jeopardy!” Thankfully, her two-week nightmare is over.
