YouTube TV loses ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels

Published: Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:30 am

YouTube TV Subscribers Face Blackout as Disney Channels Go Dark

Viewers of YouTube TV are experiencing a blackout of Disney-owned channels after the two companies failed to reach a new distribution agreement by the October 30 deadline. The channels affected include popular networks such as ESPN, local ABC stations, ABC News, FX, NatGeo, Disney Channel, and Freeform.

YouTube, in a statement released on its blog, accused Disney of using the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic to secure more favorable terms that would have increased prices for subscribers. YouTube further stated that Disney's decision harms its customers while potentially benefiting its own live TV streaming services, such as Hulu+Live TV and Fubo.

Disney, in response, accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay fair rates for its channels, including ESPN and ABC. Disney also alleged that Google, YouTube's parent company, is using its market dominance to undermine industry-standard terms that other pay-TV distributors have agreed to.

This isn't the first time YouTube TV has faced channel blackouts due to contract disputes. In 2021, a similar situation with Disney was resolved quickly, with channels restored the following day. Over the past year, YouTube TV has narrowly avoided losing content from other major media companies, including Paramount, Fox, and NBCUniversal, often reaching last-minute agreements. However, YouTube TV did lose access to Univision, the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the US.

YouTube has announced that it will offer subscribers a $20 credit if the Disney channels remain unavailable for an extended period. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between content providers and streaming platforms as they negotiate the terms of distribution in the evolving media landscape.

BNN's Perspective: This dispute underscores the complexities of the streaming market. While consumers are the ones who ultimately suffer from these blackouts, it's a reminder that both content providers and platforms are vying for control and revenue in a rapidly changing industry. Finding a balance that benefits both parties and, most importantly, the consumer, is crucial for the long-term health of the streaming ecosystem.

Keywords: YouTube TV, Disney, ESPN, ABC, Blackout, Streaming, Negotiations, Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, Content, Google, Channels, Agreement, Paramount, Fox, NBCUniversal, Univision, Subscription, Media, Distribution.

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