YouTube TV & Disney Contract Dispute Resolved - $15 Credit for Customers

YouTube and Disney Reach Agreement, Averting Channel Loss

Previously, YouTube cautioned its subscribers about the potential unavailability of Disney-owned channels on its YouTube TV streaming platform if a new agreement wasn't finalized. Negotiations ultimately stalled by Friday, prompting YouTube TV to inform customers of an impending channel reduction and a corresponding price adjustment.

However, a positive turn occurred over the weekend. On Sunday, YouTube publicized the attainment of a new agreement. Despite this resolution, a $15 credit will still be issued to customers as compensation for the service interruption.

Agreement Details and Pricing

YouTube updated its official blog, previously used to disseminate information regarding the contract disagreement, to announce the successful negotiation. This new arrangement ensures the continued streaming of Disney’s content on YouTube TV.

Consequently, the planned price reduction for YouTube TV subscribers will not take effect. The service will maintain its standard monthly fee of $64.99.

Content Restoration

The renewed deal encompasses Disney’s network of channels, including ESPN and FX, alongside its live and on-demand programming. Recordings from Disney properties stored within users’ YouTube TV Libraries will be reinstated.

Furthermore, YouTube TV indicated that local ABC stations would be restored to the service by Sunday’s end.

Potential Impact of a Failed Agreement

A failure to reach an agreement would have resulted in YouTube TV subscribers losing access to a substantial number of streaming channels and on-demand content options. A total of 18 Disney-owned channels were at risk of being removed, including local ABC stations, ABC News Live, The Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNews, SEC Network, and ACC Network.

$15 Credit for Affected Members

YouTube had previously pledged a $15 discount to its members during the period Disney content was unavailable due to the contractual dispute. Despite the brief removal of Disney programming – lasting only a day – YouTube announced on Sunday that it would uphold its commitment to provide a one-time credit to all impacted subscribers.

The $15 discount will be applied to the next billing cycle for those who haven’t yet received it. No action is required from members to claim this credit.

Reactivation for Cancelled or Paused Members

Customers who cancelled their subscriptions due to the failed negotiations can reinstate their service by visiting tv.youtube.com/membership and selecting the “add” option to re-add the Base plan. Members who had paused their memberships will receive the credit one month following their initial charge after resuming service. Further details are available on a dedicated support website.

Recent Contract Disputes

Just weeks prior, YouTube was involved in a similar contract dispute with Roku concerning its YouTube and YouTube TV applications. This conflict was ultimately resolved without the disclosure of specific terms, despite serious allegations from Roku regarding Google’s data usage demands and potentially anticompetitive practices.