YouTube TV viewers can no longer see Disney channels including ABC and ESPN after the two sides failed to agree on a new content distribution deal.<\/p>\n
Other channels that vanished from Google’s pay TV platform include the Disney Channel, FX and Nat Geo.<\/p>\n
Google’s pay TV platform said in a blog post late Thursday that Disney had followed through on a threat to suspend its content amid the negotiations.<\/p>\n
The breakdown could impact coverage of some college football games on Saturday, as well as NBA, NFL and NHL games.<\/p>\n
YouTube is the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers. Hulu, owned by Disney, is next, with about half that many subscribers.<\/p>\n
Viewers have become aware of the dispute in recent weeks because of warnings being scrolled across their screens.<\/p>\n
YouTube said Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic that would have resulted in higher prices for its subscribers. Disney’s move to take down its content also benefits its own streaming products Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, YouTube said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
YouTube said it would give subscribers a $20 credit if Disney content unavailable \u201cfor an extended period of time.\u201d YouTube TV\u2019s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month.<\/p>\n