Answers to some of the questions you may have regarding the YouTube TV/ABC dispute.
Why can’t I watch my local ABC station on YouTube TV?
ABC is a broadcast network owned by The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), and their distribution agreement with YouTube TV has expired. Because Google, LLC (parent company of YouTube TV) and Disney were unable to reach an agreement, YouTube TV dropped the Disney suite of channels. Unfortunately, this means all ABC-affiliated stations (even those not owned by Disney) were also dropped from the YouTube TV platform.
To be clear, neither this Station nor Sinclair (our parent company) have “blacked out” or “pulled” our station on YouTube TV. We are not involved in the discussions between Disney and Google, and we have no ability to prevent this loss of service or ensure our local ABC stations remain available on the platform.
Rather, we are a pawn in negotiations between the corporate behemoths Disney and Google. This is the result of an antiquated regulatory framework that prevents us – the local broadcaster – from having the right to negotiate directly with Internet-delivered distributors like YouTube TV.
What is the best way for you to make your voice heard?
We encourage YouTube TV subscribers to let YouTube TV know that they value their local ABC station and want it restored as soon as possible. Contact YouTube TV directly: Visit support.google.com/youtubetv/gethelp to chat with or email YouTube TV’s support team.
Send feedback through the YouTube TV app: Go to your profile icon → Help → Send feedback and share that you want your local ABC station returned. Reach out on social media: @YouTubeTV on X (Twitter) or YouTube on Facebook
You can also contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Media Bureau to voice your concerns by calling (202) 418-7200. You can also email MBINFO@fcc.gov.
How can I keep watching my local ABC station? You can continue to watch all of your favorite ABC programs over the air using a digital antenna, or through cable, telephone or satellite tv providers. While we recognize the inconvenience associated with switching providers, viewers do have other options to watch their local ABC station.