Big Win for Viewers: YouTube TV Secures Deal with Fox Corp. to Keep Fox News and Popular Channels

YouTube and Fox Corp. have struck a deal to keep Fox News, local stations, and other Fox channels available on YouTube TV. The financial details of the agreement haven’t been shared.

A spokesperson from YouTube expressed satisfaction with the deal, noting it ensures that subscribers can continue watching popular channels like Fox News, Fox Sports, and many others. Football fans, in particular, will be relieved, as they won’t miss out on any games this weekend.

The agreement specifically includes Fox’s entire network lineup, covering business, weather, sports, and local stations. Just before a prior contract was set to expire, both parties agreed to a short extension while discussing terms for a longer deal.

Contract disputes are common in the pay-TV industry. Fox has been pushing for better financial terms from Google, YouTube’s parent company. Historically, such negotiations have been contentious, often leading to temporary blackouts for viewers when agreements can’t be reached.

Interestingly, hours before the old contract expired, YouTube announced a new deal to include One America News Network (OAN), a pro-Trump channel. Some speculate this move might be a strategy to leverage negotiations with Fox or to provide alternative options for fans if Fox channels were to be removed.

As the deadline loomed, Fox warned viewers about the risk of losing access to major sports events, including NFL games and college football. They set up a dedicated website to keep customers informed during these negotiations.

YouTube TV has reassured subscribers that they are working to reach a fair agreement. If Fox content were to go dark for an extended period, subscribers could receive a $10 credit.

Fox Corp. operates 29 full-power television stations in the U.S., with many affiliated with the Fox network. They negotiate retransmission rights with YouTube TV and others, ensuring their local channels are accessible to viewers.

Recent data shows YouTube TV had about 9.5 million subscribers by the end of 2024, making it a significant player in the streaming market. In December, YouTube raised its basic subscription plan from $72.99 to $82.99, citing rising content costs.

These types of disputes aren’t new for YouTube TV. Earlier, they faced similar negotiations with Paramount Global and experienced a blackout of Disney channels in 2021 before reaching agreements. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in the streaming industry as creators and distributors navigate the evolving market.

For further insights into the media landscape and related trends, you can check out Variety for the latest updates and analysis.

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