Disney and YouTube TV are in a tug-of-war over channel carriage agreements, and it’s creating a big stir. Recently, millions of YouTube TV subscribers found themselves without access to major Disney channels like ABC and ESPN. A YouTube executive suggested that Disney’s approach is outdated, saying they have an “antiquated view” of pay-TV economics.
YouTube TV, launched in 2017, aims to shake up traditional pay-TV by offering a wider channel bundle in a more consumer-friendly way. The service quickly grew in popularity, ranking third among pay-TV providers. A key executive highlighted that while Disney has some channels seeing success, many others are struggling with low viewership.
Disney has been accused by YouTube of being unreasonable in negotiations, especially regarding steep fee demands. It seems that Disney expects consumers to pay for their full range of channels, even though many aren’t very popular. The YouTube executive noted that subscribers today want choice, and forcing them to pay for everything doesn’t align with modern viewing habits.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first fallout between YouTube TV and traditional media companies. Just this year, YouTube faced similar conflicts, including a blackout with TelevisaUnivision. These clashes highlight a growing tension between streaming services and established media giants.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Industry experts suggest that streaming competition is rapidly changing. According to a recent report, streaming now accounts for over 80% of viewing time among younger viewers. This shift poses a challenge for traditional networks like Disney, which are still trying to adapt.
The landscape is shifting quickly. With YouTube’s growth and Disney’s recent acquisition of Fubo, which has around 6 million subscribers, the dynamics of channel access are changing. YouTube’s executive mentioned they’re willing to partner with Disney, but the negotiations have thus far been rocky.
In this evolving media world where choice and flexibility are key, it will be interesting to see how both companies navigate these challenges. Balancing traditional viewership with new streaming preferences may require fresh approaches from both sides.
Source link
Carriage Dispute,Disney,Pay-TV,Streaming,YouTube TV
