All in a sudden, subscribers of YouTube TV could no longer watch Disney-owned networks on the streaming service.
The blackout happened after Google failed to extend its deal with the media giant before a deadline.
Disney's departure means that YouTube lost not only Disney content, but also channels like FX, National Geographic, and all ESPN channels.
As a result of the loss of channels, Google reduced the cost of its monthly bundle by $15, from $64.99 to $49.99, while the content was unavailable. In a blog post, Google also pointed out that users who wanted the lost channels could still get them as part of The Disney Bundle, at a $13.99 package Disney itself offers.
According to Google, the issue stemmed from how much Disney demanded to be paid for the deal, with Google believing the offered terms were too expensive.
"Our ask to Disney, as with all our partners, is to treat YouTube TV like any other TV provider - by offering us the same rates that services of a similar size pay, across Disney's channels for as long as we carry them," said the search giant. "If Disney offers us equitable terms, we'll renew our agreement."
The list of channels affected include:
- ABC News Live.
- ABC local channels.
- ACC Network.
- Disney Channel.
- Disney Junior.
- Disney XD.
- ESPN.
- ESPN2.
- ESPN3.
- ESPNEWS.
- ESPNU.
- Freeform.
- FX.
- FXM.
- FXX.
- National Geographic.
- National Geographic Wild.
- SEC Network.
"Members, we worked hard to avoid this but were unable to reach a fair deal with Disney," YouTube TV said.
"We regret to share that as of December 17, all Disney-owned channels are unavailable on YouTube TV. While Disney content remains off our platform, we'll decrease our price by $15/month. We know how frustrating it is to lose channels like ESPN and your local ABC station, and will continue conversations with Disney in hopes of restoring their content for you."
While Google blamed Disney, Disney viewed Google as the one behind the problem, describing that it has "declined to reach a fair deal with us based on market terms and conditions."
"We've been in ongoing negotiations with Google's YouTube TV and, unfortunately, they have declined to reach a fair deal with us based on market terms and conditions," the company said in a statement.
"As a result, their subscribers have lost access to our unrivaled portfolio of networks."
The company also said that "We stand ready to reach an equitable agreement with Google as quickly as possible in order to minimize the inconvenience to YouTube TV viewers by restoring our networks. We hope Google will join us in that effort."
On December 19th, Google updated its blog post, saying that it is "happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney to return their content to YouTube TV while preserving a $64.99/mo. price for our members."
"We apologize for the disruption and appreciate your patience as we continued to negotiate on your behalf. We also value Disney's partnership and willingness to work towards an agreement."
