YouTube TV Proposes Restoring Disney Networks Amid Negotiations
YouTube TV has proposed restoring Disney’s ABC and ESPN networks. This proposal follows the entertainment giant’s earlier request to bring back ABC to the pay-TV platform for Election Day coverage.
Disney had asked Google’s YouTube TV to reinstate ABC for Election Day coverage, citing public interest. This request came days after its networks became unavailable on the pay-TV platform.
YouTube stated in a blog post that fulfilling Disney’s request for Election Day coverage would permit the return of ABC stations for only one day. This, YouTube said, would cause customer confusion among those who might briefly see ABC before losing it again shortly after.
YouTube noted that Disney can continue to livestream news on the ABC News YouTube page. ABC local stations can also do so on their respective YouTube pages.
To benefit mutual customers, YouTube proposed immediately restoring the Disney channels customers watch, specifically ABC and ESPN networks, while negotiations continue. YouTube stated these are the channels people want.
Disney’s networks went dark on YouTube TV after negotiations to reach a licensing deal failed. Both companies had issued separate statements regarding the situation.
YouTube TV, one of the largest pay-TV distributors in the U.S., has been involved in a series of negotiations this year. Other firms have also threatened to remove their media networks from the platform.
YouTube TV proposed restoring Disney’s ABC and ESPN networks.
The proposal followed Disney’s request to bring back ABC for Election Day coverage.
YouTube rejected the one-day restoration, citing potential customer confusion.
Source: REUTERS
