Disney and YouTube TV Dig In as Carriage Dispute Continues
As the blackout of Disney-owned stations on YouTube TV continues, neither party in the carriage dispute is showing any signs of slowing down.
10 days after the Disney networks were shut off, both Disney and YouTube have released stinging statements, accusing the opposite party of failing to negotiate in good faith.
Photo: YouTube
‘We know that subscribers are frustrated with the disruption and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV as soon as possible,” YouTube said on Saturday.
“Instead of negotiating in good faith with us to reach a deal, Disney continues to resort to their playbook.”
Disney’s Memo to Staff
For their part, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, along with ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, sent a memo to staffers that seemed to indicate a new deal was still a long way away.
Photo: Disney
“When will ESPN and ABC be back on the service? We wish we could give you that answer today. But unfortunately, we are headed into another sports-packed weekend without a deal in place,” they wrote.
According to the executives, Disney has “offered fair terms that are in line with the more than 500 other distributors that have renewed their agreements since last summer, including the top distributors, who are far larger than YouTube TV.”
Photo: Disney
“Despite all this, YouTube TV continues to insist on receiving preferential terms that are below market and has made few concessions,” the report continued.
The Crux of the Issue
As we previously reported, the sticking points between Disney and YouTube include ESPN Unlimited and the kind of “slim” package offers that linear television providers have sought to combat cord-cutting.
Photo: ESPN
In their memo, the Disney executives stated that they had offered “innovative, bespoke programming packages — tailored to sports fans, entertainment fans, kids and families — that would provide tremendous flexibility for YouTube TV and greater choice and value for its customers.”
Walt Disney Company
YouTube contested this argument, stating that they had been the side to propose the flexible packages.
YouTube TV Offers Customers a $20 Credit
As the blackout continues and no end appears in sight, YouTube TV is offering customers a $20 credit that can be applied to their upcoming billing statement.
YouTube TV. Photo: Variety
Unfortunately, it looks like this carriage dispute will last a while.
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