Disney (NYSE:DIS) warned that ESPN, ABC, and other major networks could be pulled from YouTube TV by the end of the month if a new agreement is not reached by October 30 11:59 p.m. ET.
The ongoing dispute over new carriage fees, with Disney (NYSE:DIS) demanding higher payments, puts nearly 10 million YouTube TV subscribers at risk of losing access to key Disney-owned networks, including local ABC stations, all ESPN channels, FX, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Freeform, and more. Disney (NYSE:DIS) started notifying YouTube TV customers of a potential blackout.
Google’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) YouTube TV cited concerns about increased costs for its customers. “Unfortunately, Disney is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices.” a YouTube TV spokesperson said in an official statement.
YouTube TV subscribers pay $72.99 per month currently. Major price hikes follow blackouts because companies negotiate from stronger positions. YouTube TV said it would offer subscribers a $20 credit if Disney’s (NYSE:DIS) networks remain unavailable for an extended period.