Disney signs new distribution deal with Google’s YouTube TV
Disney and Google’s YouTube TV have reached a new deal that will restore access to a number of the entertainment giant’s networks including ESPN, ABC, and FX.
Before the new deal, networks including ESPN, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic as well as several large-market ABC-owned stations were hanging in the balance. If the impasse were to drag on, one pressure point from the programming end will be ESPN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast of the College Football Playoff semifinal games.
“We’re happy to announce that we’ve reached a deal with Disney and have already started to restore access to channels like ESPN and FX, and Disney recordings that were previously in your Library. Your local ABC station will also be turning on throughout the day,” YouTube TV shared on Twitter on Monday.
We’re happy to announce that we’ve reached a deal with Disney and have already started to restore access to channels like ESPN and FX, and Disney recordings that were previously in your Library. Your local ABC station will also be turning on throughout the day.
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) December 19, 2021
Disney shared in a statement: “We are pleased to announce that after a brief disruption, we have reached a new distribution agreement with Google’s YouTube TV for continued carriage of our portfolio of networks. We appreciate Google’s collaboration to reach fair terms that are consistent with the market, and we’re thrilled that our robust lineup of live sports and news plus kids, family, and general entertainment programming is in the process of being restored to YouTube TV subscribers across the country.”
YouTube TV has also confirmed that it will drop its monthly price to USD 64.99 and impacted members will receive a one-time USD 15 discount.
