The Great Disney-YouTube TV Standoff: A Drama Unfolds
Welcome to week two of the high-stakes standoff between Disney and YouTube TV, a saga that’s got more twists than a Hollywood thriller. The lights flickered out on November 1 when a distribution deal between the two giants hit the skids, plunging viewers into a dark abyss devoid of ABC, ESPN, and well, all things Disney. But fear not, darling fans! There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
In a freshly minted scoop shared with Reuters, YouTube TV is reportedly ready to negotiate a deal that could bring back the beloved Disney lineup. However, there’s a catch-YouTube is laying the blame squarely at Disney’s door, claiming the Mouse House is mucking up negotiations by demanding higher fees than other major players like Charter and DirecTV. According to YouTube, Disney’s asking price is as inflated as some of the summer blockbusters they churn out, a claim that Disney vehemently denies.
The fallout? Frustrated sports fans were left twiddling their thumbs last weekend, unable to catch college football games. And it’s looking like this week won’t offer much relief either. YouTube’s team, ever the optimists, says they’re ready to strike a fair agreement that aligns with what Disney has done with other distributors. “Let’s put our heads together and do right by our mutual customers,” they seem to say.
On the flip side of the coin, Disney isn’t backing down either. The studio claims it’s been open to discussions and is trying to lure subscribers back into the fold, arguing they kicked off negotiations with an enticing offer that would actually cost YouTube less overall than the now-defunct deal. The memo from top Disney brass-Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, and ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro-revealed a bit of the drama: YouTube wants preferential terms that swim below market rates and has, according to Disney, barely budged during negotiations.
In a flash of foresight, Disney even floated the idea of restoring temporary access to ABC for 24 hours during the election window, citing public interest. Meanwhile, YouTube has been playing the proactive card, suggesting a temporary restoration of ABC and ESPN so die-hard fans in need of their fix won’t languish indefinitely.
If the stars align and an agreement is forged, subscribers could soon have their cherished channels back. But let’s face it-don’t hold your breath. As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: in the world of pixelated match-ups, the show must always go on-preferably with a little scandalous flair.
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Original Story https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-tv-says-its-ready-to-make-a-deal-to-return-espn-and-other-disney-channels
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