YouTube, Disney and Google
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“Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC,” a Disney spokesperson told Variety Magazine in a report on Oct. 30.
YouTube TV is driving a hard bargain with Disney, and has leverage since it's backed by Google. But it's also a powerhouse in its own right.
YouTube pulled more than 20 Disney-owned channels including ESPN and ABC right before Halloween after Google and Disney couldn't come to an agreement. At the time, YouTube TV claimed that it ""will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products."
Google declined a request from Disney to allow ABC back on YouTube TV for election coverage as the two giants are negotiating streaming rights.
ESPN, ABC and all the other Disney channels are still not available on YouTube TV as the two companies continue their contract fight.
T CL has launched its new lineup of Google TV sets in the form of the TCL T7 series. These feature 4K HDR QLED panels, which are claimed to offer “cinematic picture quality and ultra-smooth performance.” Despite the top-tier hardware, the TCL models don’t burn your pockets either, as they are quite affordable, much like other TCL models.
YouTube TV claims Disney has been "unnecessarily aggressive and assertive," while Disney states the former has blown things out of proportion. Viewers lost 21 of Disney's channels last week, including ABC and ESPN, as neither side could reach a content agreement before the October 30 deadline.