Before you cancel YouTube TV because Disney's beloved channels are missing, there is a slight possiblity that ABC and YouTube could return. At least, that's what Google is proposing.
YouTube publicly shared an email it had sent to Disney leadership regarding the lack of Disney channels, most notably ABC and ESPN, on Google's YouTube TV cable streaming service. This response is in reference to Disney's proposal to restore ABC to YouTube TV subscribers for 24 hours during the election window.
We propose immediately restoring the Disney channels that our customers watch: ABC and the ESPN networks, while we continue to negotiate. Those are the channels that people want.
YouTube
"We agree that the right priority here is to give customers what they want," said YouTube in the email. It's a nice way to start an email, but then Google managed to throw a little dig in there: "As you know from the many content disputes you’ve been part of, customers don’t want companies fighting and content blackouts."
"If you agree with our proposal and give us approval, we can get our operational teams together and get these channels live in hours. Let us know how you’d like to proceed," YouTuve said in the email.
Should Disney agree, it appears that subscribers won't have to wait long to regain access to the two massive channels. But this doesn't seem likely right now.
What is YouTube doing?
While this seems like an olive branch for Disney and a ray of hope for YouTube TV subscribers on the surface, YouTube is clearly using this post as a negotiation tactic. If Disney doesn't agree to bring back ABC and ESPN, it looks like the company withholding channels from YouTube TV subscribers.
Everything about this memo screams a tactic to gain leverage. If Disney rejects YouTube's proposal, it will be a win for YouTube TV in the court of public opinion. If Disney accepts, it's a win for YouTube, too, as it comes off as the company fighting for its customers to get them what they want.
Ultimately, these are two giant companies competing for substantial sums of money, leaving consumers caught in the middle. Any move, even one that benefits consumers, is likely made as a play for leverage in the ongoing negotiations. Neither company wants to give in — Google wants to pay less for Disney channels, and Disney wants more money for its offerings.
In the meantime, YouTube TV is offering $10 off for 6 months as Disney and ESPN remain dark — at least for certain subscribers. And if you're fed up with the whole thing we have a list of the best YouTube TV alternatives.
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