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Google-owned YouTube on Monday mentioned it might take away channels together with Fox Broadcast Network, Fox News and Fox Sports from its TV streaming platform if it does not attain an settlement with Fox Corporation.
YouTube TV’s renewal date with Fox is approaching Wednesday, and whereas the 2 corporations have been in ongoing negotiations, they have been unable to attain a deal, the YouTube group wrote in a blog post. The firm additionally emailed YouTube TV subscribers in regards to the potential fall out with Fox.
“Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive,” YouTube wrote within the weblog. “Our priority is to reach a deal that reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”
If YouTube is unable to attain a new settlement by 5 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, the Fox channels will develop into unable on YouTube TV, the Google firm mentioned. YouTube pays broadcasters like Fox to carry their channels, and a blackout might have implications on advertisers and tens of millions of viewers who minimize their cords to stream Fox’s numerous channels on YouTube TV.
“While Fox remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with Google’s YouTube TV, we are disappointed that Google continually exploits its outsized influence by proposing terms that are out of step with the marketplace,” the media firm mentioned in an announcement.
The Fox standoff represents the most recent contract dispute between content material corporations and supply networks as viewers more and more ditch cable.
In February, Paramount Global notified YouTube TV subscribers that greater than 20 channels together with CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon might go darkish on the service if the 2 did not attain a deal. Shortly after, YouTube TV and Paramount announced a multi-year distribution deal.
YouTube TV’s base plan prices $82.99 per thirty days and consists of over 100 dwell channels and limitless cloud DVR. YouTube mentioned a key a part of its dedication to customers is its partnership with content material suppliers like Fox, “which allows us to carry a wide variety of channels.”
If Fox does go offline for an prolonged time period, YouTube will give its members a $10 credit score, the Google firm wrote. Users can even give you the chance to watch Fox content material by signing up for Fox One, Fox’s streaming service, the weblog mentioned.
YouTube not too long ago overtook Netflix, which has a market cap of $515 billion, as the highest streaming platform when it comes to viewers engagement. Google doesn’t present official subscriber numbers for YouTube TV, however in its February 2024 letter, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan introduced that the service had greater than 8 million subscribers. MoffettNathanson principal analyst Michael Nathanson has estimated that YouTube TV has roughly 9.4 million paying subscribers.
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