YouTube TV Today Could Lose CBS, Nickelodeon In Carriage Row

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

YouTube TV, the multi-channel live streaming service, today could lose the Paramount Global suite of channels, including CBS, CBS Sports Network and Nickelodeon, due to a carriage dispute between the two companies.

Update: YouTube and Paramount Sign Short-Term Extension

Update: YouTube TV and Paramount sign multi-year deal. No blackout.

The live streamer last night posted a message at its web site which alerted subscribers of the possible Paramount channel blackout.

“We’ve been working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount that allows us to keep their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, on YouTube TV without passing on additional costs to our subscribers,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, despite our good faith negotiations, we haven’t been successful yet. After February 13, 2025, all Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be unavailable on YouTube TV. This also means that subscribers will not be able to access previous Library recordings from these channels or add-on services, including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and BET+.”

YouTube TV said that if the blackout occurs, “and their content is unavailable for an extended period of time,” it will provide a $8 credit to subscribers. The TV provider does not say if the credit will be a one-time only one.

What Does Paramount Say?

Paramount issued a statement last night saying YouTube TV is “attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to one-sided terms, and these non-market demands may lead to an avoidable loss of Paramount’s networks on YouTube TV, in addition to the removal of Paramount+ and BET+ from YouTube’s Primetime Channels on February 13.”

The programming company has established a web site with information on the dispute here.

Which Channels Could Be Removed?

The list of channels that could be removed today include CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, MTV, MTV2, CBS Sports Network, Paramount Network, CMT, Nick Jr., TV Land, VH1, Smithsonian Channel. YouTube TV has a complete list of affected channels here.

Could YouTube TV Viewers Lose March Madness?

If a blackout happens, and extends until March, YouTube TV’s viewers would be unable to watch CBS’ coverage of the men’s college basketball tournament, known as March Madness, unless they subscribed to Paramount Plus or were able to receive their local CBS signal with a TV antenna.

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered  television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.