YouTube TV & Paramount Sign Short-Term Deal to Keep Channels

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

YouTube TV late last night announced that it has reached a ‘short-term extension’ to continue carrying Paramount’s channels, including CBS, CBS Sports Network and Nickelodeon. The statement did not reveal the length of the extension. The old agreement was scheduled to expire last night at 11 p.m. ET.

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

“An update for our members,” the YouTube TV statement read. “We’ve reached a short-term extension with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.

Which Channels Could Be Removed From YouTube TV?

The two companies revealed on Wednesday night that YouTube TV could lose the Paramount channels which 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.)

YouTube TV and Paramount are fighting over how much the TV provider should pay to carry them.

Why Do Companies Sign Short-Term Agreements?

TV providers and programmers/channels sign a short-term agreement so they can continue to negotiate without a channel blackout. It’s often a sign that the companies believe they are close to a new deal but it doesn’t always result in one. The length of a short-term carriage agreement varies with some being just a few hours while others a week or more.

What Does Paramount Say?

Paramount did not comment on the short-term extension announcement from YouTube TV. But it issued a statement on Wednesday 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 programmer has established a web site with information on the dispute here.

Will YouTube TV Reduce Prices If It Loses Paramount/CBS?

YouTube TV said on Wednesday night 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.

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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.