YouTube vs. Disney: Are They Getting Close to a Settlement?

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

TV Answer Man, is there any news on Disney and YouTube TV? We really want to keep our ESPN!! – Cheryl, Burke, Virginia.

Cheryl, YouTube TV’s carriage agreement with Disney for ESPN and the entire suite of Disney channels including the ABC affiliates is set to expire tonight at 11:59 p.m. ET. Both sides have maintained their public positions that the other side is to blame. This is somewhat standard in these disputes, of course, but there’s much at stake with YouTube TV angling to keep the nation’s most popular sports channel (sorry, FS1) as well as gain full access to the ESPN Unlimited app for its subscribers.

Update: YouTube TV loses Disney channels in carriage dispute.

To your question, there may be a sign today that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement or, at least, talking amicably.

The two companies have just settled a lawsuit filed last May by Disney against YouTube’s owner, Google, for allegedly poaching a high-level executive who left to oversee YouTube’s sports and media unit. While the settlement is separate from the carriage agreement, it could be a sign that the two sides are paving the way for a settlement.

We’ll learn later today if that’s the case. Until then, there is at least some reason to hope there will not be a blackout starting tomorrow.

Cheryl, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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