YouTube TV loses ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels

Google's YouTube TV has found itself on the receiving end of a blackout, this time courtesy of Disney. The media giant has severed ties with its popular streaming service, removing ESPN, ABC, and other high-profile channels from view.

In an apparent ploy to drive home a point, Disney accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay fair rates for its content, including several beloved networks. The tech giant retaliated by stating that the company's decision would harm subscribers, who are now left without access to their favorite shows.

However, it seems the tables have turned in favor of Google, which is now threatening to offer its customers a $20 credit if Disney channels remain offline for an extended period. This move appears to be a calculated risk, as YouTube TV has previously lost access to content from other major players before reaching last-minute deals.

The situation serves as a reminder that the dynamics between media giants and streaming services can shift quickly. In recent months, similar showdowns have played out, including a Paramount-PBS standoff in February and a Fox-NBCU agreement in August.

It's unclear what the future holds for this particular dispute, but one thing is certain: subscribers will be left to suffer until an agreement is reached or Disney channels are restored to their usual lineup.

I'm so fed up with these streaming service blackouts . Can't Google and Disney just talk it out like normal people? This back-and-forth is getting old, and now I'm stuck without my favorite shows because of it . I mean, come on, a $20 credit from YouTube TV isn't going to make up for missing ESPN and ABC - that's just sweet tea ... er, I mean, it's not exactly a life-saver.

I've been using YouTube TV for years, and it always seems like these blackouts happen at the worst times. Can't they just schedule them around prime time or something? It's like they're trying to drive us crazy ! Anyway, I hope Google wins this round, but it's probably going to take a while for Disney to come crawling back with their tail between their legs ...

Disney just tried to strong-arm YouTube TV into paying more cash for its content , but now they're getting a taste of their own medicine ! I'm loving the way Google's all like "hey, we can offer our subscribers a sweet $20 credit if you keep messing with us" . It's like they're saying "we're not afraid to take a stand" . And honestly, I think Disney's just trying to teach them a lesson - you can't just shut off someone's channels and expect them to cave in the end . This whole thing is a big game of tug-of-war, but one thing's for sure: subscribers are gonna be stuck in the middle, waiting for someone to make up their minds .

idk why disney is being so dramatic about this... they're just trying to get more money, right? and google's not helping by offering a credit if the channels stay down lol 20 bucks might seem like a lot but it's not like anyone's getting hurt (other than maybe disney's bottom line). i mean, what's the big deal about youtube tv refusing to pay fair rates? can't they just negotiate or something? this whole thing is just media giants playing their favorite game of tug-of-war... and subscribers are getting left in the middle

Disney's been really harsh on YouTube TV . I mean, I get it, they wanna get paid fair , but $20 credit if the channel stays off ? Genius move by Google ! They're not afraid to play hardball ️ and fight for their users' interests . It's all about negotiating power and who has the upper hand . We'll just have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out , but one thing's for sure: subscribers are gonna be stuck in limbo .

OMG, I'm low-key surprised by this whole thing . So, it seems like Google's all about that $20 credit life , but at the same time, they're not exactly looking for a fight . I mean, who doesn't love having some free cash on their streaming bill? On the other hand, Disney's got them cornered pretty nicely . It's like, if Google wants those channels back, they gotta pay up . But, at this rate, it feels like both parties are just playing a game of chicken ... and we're the ones who get to suffer in the process .

This blackout thingy is getting crazy ! I mean, Google and Disney should just talk it out like normal people, right? It's not like they're going to give up on their favorite shows forever . I don't get why Disney is being so hard-hearted about this...I guess they want more cash ? But $20 credit for me, that sounds like a pretty sweet deal . And honestly, if it means I get to watch my fave sports games and TV shows again, I'm happy to support Google . This whole thing is just a mess, let's hope they sort it out soon .

omg what's goin on with disney & youtube tv?? they gotta sort it out ASAP or ppl gonna be stuck w/out espn, abc & other fave shows!!! $20 credit from google? nice move! guess disney's gotta listen 2 what google's sayin' but seriously, media giants & streaming services need 2 get along or subscribers suffer the most hope dis gets resolved quick!

idk why disney is being so dramatic about this... they're basically holding a whole bunch of people's favorite shows hostage and then actin like it's google's fault? the $20 credit thing tho is kinda clever, it's like google's sayin "hey disney, we know you're mad but we'll still give our subs a break if you get your stuff back online" doesn't seem like the most ideal situation for anyone involved though...

I'm not surprised Google is pushing back . I mean, remember when HBO used to leave Netflix out of its deal? And don't even get me started on the whole Netflix vs. Hulu situation back in the day . It's always about who gets the better end of the deal. But now that Disney is flexing its muscles, Google is countering with a sweet offer . I hope they manage to iron out their differences without any more subscriber drama . This whole thing just reminds me of those infamous 'Blackout Wednesday' events in 2019 ...

I'm drawing a big red circle around this whole situation . It seems like Disney is trying to strong-arm YouTube TV into paying more for its content, and then Google is responding by giving its customers a sweet $20 credit . But let's not forget that when this happens, people (aka subscribers) are the ones who get hurt in the middle .

I'm sketching out some possible outcomes...

* Disney channels stay offline: YouTube TV wins and gets to keep its money
* Disney channels come back online: YouTube TV loses out on revenue, but its customers don't have to pay extra for content
* A last-minute deal is reached: everyone breathes a sigh of relief

But what's going on behind the scenes? Are there other players in this game that we're not hearing about?

I'm low-key impressed with Google right now . I mean, who expects a big player like them to fire back at Disney like this? It's all about negotiating power and making an example out of each other, but it's also kinda clever. $20 credit or not, you know YouTube TV isn't gonna let this slide easily . The thing is, we're the ones getting caught in the middle . No one's really gaining a clear upper hand here, just scrambling to get back on the airwaves. Can we please just get some of our favorite shows back already?

I think this whole thing is super dodgy . I mean, come on Disney, you're just trying to strong-arm Google into paying up for the content you want. Newsflash: if they don't like the rates, maybe Disney should reconsider its stance? It's not like YouTube TV is a new player in the game - they've been around long enough to negotiate deals with all the big players.

And what's with this "harm subscribers" argument ? Do you really think Google cares about subscriber satisfaction when there are millions of dollars on the line? I highly doubt it. And as for YouTube TV offering a $20 credit... yeah, that sounds like a pretty obvious attempt to placate Disney and get them back on board.

Let's be real here: this is just another example of how fragile the relationships between media giants can be . Until there's a real understanding of what each side wants and needs, we're stuck in limbo. But I'm calling it - Google will eventually come out on top because they have the resources to weather this storm .

I'm so done with these media giant showdowns! It's like they think the world revolves around them and their fancy deals. I mean, come on guys, can't you just communicate like civilized people? And now Google is playing hardball by offering a credit to customers who are stuck without Disney channels. That's just great, because who doesn't love free cash? But seriously, this whole thing is just a mess and it's going to end up costing the subscribers in the end. I'm rooting for YouTube TV to come out on top, but at the same time, I don't blame Disney for standing up for its content. It's not right that they're being taken advantage of. Can we just get back to normal TV and streaming service without all the drama?

This is getting out of hand . One minute you're watching your fave shows and the next they're gone . I don't get why these giants can't just negotiate a fair deal without threatening everyone in between. It's all about the Benjamins , right? And now Google's throwing their hat into the ring with that $20 credit offer...let's see how this plays out . Can't we just have some stability and consistency on these streaming services? I'm so sick of them going back and forth like this . It's driving me crazy!

OMG what's goin' on with all these streaming wars?! So Disney just blacked out ESPN and other networks from YouTube TV and now Google is countering with a $20 credit lol what a risk! I feel for the subscribers who got stuck in the middle of all this drama. Can't wait to see how this plays out