YouTube TV Declines Disney’s Request to Restore ABC for Election Day
In the midst of a contract dispute, Disney has requested that YouTube TV temporarily reinstate ABC for Election Day, November 4, to ensure subscribers have access to vital information. Disney emphasized the importance of public interest, urging YouTube TV to take this step while both parties continue negotiations.
YouTube TV has declined this request, expressing concerns that a temporary restoration could lead to customer confusion if ABC is removed again shortly thereafter. The streaming service highlighted that numerous other channels provide comprehensive election coverage, noting that the majority of its subscribers did not watch ABC during the previous two Election Days.
The disagreement stems from failed negotiations between YouTube TV and Disney, resulting in the removal of Disney-owned channels, including ABC and ESPN, from the platform. YouTube TV has criticized Disney’s negotiation tactics, describing them as unnecessarily aggressive and asserting that Disney expects customers to pay for channels they do not watch.
As of November 3, no resolution has been reached, and discussions continue behind closed doors. YouTube TV has proposed that Disney could immediately restore both ABC and ESPN while negotiations are ongoing, stating that these channels could be live within hours if Disney agrees.
