YouTube TV on Monday afternoon rejected Disney's request for the platform to restore ABC and its other broadcast channels for Election Day coverage on Tuesday amid the streaming platform's blackout on them.
DisneyĀ made the requestĀ earlier Monday, but YouTube TV said restoring the broadcast channels for a single day would cause greater confusion. The channels have been blacked out since last week.
āWe agree that the right priority here is to give customers what they want,ā YouTube TV acknowledged inĀ a blog post. āAs you know from the many content disputes youāve been part of, customers donāt want companies fighting and content blackouts. But unfortunately, your proposal would permit us to return Disneyās ABC stations only for a day and will cause customer confusion among those who may briefly see ABC on YouTube TV only to lose it again shortly after.ā
ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned channels have been blacked out on YouTube TV, which the streaming platform explained in its most recent statement that it was for āadvocating for fair pricingā to offer its customers āthe best TV experience.ā
DisneyĀ saidĀ it was requesting the one-day pause in the blackout so that customers can have the information they need for the upcoming election.
āDespite the impasse that led to the current blackout, we have asked YouTube TV to restore ABC for Election Day so subscribers have access to the information they rely on,ā Disney said. āWe believe in putting the public interest first and hope YouTube TV will take this small step for their customers while we continue to work toward a fair agreement.ā
The blackout threatens to extend into a second week as the two companies have failed to reach an agreement on carrier fees.
āOur contract with Disney has reached its renewal date, and weāll not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disneyās TV products,ā YouTube TV said. āWe know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, and weāre committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement.ā
ABC is planning expansive coverage of Tuesdayās elections, including gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, and the New York City mayoral race.
Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You canĀ follow her on X for more coverage.
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