Daniel Alegre, CEO of TelevisaUnivision, says Google’s decision to remove the Hispanic network from its main platform in favor of a separate paid service is politically motivated.
Disney programming, including ESPN, ABC and FX, was removed from Google’s YouTube TV platform after the companies failed to negotiate contract terms.
YouTube TV said in an article on
One of the issues at the center of the wave was the fees Disney charged YouTube TV to carry its channels.
DISNEY INCREASES PRICES OF STREAMING SERVICES
YouTube argued that it advocated for “fair pricing” and that the company would not agree to terms that it believed would disadvantage its members, YouTube TV said in an article on X.
The company said in a separate statement on its website that it is “proposing onerous economic terms” that would raise prices for YouTube TV customers and give them fewer choices.
The YouTube logo is visible on a Google stand during Media Days in Munich. (Matthias Balk/photo alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
YouTube said Disney’s decision to suspend its content on the platform “directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.”
AMAZON TO SHUT DOWN STREAMING APPLICATION AND MOVE CONTENT TO PRIME VIDEO PLATFORM
A Disney spokesperson placed the blame on YouTube TV, telling FOX Business that “YouTube TV has chosen to deny its subscribers the content they love most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC.” Disney said this includes “live sports programming – anchored by the NFL, NBA and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend.”
| Teleprinter | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAY | THE WALT DISNEY Company. | 111.84 | +1.60 |
+1.45% |
| ALPHABET INC. | 281.48 | +6.91 |
+2.52% |
|
“With a market capitalization of $3 trillion, Google is using its dominant market position to eliminate competition and undermine industry standard terms that we have successfully negotiated with every other retailer,” the spokesperson said. “We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to finding a solution as quickly as possible.”
AMAZON PRIME MEMBERS PREPARE FOR STICK STOCKING AS ANALYSTS WARN IMMINENT PRICE RISE
Disney+ splash screen on mobile phone. Disney+ online video, content streaming subscription service. Disney plus, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic. (iStock/iStock)
Meanwhile, YouTube said it continued to urge Disney to “constructively reach a fair agreement” that would restore its network to YouTube TV and that if nothing was resolved for an extended period of time, it would offer subscribers a $20 credit.
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This is the second recent battle YouTube TV has been involved in. Earlier this month, Daniel Alegre, CEO of TelevisaUnivision. accused Google of being “tone deaf” for removing Univision from YouTube TV and urged the tech giant to restore its access. Univision was discontinued from YouTube TV after the parties failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The YouTube TV logo is displayed on a smartphone. (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Viewers watching YouTube TV’s main package won’t have access to Univision and will have to pay an additional $14.99 per month on top of the $82.99 for the service, a move Alegre dubbed a “Hispanic tax.”
