Google to Fox: No more Fox Channels on YouTube TV if…

YouTube has announced that

YouTube TV

subscribers are facing a potential blackout of

Fox channels

as a

contract dispute

between Google-owned YouTube and Fox enters its final hours. The Google-owned company says that if a new agreement is not reached by 5:00 PM ET on August 27, popular channels like Fox News, Fox Business, and Fox Sports will be removed from the service.

Why YouTube is removing access to Fox channels from YouTube TV

The core of the dispute centres on the cost of carrying Fox's content. YouTube TV stated that Fox is "asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive." The streaming service's priority is to secure a deal that is fair for both companies without raising costs for its subscribers.In a message to subscribers, YouTube TV acknowledged the frustration and said it is working diligently to reach a resolution. The company is offering a $10 credit to subscribers if the Fox content remains unavailable for an extended period.“We are working diligently with the team at Fox to reach an agreement. We know this uncertainty is frustrating, and if Fox content becomes unavailable for an extended period of time, we will provide our members with a $10 credit. In the meantime, in the event that Fox content becomes unavailable, you will still be able to watch their shows and sports by signing up for Fox One,” YouTube said.

Why this is big for subscribers and Fox channels

The standoff comes at a critical time for sports fans, as a blackout would cut off access to upcoming NFL and college football games. This situation is particularly significant for the millions of viewers who have "cut the cord" and rely on streaming services like YouTube TV for live sports. The potential loss of viewers could also impact advertisers.Meanwhile, Fox said, “While Fox remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with Google’s YouTube TV, we are disappointed that Google continually exploits its outsized influence by proposing terms that are out of step with the marketplace.”While the current situation is tense, similar standoffs have occurred in the past. In February, Paramount Global issued a similar warning to YouTube TV subscribers, but the two companies ultimately reached a multi-year deal just before the deadline.