Disney settles dispute with YouTube TV, allowing ABC and ESPN to return to channel lineups
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ESPN football is returning to YouTube TV after the service and the Walt Disney Co.settled their contentious contract dispute — ending the nearly 15-day blackout of Disney channels.The Disney-owned outlets and ABC station signals were being restored for YouTube TV’s 10 million customers, the companies announced late Friday.
The breakthrough came after the companies agreed on a new multi-year distribution deal for YouTube, which is owned by Google, replacing the previous pact that had expired Oct.30.Financial terms were not disclosed.“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Disney that preserves the value of our service for our subscribers and future flexibility in our offers,” YouTube said in a statement.
“We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”The announcement came one day after Disney talked tough.Disney’s chief financial officer appeared on CNBC, saying the Burbank company was willing to negotiate with Google “as long as they want to” rather than cave in.
Hollywood Inc.YouTube TV’s 10 million customers have been without Disney channels for two weeks; CEO Bob Iger told Wall Street analysts: “We’re trying really hard ...
working tirelessly to close this deal.”“This new agreement reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment and evolving with how audiences choose to watch,’’ Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden and ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said late Friday in a statement.“It recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice.
We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football,” Pitaro, Bergman and Walden said.YouTube said...