Paramount Global Channels on YouTube TV Facing Removal
Paramount Global has notified YouTube TV subscribers that over 20 channels, including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, could be removed from service as early as Thursday, February 13.
Other Paramount channels at risk include CBS Sports Network, Paramount Network, CMT, Nick Jr., Smithsonian Channel, TV Land, and VH1. Additionally, the dispute threatens to discontinue the Paramount+ and BET+ subscription services from YouTube TV Primetime Channels.
CBS stations nationwide will be dropped if a deal cannot be reached. Ten local stations operated by CBS News and Stations may also go dark in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tampa Bay.
YouTube TV users would lose access to past recordings of Paramount content in the event of a blackout.
YouTube has expressed its commitment to reaching a fair agreement with Paramount without passing on additional costs to subscribers. However, Paramount alleges that YouTube TV is pressuring it into unfavorable terms.
YouTube TV subscribers will receive an $8 credit if Paramount content remains unavailable for an extended period. Users can also access Paramount shows and movies via Paramount+, starting at $7.99 per month.
The dispute follows YouTube TV's recent $10 per month price increase. Paramount emphasizes its commitment to amicable negotiations and its role as an essential content provider for YouTube TV subscribers.
YouTube TV, launched in 2017, has over 8 million subscribers, making it the largest internet-delivered pay-TV service in the US. Paramount Global's co-CEOs have stated their intention to maintain and improve partnerships with distributors while recognizing the value of their brands and programming.
YouTube TV has a history of contract disputes with programmers, including a two-day blackout of Disney channels in 2021. The company has also clashed with NBCUniversal but eventually reached agreements.