YouTube TV subscribers are starting to receive $10 credits as a dispute with Disney continues, leading to the blackout of Disney-owned channels on the streaming service. This move comes after the companies failed to reach a new carriage agreement last week, impacting millions of viewers.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV is issuing $10 credits to some subscribers.
- The credits are not automatically applied and require manual acceptance.
- Not all subscribers appear to be eligible for the credit.
- Disney channels, including ABC, ESPN, and FX, remain unavailable.
- The dispute has continued for over a week with no resolution in sight.
Subscribers See First Credits
Many YouTube TV users have begun to notice a $10 credit appearing in their accounts. This credit is a partial fulfillment of a previous promise by YouTube TV to offer compensation if Disney content remained unavailable for an extended period.
Initially, the streaming service indicated it would provide a $20 credit. The current $10 credit suggests a phased approach or a re-evaluation of the compensation amount based on the duration of the blackout.
Quick Fact
The blackout affects a wide range of popular channels including ABC, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, and Disney Channel.
How to Access Your Credit
It is important for subscribers to know that the credit is not automatically added to their monthly bill. Users must actively claim it.
To find the credit, subscribers need to visit the YouTube TV desktop site. From there, they should navigate to their account management page. Under the 'Settings' menu, then 'Membership', and finally 'Manage Plan', users can accept the credit if it is available for their account.
Once accepted, the $10 credit will be applied to their next monthly billing cycle, reducing their payment.
"We understand this is frustrating for our members. We are working to restore Disney content as quickly as possible," a YouTube TV representative stated.
Eligibility and Future Compensation
Not all YouTube TV subscribers appear to be eligible for the current $10 credit. The criteria for eligibility have not been fully disclosed by YouTube TV. This has led to some confusion among the subscriber base.
There have also been unconfirmed reports of some users being offered $10 credits for six months, totaling $60. However, YouTube TV has not officially confirmed these longer-term compensation plans.
Background on the Dispute
Carriage disputes between content providers and streaming services are common. These negotiations often involve fees paid by the streaming platform to carry the networks. When agreements expire without renewal, channels are often pulled from the service until a new deal is reached.
Impact on Viewers and Programming
The absence of Disney-owned channels has significantly impacted viewers. Sports fans have lost access to ESPN, affecting college football and other major sporting events. Families have lost Disney Channel programming, and news viewers are without ABC News.
Disney had specifically requested YouTube TV to restore ABC News for Election Day coverage. However, this request was reportedly rejected by YouTube TV as negotiations continued.
- Affected Channels: ABC, ESPN, FX, Freeform, National Geographic, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD.
- Key Programming Missed: Live sports, prime-time network shows, children's programming, news broadcasts.
The ongoing blackout highlights the complexities of content distribution in the modern streaming landscape. Both companies are under pressure to resolve the issue and restore programming for their respective audiences.
Subscribers are encouraged to regularly check their account settings for any further updates or available credits as the situation evolves.
