YouTube TV loses Disney channels

Millions blocked from ESPN, ABC and more after a breakdown in contract negotiations.

- By MEG JAMES

ESPN IS ONE channel YouTube TV customers no longer have access to after failed talks with Disney.

(DAVID KOHL Associated Press)

More than 10 million YouTube TV customers have lost access to ESPN, ABC and other Walt Disney Co. channels after contract talks broke down in one of the largest television blackouts in recent years.

The Disney networks were dropped from YouTube TV shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, interrupting “SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt” on ESPN and “9-11: Nashville” and “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC.

The two TV giants have been wrangling for weeks over carriage fees for Disney’s channels, including FX, Disney Jr, and National Geographic. YouTube TV — now one of the largest pay-TVservices in the U.S. —has balked at Disney’s price demands, fueling the dispute that has spilled beyond Thursday’s deadline for a new deal.

Without an agreement, Google-owned YouTube TV no longer had legal rights to distribute Disney’s channels.

“We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers,” a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement. “We continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV.”

Should the outage stretch for “an extended period,” YouTube said it would offer subscribers a $20 credit.

The blackout highlights heightened tensions in the television industry.

Programming companies, including Disney, have sought higher fees for their channels to help offset the increased cost of sports programming, including NFL and NBA contracts.

But pay-TV providers such as YouTube have pushed back, attempting to draw a line as customers grow weary of ever-increasing monthly bills.