Media Distribution

Alphabet’s YouTube TV and Disney resolved their carriage dispute, restoring Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN after a two-week blackout. The agreement, reached after tough negotiations over carriage fees, ensures the return of live sports content crucial for viewers. YouTube TV offered subscribers a $20 credit during the disruption. Disney also committed to providing YouTube TV base plan subscribers with access to a selection of live and on-demand content from ESPN Unlimited, including ESPN+ content and new digital service offerings slated for later this year, at no additional cost by the end of 2026. The resolution reflects the ongoing tension between content providers and distributors in the evolving streaming landscape.