ABC and YouTube TV are not currently in active negotiations

As of the most recent updates, ABC and YouTube TV are not negotiating a carriage agreement. ABC pulled its channels from YouTube TV in December 2022 after the two sides failed to reach a deal on pricing and terms. The channels have remained off the platform since then, meaning YouTube TV subscribers cannot watch ABC, ESPN, or other Disney-owned networks through their YouTube TV subscription.

The breakdown happened because Disney (which owns ABC and ESPN) and Google could not agree on what YouTube TV should pay to carry those channels. Disney wanted higher fees; Google resisted. Without an agreement in place, Disney has the right to remove its content, and that is what happened. As of now, there are no public statements from either company indicating they are actively working toward a new deal.

Key Takeaways

  • ABC, ESPN, and other Disney networks have been unavailable on YouTube TV since December 2022, and no active negotiations are currently underway.
  • The original dispute centered on carriage fees — how much YouTube TV would pay Disney to carry these channels.
  • YouTube TV subscribers who want to watch ABC programming have to use a separate service or over-the-air antenna.
  • Past disputes between YouTube TV and other networks have sometimes lasted months or years before resolution.

Why ABC left YouTube TV in the first place

Disney removed ABC, ESPN, and its other networks from YouTube TV because the two companies disagreed on money. YouTube TV wanted to pay less per subscriber for Disney content; Disney wanted more. When negotiations stalled, Disney exercised its contractual right to pull the channels rather than renew the agreement at terms it found unacceptable.

This kind of dispute is common in the streaming and cable television business. Networks and platforms negotiate carriage fees every few years, and sometimes those negotiations break down. The difference is that YouTube TV is a streaming service with no physical infrastructure, so when a channel leaves, it straightforward disappears from the app — there is no technician to call or equipment to remove.

What YouTube TV subscribers lost

When ABC left, YouTube TV subscribers lost access to ABC's broadcast signal, which carries primetime shows, sports, and news. They also lost ESPN and ESPN2, which are cable channels owned by Disney. Depending on the subscriber's location, they may have also lost FX, National Geographic, or other Disney-owned networks that were part of the same carriage agreement.

The loss affected different viewers differently. Someone who watches only ABC's primetime lineup might have found a workaround quickly. Someone who depends on ESPN for sports coverage faced a bigger problem, because ESPN is not available on many other streaming services at the same price point.

How other YouTube TV disputes have been resolved

YouTube TV has had carriage disputes with other networks before. In 2019, YouTube TV and Sinclair Broadcast Group (which owns many local stations) had a standoff that lasted about a month. In 2021, YouTube TV and Fox had a dispute that lasted roughly two weeks. In both cases, the two sides eventually reached a deal and the channels returned.

The ABC dispute has lasted much longer — nearly two years as of early 2024 — which suggests the gap between what Disney is asking and what Google is willing to pay is wider than in past disputes. Neither company has publicly stated a timeline for resolution, and both have shown willingness to let the dispute continue rather than accept unfavorable terms.

Alternatives for watching ABC without YouTube TV

If you subscribe to YouTube TV and want to watch ABC, you have several options. The simplest is an over-the-air antenna, which picks up ABC's broadcast signal for free in most markets. You can buy a basic antenna for under $30, and it will give you access to ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and other broadcast networks.

You can also watch ABC through the ABC app or ABC.com if you have a cable or streaming subscription that includes ABC — such as Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, or traditional cable. Some ABC shows are available on Hulu the day after they air, though not all programming is included. Disney+ and ESPN+ are separate services that do not carry ABC's broadcast programming.

What to watch for if negotiations resume

If YouTube TV and Disney begin negotiating again, you will likely see announcements from both companies before any deal is reached. In the past, negotiations have sometimes been announced publicly only after they conclude. However, if talks are active, one or both companies may issue a statement saying they are "working toward a resolution" or similar language.

If a deal is reached, ABC and its sister networks would return to YouTube TV, usually within hours or a day. YouTube TV would likely send a notification to subscribers letting them know the channels are back. There is no may provide that a deal will happen, and there is no public timeline for when one might occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund from YouTube TV because ABC is not available?

YouTube TV's terms of service allow the company to remove channels due to carriage disputes. You cannot force a refund based on a missing channel, but you can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty. Some subscribers have chosen to pause their YouTube TV subscription and switch to another service until ABC returns.

Will YouTube TV lower my bill if ABC stays off the platform?

YouTube TV has not lowered its base price due to the ABC dispute. The company has occasionally offered promotional pricing to new subscribers, but these are not related to missing channels. If you feel the service is no longer worth the price without ABC, you can cancel and switch to a competitor.

Is there any way to know when ABC will come back to YouTube TV?

No. Neither YouTube TV nor Disney has announced a timeline or even confirmed that negotiations are happening. The best way to stay informed is to check YouTube TV's official Twitter account or blog, where the company posts updates about major carriage changes.

Do other streaming services have ABC right now?

Yes. Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and traditional cable providers all carry ABC. If you want to watch ABC while YouTube TV and Disney are in dispute, switching to one of these services is an option, though they may cost more or offer different channel lineups than YouTube TV.