Fox and YouTube TV reached a carriage agreement in September 2024
Yes. After a blackout that lasted from September 1 to September 12, 2024, Fox and YouTube TV announced they had reached a new carriage agreement. This means YouTube TV subscribers regained access to Fox broadcast channels, Fox-owned cable networks, and regional sports networks that carry local teams.
The blackout affected major networks including Fox, FS1, Fox Business, and regional sports channels in markets across the country. During those 12 days, YouTube TV subscribers could not watch live broadcasts, sports, or on-demand content from these channels. The dispute centered on how much YouTube TV would pay Fox for the right to carry these channels to its subscribers.
Key Takeaways
- Fox and YouTube TV's carriage dispute lasted 12 days in September 2024, during which subscribers lost access to Fox broadcast and cable networks.
- The agreement restored access to Fox, FS1, Fox Business, and regional sports networks that carry local teams in your area.
- Carriage agreements are contracts between streaming services and content owners that determine which channels appear in your lineup and what the service pays for them.
- These disputes happen regularly across the streaming industry when contracts expire and companies disagree on pricing or terms.
Why Fox and YouTube TV had a dispute
Carriage agreements between streaming services and broadcasters expire on set dates. When Fox's agreement with YouTube TV was set to expire on August 31, 2024, the two companies could not agree on the terms of a new contract. The main disagreement was typically over the cost YouTube TV would pay Fox for carrying its channels.
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that carries broadcast and cable channels. Fox owns a large portfolio of channels that many viewers want to watch—including the Fox broadcast network, sports networks like FS1, and regional sports networks that carry local teams. Because these channels are valuable to YouTube TV's subscribers, Fox had leverage to demand higher fees. YouTube TV, meanwhile, wanted to keep its costs down to maintain competitive pricing for customers.
This type of dispute is common in the streaming and cable industries. When contracts expire, content owners and distributors often reach an impasse before eventually settling on new terms. The blackout period is the leverage point: the longer it lasts, the more pressure both sides feel to reach a deal.
What channels came back after the agreement
Once the agreement was reached on September 12, YouTube TV subscribers regained access to Fox's full slate of channels. This included the main Fox broadcast network, which carries primetime shows, sports events, and news programming. Subscribers also got back FS1, Fox's national sports cable network, and Fox Business, which carries financial and business news.
The agreement also restored regional sports networks in markets where they operate. These networks carry local professional and college sports teams. If you live in a market with a regional sports network—such as Bally Sports networks in various regions—your access to local team broadcasts returned with this agreement.
How carriage agreements work
A carriage agreement is a contract between a streaming service or cable provider and a content owner (like Fox) that grants the right to distribute that content to paying subscribers. Without a carriage agreement, the streaming service cannot legally carry those channels.
These agreements specify several things: which channels are included, what the distributor will pay per subscriber per month, how long the agreement lasts, and what happens if either side wants to change the terms. The cost is usually calculated as a per-subscriber fee—for example, Fox might charge YouTube TV a certain amount for each person who subscribes to the service.
When an agreement expires, both sides negotiate a new one. If they cannot reach terms before the expiration date, the content is blacked out. This happened with Fox and YouTube TV in September 2024. The blackout continues until a new agreement is signed, at which point the channels return to the service when ready.
Why these disputes happen regularly
Content owners like Fox want higher fees because their channels draw viewers and advertising revenue. Streaming services want lower fees to keep their subscription prices competitive and their profit margins healthy. As streaming has grown, these negotiations have become more contentious because traditional cable is declining and content owners are trying to make up revenue losses by charging streaming services more.
Regional sports networks are often the flashpoint in these disputes because they carry local teams that fans will not watch anywhere else. YouTube TV subscribers in markets with valuable regional sports networks are especially affected by blackouts, because they cannot easily find that content on other services.
The September 2024 Fox dispute was resolved relatively quickly compared to some others in the industry. Other carriage disputes have lasted weeks or even months, leaving subscribers without access to major networks for extended periods.
What to do if a blackout affects your channels
If you are a YouTube TV subscriber and a carriage dispute causes a blackout, you have a few options. First, check YouTube TV's website or app for updates on the dispute and expected resolution date. YouTube TV typically posts notices about ongoing blackouts in the app and on its support pages.
During a blackout, you can still watch other channels that are not affected by the dispute. You can also use YouTube TV's cloud DVR feature to watch recorded content from before the blackout, if you had recorded anything from the affected channels.
If you need access to the blacked-out channels during a dispute, you can temporarily switch to another service that carries them—such as cable, another streaming service, or the broadcaster's own app if they offer one. Some broadcasters offer free streaming of major events during carriage disputes, though this is not may provide.
How to stay informed about future disputes
Carriage agreements expire regularly, and disputes can happen with any network. To stay informed, check YouTube TV's support page or app notifications before major sports events or seasonal programming changes. YouTube TV usually notifies subscribers when a carriage agreement is at risk of expiring.
You can also follow news coverage of carriage disputes from major tech and media outlets. These disputes are often reported in advance, giving you time to plan if you know a blackout might happen.
If you rely on specific channels—particularly regional sports networks—it is worth knowing when those agreements expire. You can contact YouTube TV's support team to ask about upcoming contract renewals for channels you watch regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my channels are blacked out?
YouTube TV does not automatically refund subscribers during carriage blackouts. However, you can contact YouTube TV's support team to request a credit or refund if you feel the blackout significantly affected your service. Some subscribers have reported receiving partial credits after extended blackouts, though this is handled case by case.
Why does Fox have so much power in these negotiations?
Fox owns a large portfolio of valuable channels, including the Fox broadcast network and regional sports networks. Because many YouTube TV subscribers specifically want access to these channels—especially for sports—Fox can demand higher fees. YouTube TV needs Fox's content to remain competitive with other streaming services.
Will this happen again?
Yes. Carriage disputes are common in the streaming and cable industries. Fox's agreement with YouTube TV will expire again in the future, and disputes may occur at that time or with other networks. These blackouts are a recurring part of how the streaming TV industry operates.
Can I watch Fox on other services during a blackout?
Yes. You can watch Fox content through cable, other streaming services that carry Fox, or Fox's own streaming app (Fox Now) if you have a cable login. Some major events may also be available through the network's website or other platforms during disputes.
How long do these blackouts usually last?
Blackout length varies widely. The Fox and YouTube TV dispute in September 2024 lasted 12 days. Other disputes have lasted anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how far apart the two sides are on pricing and terms.