ABC left YouTube TV in December 2022 over a contract dispute
ABC (along with ESPN and Disney Channel) was removed from YouTube TV on December 8, 2022, when Disney and Google could not agree on a new carriage agreement. YouTube TV had carried these channels since the service launched in 2015, but the two companies disagreed on the price Google would pay to keep them. Disney pulled the channels rather than renew at the rate Google offered.
The channels remained off YouTube TV for about a month. Google and Disney reached a new deal on January 18, 2023, and ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel returned to YouTube TV that same day. If you are a current YouTube TV subscriber, these channels should be available in your channel lineup now.
Key Takeaways
- ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel were removed from YouTube TV in December 2022 due to a contract disagreement between Google and Disney.
- The channels returned to YouTube TV on January 18, 2023, after the two companies reached a new carriage agreement.
- If you are a YouTube TV subscriber, ABC should appear in your channel list without any additional steps.
- During the blackout, YouTube TV offered a credit to subscribers affected by the missing channels.
Why YouTube TV and Disney had a dispute
Carriage disputes happen when a streaming service and a broadcaster cannot agree on how much the streamer should pay for the right to carry that channel. Google and Disney were far apart on price. Disney wanted a higher rate; Google said the rate was too high for what YouTube TV could sustain. These negotiations are common in the streaming world and often result in temporary blackouts.
YouTube TV had been paying Disney for ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel as part of its overall channel bundle. When the contract came up for renewal, Disney's asking price was significantly higher than what Google was willing to pay. Rather than accept Google's offer, Disney removed the channels to pressure Google into meeting its price.
What happened to YouTube TV subscribers during the blackout
YouTube TV subscribers lost access to ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel starting December 8, 2022. This meant no live broadcasts of ABC shows, sports on ESPN, or Disney Channel programming. Subscribers who relied on these channels for news, sports, or entertainment had to find other ways to watch.
YouTube TV offered a $15 credit to subscribers for each month the channels were unavailable. This was meant to offset the loss of service. The credit appeared automatically on subscriber accounts and could be applied to the next billing cycle. YouTube TV also allowed subscribers to pause their membership during the blackout if they wanted to avoid paying for a service missing major channels.
How to find ABC on YouTube TV now
If you are a YouTube TV subscriber, ABC should be in your channel lineup. Open the YouTube TV app or website and scroll through your channels. ABC typically appears in the main channel list alongside other broadcast networks. You can also search for "ABC" using the search function to jump directly to the channel.
If you do not see ABC in your channel list, try refreshing the app or signing out and back in. Sometimes the channel list takes a few minutes to update after a service restoration. If ABC still does not appear after refreshing, contact YouTube TV support through the app or website to confirm your account status.
Other streaming options for ABC if you do not have YouTube TV
If you do not subscribe to YouTube TV, you can watch ABC through several other services. Hulu with Live TV includes ABC in its channel bundle. Sling TV offers ABC as part of its Sling Blue package. FuboTV also carries ABC. Each service has different pricing and channel lineups, so compare what you need before choosing.
You can also watch ABC shows on-demand through the ABC app or website if you have a cable or streaming login from one of these services. Some ABC shows are available for free on the ABC website a day or two after they air. For live broadcasts, however, you will need either a live TV streaming service or a traditional cable subscription.
How carriage disputes affect streaming services
Carriage disputes are becoming more common as streaming services grow and broadcasters demand higher rates. When a major broadcaster like Disney pulls its channels, subscribers notice when ready. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and other live TV streamers all face these negotiations regularly with different networks.
These disputes can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on how far apart the two sides are on price. During a blackout, subscribers often switch to competitors that still carry the missing channels. This pressure usually pushes both sides to reach a deal faster. The cost of losing subscribers is often higher than the cost of agreeing on a new price.
What to do if channels disappear from your YouTube TV service
If you notice channels missing from your YouTube TV lineup in the future, check the YouTube TV support page or the app's notifications section. YouTube TV usually posts a notice explaining which channels are affected and why. The notice will also say whether a deal is being negotiated or if the blackout is expected to last.
If you depend on a specific channel for live events or shows, you have a few options. You can pause your YouTube TV membership until the channel returns, switch to a competing service that carries it, or use the ABC app or website to watch on-demand content. Keep in mind that on-demand content is usually available only after the live broadcast airs, not during live events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ABC on YouTube TV right now?
Yes. ABC returned to YouTube TV on January 18, 2023, and has remained available since then. If you are a YouTube TV subscriber, ABC should be in your channel list. If you do not see it, try refreshing the app or signing out and back in.
Will YouTube TV lose ABC again in the future?
It is possible. Carriage disputes happen regularly in the streaming industry. However, Google and Disney have now negotiated a deal, so ABC should remain on YouTube TV unless another dispute occurs when the contract comes up for renewal again.
Did YouTube TV refund me for the missing channels?
YouTube TV issued a $15 credit per month for each month ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel were unavailable. The credit was applied automatically to subscriber accounts. If you did not receive a credit, contact YouTube TV support to check your account.
What if I want to watch ABC but do not have YouTube TV?
You can watch ABC through Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, or a traditional cable subscription. You can also watch some ABC shows on-demand through the ABC app or website if you have a login from one of these services.
Why do carriage disputes happen?
Carriage disputes occur when a streaming service and a broadcaster disagree on the price the streamer should pay for the right to carry that channel. As streaming services grow, broadcasters demand higher rates. If the two sides cannot agree, the broadcaster may pull the channel to pressure the streamer into paying more.