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YouTube TV subscribers could lose access to Fox channels as early as this evening. The two companies are locked in a contract dispute over carriage fees, and the current agreement expires at 5 p.m. EST Wednesday.
Fox expressed disappointment with Google, YouTube TV’s parent company, accusing the tech giant of leveraging its market dominance to push for unfair terms. The broadcaster stressed its commitment to reaching a deal but warned viewers of a potential blackout if negotiations don’t progress.
YouTube TV has stated that subscribers will receive a $10 credit if the disruption continues for an extended period. The streaming service’s base plan, offering over 100 channels, currently costs $82.99 monthly.
Adding to the pressure, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr publicly urged Google to resolve the dispute quickly, highlighting the impact on millions of viewers who rely on YouTube TV for news and sports, particularly this week’s high-profile college football game between Texas and Ohio State.
These types of carriage disputes are common in the industry, often resolved at the last minute. However, they sometimes result in temporary channel blackouts until a new agreement is reached.
Earlier this year, YouTube TV had a similar standoff with Paramount Global, which was eventually resolved. According to Nielsen, YouTube TV is currently the most-watched streaming provider in terms of total viewing time.