Paramount Global is warning YouTube TV users that over 20 channels, including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, could disappear as early as February 13. Other channels at risk include CBS Sports Network, Paramount Network, CMT, Nick Jr., Smithsonian Channel, TV Land, and VH1. The dispute could also remove Paramount+ and BET+ from YouTube TV Primetime Channels.
A Paramount spokesperson said, “YouTube TV is trying to force Paramount into agreeing to unfair terms, and these demands could lead to the removal of Paramount’s networks, along with Paramount+ and BET+, on February 13.”
YouTube TV Paramount Dispute
In a blog post, YouTube shared, “We’ve been working hard to reach a fair deal with Paramount to keep their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, on YouTube TV without raising costs for subscribers. Sadly, we haven’t succeeded yet despite good-faith talks.” It added, “Paramount is an important partner, and this isn’t the outcome we want. We’re still in active discussions and hope to reach an agreement to keep their content on YouTube TV.”
YouTube stated that if it can’t reach a deal with Paramount and its content is unavailable for a long period, YouTube TV subscribers can claim an $8 credit at tv.youtube.com. The company also mentioned that users can watch Paramount shows and movies by subscribing to Paramount+, starting at $7.99/month.
YouTube TV loses CBS
If the two sides can’t reach an agreement, CBS stations across the country will be removed from YouTube TV. Additionally, 10 other local stations from the CBS News and Stations division could go dark in cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, and Tampa Bay.
What Paramount Has to Say?
A Paramount spokesperson said, “We’ve made several fair offers to maintain our long-standing partnership with YouTube TV, ensuring subscribers can access all of Paramount’s entertainment, news, and sports content. Paramount is a key partner with a strong lineup of channels on YouTube TV, including CBS, America’s most-watched network, and hit shows like Yellowstone on Paramount Network, the top cable entertainment show.”
What’s Ahead for the Subscribers?
The co-CEOs of Paramount said, “Many of you, your families, and friends may be YouTube TV subscribers, so please feel free to share a link to KeepParamount.com, which will be updated with relevant news and information.” They also said that the company will keep looking for better ways to reach a fair agreement with YouTube in the future.
Like most pay-TV providers, YouTube TV has faced contract disputes with programmers in the past. In 2021, it had a two-day blackout of Disney channels before reaching a deal. That year, NBCUniversal’s YouTube TV deal also expired, but they agreed to a short-term extension before finalizing a long-term contract.
