YouTube TV Loses Paramount Channels as Negotiations Fail
Negotiations between YouTube TV and Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS and CBS Sports, have reached an impasse, resulting in the removal of Paramount channels from the popular streaming service. This significant change to YouTube TV’s content lineup will take effect on February 13, 2023, leaving subscribers without access to popular channels and major sporting events.
In a statement, YouTube expressed its regret over the failed negotiations, acknowledging that both parties had made efforts to reach a fair agreement. However, specific reasons for the breakdown in talks remain undisclosed.
Affected Channels
Effective February 13, 2023, the following Paramount channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV:
- CBS
- CBS Sports
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
- BET+
Additionally, CBS News affiliates will be unavailable in certain areas. A comprehensive list of affected channels and locations can be found here.
Impact on Subscribers
YouTube TV subscribers who rely on Paramount channels for their entertainment and sports fix will be disappointed by this development. The loss of CBS and CBS Sports means missing out on popular shows and major sporting events, including:
- NFL games
- NCAA March Madness
- The Masters Golf Tournament
To mitigate the impact, YouTube TV will provide an $8 credit to subscribers for the duration of the content outage. As of February 2023, the service had over 8 million subscribers, according to CEO Neal Mohan.
Alternative Viewing Options
While Paramount channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV, viewers still have several options for accessing their content:
- Paramount+ streaming service: Subscribers can sign up for Paramount+ directly to stream CBS, CBS Sports, and other Paramount-owned channels.
- Traditional cable TV providers: Paramount channels are still available through traditional cable TV providers such as Comcast, Spectrum, and DirecTV.
- Other streaming services: Select Paramount channels may be available on other streaming services, such as FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV.
Ongoing Negotiations
Despite the failed negotiations, YouTube and Paramount Global have expressed a willingness to continue discussions. It is possible that a deal could be reached in the future, restoring Paramount channels to YouTube TV.
Conclusion
The loss of Paramount channels from YouTube TV is a significant setback for the streaming service. Subscribers who value access to CBS and CBS Sports will need to consider alternative viewing options. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached to bring Paramount channels back to YouTube TV.
