YouTube TV and Paramount Negotiations: An Update
Original Announcement (2/12)
YouTube TV has announced that negotiations with Paramount have reached an impasse, resulting in a failure to reach an agreement. Consequently, starting February 14, 2023, all Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be removed from YouTube TV’s lineup.
The following Paramount channels will be affected across the Base plan, Spanish plan, and various add-ons:
- CBS
- CBS Sports Network
- CBS Sports HQ
- MTV
- Nickelodeon
- Nick Jr.
- Comedy Central
- BET
- VH1
- Paramount Network
- Smithsonian Channel
- TV Land
Additionally, DVR recordings of these channels will no longer be accessible after the February 13th deadline.
Potential Impact on Subscribers
YouTube TV is offering an $8 credit to subscribers if the Paramount content remains unavailable for an extended period. This credit is intended as a partial offset for the cost of a standalone Paramount+ subscription, which offers many of the same channels.
Negotiations and Communication
YouTube TV emphasizes that they have been actively pursuing a fair agreement with Paramount to maintain their channels on the platform without imposing additional costs on subscribers. Negotiations remain ongoing.
Historical Context
Contract disputes between streaming services and content providers are not uncommon in the industry. In recent years, notable battles have been fought with NBC in 2021 and Disney in the same year.
Paramount Global’s Merger
Paramount Global is currently undergoing a merger with Skydance Media, which may be contributing to the complexity of the negotiations with YouTube TV.
Subscriber Reaction
The news of the potential Paramount content removal has generated mixed reactions from YouTube TV subscribers. Some have expressed frustration, while others hope that a resolution can be reached before the February 13th deadline.
Alternative Content
In the event that Paramount content is removed from YouTube TV, subscribers may seek alternative streaming options. Paramount+ offers a standalone subscription service, and other streaming services such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV include CBS in their channel lineups.
Conclusion
The ongoing negotiations between YouTube TV and Paramount remain fluid. As the February 13th deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached to keep Paramount content available on YouTube TV. Subscribers are advised to monitor the situation and explore alternative options if necessary.
