YouTube TV customers may soon lose access to NBCUniversal networks.
The carriage deal between YouTube TV and NBCUniversal expires on Tuesday, setting up the potential for a blackout. If a new agreement isn’t struck, NBCUniversal networks will no longer be available on the streaming service.
NBC programming on YouTube TV includes NBC and Telemundo broadcast channels, NBC Sports regional networks, CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo, and USA Network, among others.
“Google, with its $3 trillion market cap, already controls what Americans see online through search and ads—now it wants to control what we watch,” an NBCUniversal spokesperson said. “YouTube TV has refused the best rates and terms in the market, demanding preferential treatment and seeking an unfair advantage over competitors to dominate the video marketplace— all under the false pretense of fighting for the consumer.
“The result: YouTube TV customers will lose access to NBCUniversal’s premium programming, including Sunday Night Football, NBA, Big Ten Football, WWE, Premier League, Saturday Night Live, The Voice, The Real Housewives, and much more.”
In a statement last week, YouTube said it would issue subscribers a $10 credit if NBC programming is unavailable on the platform for “an extended period of time.”
“NBCUniversal is asking us to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for our subscribers,” the company added.
When asked for comment Tuesday, a YouTube spokesperson said the company did not have an update to share beyond its initial statement.
“But we continue to negotiate in good faith ahead of this evening’s deadline to avoid disruption to our subscribers,” the spokesperson added.
The last negotiation between YouTube and NBCUniversal in 2021 also went down to the wire. The two companies agreed to a short-term extension to avoid a blackout before striking a multi-year pact.
YouTube just last month was involved in a similar negotiation with Fox, reaching a long-term carriage deal after a short-term extension was put in place to avoid broadcast disruptions.
NBCUniversal has carriage deals with several other streaming services, including Fubo, Hulu Live and SlingTV. Peacock, meanwhile, offers over 50 streaming channels and access to live sports like Sunday Night Football. NBC’s regional sports networks are also available via Peacock as an add-on subscription.
Editor’s note: NBCUniversal Local is part of NBCUniversal.
