For thousands of YouTube TV subscribers, the latest dispute between the Google-owned television service and Disney — resulting in ABC stations and channels like ESPN being blacked out — highlights a growing tension between streaming platforms and traditional media companies.
Television stations are primarily licensed to broadcast their signal over the air. In the analog era, a distant station may have been received with a snowy picture — or not at all — so engineers often placed the transmission antennas strategically atop mountains and near population centers to maximize potential viewership.
Some viewers at the time, due to terrain and other factors, couldn’t receive their local stations — so they built antennas to receive and re-amplify the signals for homes in affected areas. This system, called “community access” television, or CATV, paved the way for the cable television service.
Initially, regulations ensured that all local stations would be carried on cable systems, since they were free to view over the air. Due in part to cable systems starting to charge for CATV service, station owners petitioned to have the rules changed: they could stay a “must-carry” channel or elect to negotiate for compensation from the cable company, known as retransmission consent.
When cable carriers and channel programmers disagree on retransmission rates, they’re forced to black out any affected channel unless both parties come to an agreement. Even local stations, which are often owned by unrelated companies — not the networks — are forced to be blacked out by way of their affiliation agreement.
This kind of standoff isn’t new. Retransmission disputes have been happening for years on cable and satellite TV. The difference now is that they’re spilling into the streaming world — exactly where many viewers, especially students, turned to escape the rising costs of cable.
Disney, which owns ESPN and several other major networks, most likely wants to negotiate for a higher fee from YouTube TV for the right to carry its channels. YouTube TV, owned by Google, has argued that Disney is asking too much and that it’s trying to keep prices affordable for subscribers. Each side blames the other for threatening to pull channels or raise viewers’ monthly rates.
It’s a familiar script, but one that directly affects viewers every time these contracts expire: Subscribers often wake up to find key channels missing.
YouTube TV’s current base price under $100 a month makes it a popular choice for students who share subscriptions or use it as a family plan. But the ongoing disputes remind users that streaming isn’t immune from the same industry pressures that drove people away from cable in the first place.
Indeed, many FCC regulations which apply to cable and satellite systems — officially called multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) — also apply to “cable alternatives” like YouTube TV — officially called virtual MVPDs.
Students can stay informed through official service updates and reliable news outlets to stay up to date. YouTube TV typically posts real-time updates on its social media accounts and support page. Disney-owned networks also issue public statements when negotiations reach a critical point.
Content from some channels can also be available for free. Retransmission consent disputes will never affect a local station’s over-the-air broadcast signal, so a viewer within range can watch network affiliates and digital sub-channels using an antenna. Many local stations’ newscasts are also available through live streams on the stations’ webpage and apps for connected TVs.
For cable-only channels, a subscription service is necessary, but viewers may be able to find a better deal. Online tools like suppose.tv can help compare different services, but cable providers are location-based franchises in Connecticut. Some cable providers do offer out-of-home viewing, but any specifics and potential promotions should be confirmed.
Television stations and multichannel video programming distributors are required to negotiate in good faith, and oftentimes, disputes are resolved fairly quickly. Although some disruptions occur, staying informed and choosing the right service can decrease the potential inconvenience for viewers.