Fox Channels, YouTubeTV Avoid Blackout...For Now

YouTube TV and Fox Corporation reached a short-term contract extension, averting a potential blackout of Fox-owned channels, including Fox News, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, Fox Business, Fox Deportes, and local Fox stations. 

The agreement came just before the 5 p.m. ET deadline Wednesday when their previous carriage deal was set to expire. The extension ensures that YouTube TV’s estimated 8-10 million subscribers continue to have access to key programming, such as the high-profile Texas vs. Ohio State college football game, NFL broadcasts, and Major League Baseball games, as well as popular shows like Fox News’ “The Five” and “Hannity.”

The dispute centered on programming fees, with YouTube TV arguing that Fox was demanding payments higher than those of comparable content providers, while Fox accused Google, YouTube’s parent company, of pushing for unfair terms. YouTube TV emphasized its commitment to a fair deal without passing additional costs to subscribers, offering a $10 credit if a blackout were to occur for an extended period. 

The short-term extension allows both parties to continue negotiations toward a long-term agreement without disrupting viewers, particularly ahead of the NFL and college football seasons.