Following a dispute with Disney, YouTube TV has begun rolling out credits to users impacted by the blackout of major Disney channels.
YouTube TV subscribers are getting a $20 sorry from the streaming service as a bitter contract dispute with Disney enters its second week, leaving customers without key channels like ESPN, ABC, and the Disney Channel.
The $20 credit, which will be applied to the next billing cycle, is a direct response to the frustrating channel blackout that began around November 1st after Google and Disney failed to agree on a new carriage deal.
For subscribers, the timing couldn't be worse. The blackout has wiped out access to major live sports, including college football, the start of the college basketball season, and the NFL's Monday Night Football, a massive blow for one of the key demographics of the live TV service.
In an email to subscribers, the YouTube TV team acknowledged the disappointment and thanked users for their patience. The company stated it is still working in ‘good faith’ to reach a deal that pays Disney ‘fairly’ for its content.
Behind the scenes, a familiar blame game is in full swing. YouTube (owned by Google) has accused Disney of demanding an unprecedented fee increase. Disney, in turn, claims YouTube is insisting on ‘preferential terms that are below market.’
How to Get Your $20 Credit
The good news for frustrated customers is that the credit is on its way!
YouTube TV is sending out emails to all subscribers with instructions on how to redeem the $20 credit. These emails are expected to land in inboxes over the next few days, by around November 12th.
While the $20 is a welcome gesture, it remains a temporary fix. It's still unclear if this is a one-time offer or if more credits will be issued should the blackout continue, leaving millions of viewers stuck in the middle of the corporate standoff.
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