Finally, a sigh of relief for sports fans and streaming subscribers alike! After a tense standoff, the dust has settled in the battle between YouTube TV and Disney, bringing the ESPN family of networks back into the fold. For those of us who cut the cord, this is welcome news.
The good news arrived just in time for the weekend. After a couple of weeks of uncertainty and negotiation, Google and Disney reached an agreement, ensuring that Disney-owned channels, including the highly coveted ESPN networks, would once again be available on YouTube TV.
As a YouTube TV subscriber, I, like many others, received a reassuring email from the service. It read, in part: “We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV. You now have access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, and any recordings that were previously in your Library. Your personal preferences and recommendations are just as you left them.”
But here’s where it gets interesting: Remember that $20 credit Google offered to YouTube TV customers affected by the blackout? It’s still valid! So, if you weathered the storm and lived without your Disney fix for a couple of weeks, you’ve essentially earned a discount on your next bill.
And this is the part most people miss: While the credit is a nice gesture, the real impact was felt by sports enthusiasts. The absence of ESPN and ABC meant missing out on a significant portion of college football and other major sporting events.
I, for one, am happy to have the channels back and will gladly take that $20. But, let’s be honest, missing out on live sports is a major inconvenience.
What do you think? Were you affected by the blackout? Do you think the $20 credit was adequate compensation? Do you agree that these disputes are becoming too common? Share your thoughts in the comments below!