If you are a user of YouTube TVprepare for a possible unpleasant surprise in the next few days: the contract between the platform and Fox The end of the August 27 And, today, both parties have not closed a renewal. This means that, if they do not agree before that time, Fox channels could disappear from the YouTube TV offer Overnight.
What channels are at risk?
The channels that would be out include Fox News, Fox Business, Fox Sports and the Big Ten Network. For millions of subscribers this is not just losing opinion or economy channels: in many local markets, Fox is also the chain that transmits NFL matchesso the interruption could leave subscribers without access to American football matches Already important university meetings, just when the season starts.
The negotiation is complicated for several reasons: prices, scope and the moment (the university football season and the NFL are just around the corner, when the demand to see these matches shoots).
In addition, we must add that Fox has recently launched its own direct package to the consumer –Fox One-, What changes the board and add different commercial incentives for Fox. That new DTC offer could be influencing Fox’s strategy when asking for conditions in negotiation with traditional operators such as YouTube TV.
Alternatives for users
In the public exchange of accusations, YouTube TV (Google) states that Fox is asking for significantly greater payments that those who receive other suppliers with similar content, which would justify their resistance to accept the current proposal.
For its part, Fox accuses Google of using his market power to impose unfavorable conditions and prioritize their own interests above a “fair” agreement for spectators. The tone is typical of a tense negotiation: cross faults and public pressure to influence the other part.
From the YouTube TV side, the platform has tried to mitigate the blow to the users announcing that If the dispute is prolonged, there is the option to hire Fox One separately and that the platform could offer A $ 10 loan dollars to the members if the Fox content is out “for an extended period.” That sounds like a patch, not a solution: pay for another additional service or accept a small loan does not compensate for the instant loss of channels within an already hired package.
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