Disney Urges Google to Restore ABC on YouTube TV for Election Coverage Amid Stalled Deal
Entertainment giant Disney has publicly pressed Alphabet's YouTube TV to reinstate its ABC network ahead of U.S. Election Day, framing the MOVE as a public service. The standoff follows Disney's removal of its channels—including ESPN and ABC—from YouTube TV after failing to reach a distribution agreement. The previous contract lapsed October 30.
YouTube TV, Google's streaming platform with 10 million subscribers, had warned of the blackout unless Disney adjusted what it called "costly economic terms." The impasse leaves viewers without access to key election coverage, including gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey and New York's mayoral contest.
Neither party has shown willingness to concede. Disney emphasizes civic duty while Google cites unsustainable pricing. The dispute underscores broader tensions between content creators and distributors in the cord-cutting era.
