NBCUniversal Warns of YouTube TV Blackout Over Carriage Contract Dispute

NBCUniversal Could Be Headed for YouTube TV Blackout: Carriage Contract Talks Stall In a move that could leave millions of subscribers without access to popular NBCUniversal channels, the media giant has informed YouTube TV users that its networks may be pulled from the service due to an impasse in carriage contract negotiations. The current agreement between the two companies expires on September 30. According to sources close to the matter, NBCUniversal began notifying YouTube TV subscribers on Thursday evening that its networks, including MSNBC and Sky News, may no longer be available on the platform if a new deal is not reached. This development comes as YouTube TV has faced similar carriage contract showdowns with Fox Corp. and TelevisaUnivision in recent weeks. "We are working diligently to reach an agreement with NBCUniversal, but we cannot comment further at this time," said a YouTube spokesperson. "We will continue to provide updates on any changes to our channel lineup." The impasse between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV highlights the ongoing tension between media companies and streaming services over carriage contract terms. The current agreement between the two companies was negotiated in 2021, with a short extension agreed upon when talks went down to the wire. Industry experts attribute the stalemate to disagreements over revenue sharing, content licensing fees, and other contractual terms. "The landscape of media distribution is rapidly changing, and these carriage contract disputes reflect the challenges that traditional media companies face in adapting to new technologies and business models," said Mark Cooper, director of research at the Consumer Federation of America. As the September 30 deadline approaches, subscribers are bracing for the possibility of a blackout. "I'm worried about losing access to my favorite shows on NBCUniversal channels," said Emily Chen, a YouTube TV subscriber from New York City. "I hope they can reach an agreement soon." The carriage contract dispute between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV is just one of several high-profile negotiations currently underway in the media industry. As streaming services continue to grow in popularity, traditional media companies are seeking to adapt their business models to remain competitive. In related news, a separate pact between YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision also expires on September 30. The two companies have been negotiating a new deal for several months, but no agreement has been reached yet. The outcome of the NBCUniversal-YouTube TV carriage contract dispute remains uncertain, with both parties maintaining a tight-lipped stance on the negotiations. As the deadline approaches, subscribers are advised to stay tuned for updates and potential changes to their channel lineup. Background: The current agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV was negotiated in 2021. A short extension was agreed upon when talks went down to the wire. The carriage contract dispute highlights the ongoing tension between media companies and streaming services over revenue sharing, content licensing fees, and other contractual terms. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts attribute the stalemate to disagreements over revenue sharing, content licensing fees, and other contractual terms. Traditional media companies are seeking to adapt their business models to remain competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Current Status and Next Developments: The carriage contract dispute between NBCUniversal and YouTube TV remains unresolved as of September 25. Subscribers are advised to stay tuned for updates and potential changes to their channel lineup. A separate pact between YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision also expires on September 30, with no agreement reached yet. *Reporting by Variety.*