Disney and YouTube TV End Two-Week Blackout, Restore Must-See Channels

YouTube TV and Disney reached a deal Friday to end a two-week blackout, restoring Disney networks such as ABC, ESPN, and FX to the streaming TV service. As part of the agreement, ESPN's new direct-to-consumer service will also be made available on YouTube TV at no additional cost to subscribers. YouTube will now be able to offer select Disney networks and the Disney-Hulu bundle as part of various packages. The deal marks a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the two companies, which had left YouTube TV subscribers without access to Disney's popular programming. In a joint statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, described the deal as one that recognizes the tremendous value of Disney's programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice. "We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football," the executives said. The blackout, which began two weeks ago, had left YouTube TV subscribers without access to popular Disney networks such as ABC, ESPN, and FX. The dispute centered on the terms of the carriage agreement, with Disney seeking a significant increase in the fees it receives from YouTube TV for carrying its networks. The deal marks a significant victory for YouTube TV, which had been working to negotiate a new agreement with Disney. YouTube TV is a cable TV alternative that offers a range of channels and programming options to subscribers. The service has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many viewers turning to streaming services as a way to cut the cord on traditional cable TV. The deal with Disney is a significant development for YouTube TV, which will now be able to offer a wider range of channels and programming options to its subscribers. The deal also marks a significant shift in the way that Disney is distributing its content. The company's new direct-to-consumer service, which will be available on YouTube TV, allows viewers to access Disney's popular programming without the need for a traditional cable subscription. This marks a significant change in the way that Disney is thinking about its content distribution, and could have significant implications for the future of the media industry. YouTube also released a statement Friday, apologizing for the disruption caused by the blackout and thanking its subscribers for their patience. "We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers' patience as we negotiated on their behalf," the company said. The company also announced that subscribers would see the affected channels restored throughout the course of the day. The deal between YouTube TV and Disney is a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between the two companies. It remains to be seen how the deal will impact the future of the media industry, but it is clear that the deal marks a significant shift in the way that Disney is thinking about its content distribution.