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There’s no end in sight for the YouTube TV-Disney feud.
Nearly three weeks ago, Disney removed its networks, including ESPN, from YouTube TV amid a dispute over carriage fees.
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that there was “potential momentum” for a deal to get done in recent days.
Via The Athletic
“There is potential renewed momentum on a deal between YouTube TV and Disney that could restore ESPN to the platform’s subscribers.”
“In a sign that the negotiations are becoming more serious, sources briefed on the talks indicate that Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, and Disney CEO Bob Iger have become more involved. Disney has been led by its entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, along with ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro.”
Unfortunately, one Disney exec decided to fire a shot at YouTube TV during the company’s earnings call.
“We’re ready to go as long as they want to,” Disney chief financial officer Hugh Johnston reportedly told investors.
Fans were not happy with Johnston’s comments.
“If there was ever even one shred of a thought by anyone that these people actually care about consumers (there shouldn’t have been), let this leave no doubt. They say the quiet part out loud every day.” commented one fan.
“Haven’t watched ESPN since it was dropped from YouTube TV. Surprisingly, I don’t miss it at all,” commented another fan.
It’ll be interesting to see how long the YouTube TV-Disney dispute goes.