YouTube TV and Paramount Agree on CBS and Sports Deal to PREVENT Blackout

YouTube TV and Paramount Global have reached a new distribution agreement, averting a potential blackout of CBS and other channels for nearly 8 million subscribers.

Had they not made this deal, millions of sports fans across the country could have been hit by a TV blackout. Here’s what happened…

At a Glance

  • YouTube TV and Paramount Global finalized a new distribution agreement, preventing a service disruption
  • The deal ensures continued access to CBS, CBS Sports, and other Paramount channels
  • Agreement was reached just weeks before major events like March Madness and the Masters
  • YouTube TV will continue to offer over 100 channels and add-ons, including Paramount+ with Showtime
  • The resolution provides relief for subscribers concerned about losing access to premier sports content

Deal Averts Potential Service Disruption

In a move that will bring relief to millions of viewers, YouTube TV and Paramount Global have successfully negotiated a new distribution agreement. The deal, finalized 48 hours after the previous contract expired, ensures that nearly 8 million YouTube TV customers will continue to have access to CBS and other popular Paramount channels.

The agreement comes at a crucial time, just weeks before major sporting events like March Madness and the Masters, which are broadcast on CBS and other Paramount channels. This timely resolution addresses the concerns of college basketball and golf fans who were worried about potentially losing access to these significant events.

Under the new agreement, YouTube TV will continue to offer its extensive lineup of over 100 channels. Additionally, subscribers will have access to various add-ons, including Paramount+ with Showtime. This expansion of offerings demonstrates both companies’ commitment to providing diverse content options for their customers.

“With this agreement, YouTube TV will continue to offer 100+ channels and add-ons including Paramount+ with Showtime and will enable more user choice in the future,” YouTube said in a statement. “To our subscribers, we appreciate your patience while we negotiated on your behalf.”

“We look forward to extending our long-standing partnership and giving audiences greater access to their favorite programming,” Paramount also said in a statement.

While the specific terms of the contract were not disclosed, it is known that negotiations centered around the terms and fees for carrying Paramount channels. This agreement also includes provisions for YouTube to offer Paramount’s streaming services, such as BET+ and Paramount+ with Showtime, as add-ons to their base package.

The negotiations between YouTube TV and Paramount Global highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the television industry. As the economic model of television continues to evolve, clashes between programmers and distributors have become increasingly common. Pay-TV providers are striving to control costs to retain subscribers, while programmers aim to maintain their pay-TV distribution fees.

The resolution comes as a relief to many subscribers who have experienced similar issues in the past. YouTube TV has previously lost channels such as the MLB Network and local sports channels SNY and YES due to similar disputes. The successful negotiation of this deal demonstrates both companies’ commitment to maintaining a robust content offering for their customers.

As the fourth-largest multichannel distributor in the United States, YouTube TV’s ability to secure this deal with Paramount Global is significant. The agreement not only ensures continued access to popular channels but also positions YouTube TV for future growth in the competitive streaming market. With the recent addition of the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” subscription and the potential for further expansions, YouTube TV continues to solidify its position as a major player in the television distribution landscape.

Phew!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR