The availability of Paramount Global-owned television channels was imperiled this week with an impending carriage dispute with YouTube TV, but the two sides reached a “short-term extension” ahead of a Thursday deadline, later reported to be at 11 p.m. EST. As a result, users will still have access to several networks on the over-the-top video streaming service, some of which include CBS, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon. There had been concern for sports fans surrounding upcoming events such as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and The Masters Tournament from Augusta National. On late Thursday night, YouTube TV announced the transaction in a social media post; however, the terms and duration of the agreement are currently unknown.
“We’ve reached a short-term extension as we work toward a deal with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV,” the company said in a statement. “YouTube TV subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS, and any recordings that are in their Library. We appreciate your patience as we continued to negotiate on your behalf. We also value Paramount’s partnership and willingness to work towards an agreement.”
The disagreement resulted in both companies releasing statements explaining their perspective on the situation earlier in the week. A spokesperson for Paramount stated prior to the companies reaching the short-term extension that YouTube TV had been pressuring the company to acquiesce towards “one-sided terms.” YouTube TV had explained that it was in active conversations with the company and hopeful that it would be able to reach an agreement. Moreover, the streaming provider offered an $8 credit to its subscribers should the Paramount Global content remain unavailable for an extended period of time.
YouTube TV, which is owned by parent company Alphabet, recently unveiled a price hike through which it raised the cost of its service by 14% to $82.99 per month. The streaming service recently surpassed 8 million subscribers and also serves as the home of NFL Sunday Ticket under a reported seven-year, $14 billion media rights deal.
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