The on-going distribution dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount is now over as the two sides announced a long-term agreement which will keep Paramount programming on the streaming subscription service late Saturday night.
The multi-year agreement with YouTube TV keeps programming channels such as CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV among others available for the more than eight million subscribers on the platform.
“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal to continue carrying Paramount channels, including CBS, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon and more,” YouTube said in a statement. “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.”
The news of the multi-year extension comes just days after the two sides announced a ‘short-term extension’ this past Thursday evening.
“We are pleased to announce a renewed Paramount-Google agreement for the continued carriage of Paramount’s leading portfolio of entertainment, news and sports networks across YouTube TV’s platform,” a Paramount spokesperson added. “We look forward to extending our long-standing partnership and giving audiences greater access to their favorite programming.”
There had been some concern amongst sports fans because of the timing of the dispute between Paramount and YouTube correlating with such events as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament next month and The Masters Tournament from Augusta National in April. These concerns also followed a recently unveiled price hike for the streaming service of 14% to $82.99 per month.
Both sides traded barbs over length of the negotiation as the deadline to come to an agreement was near. Paramount went to create a dedicated web page which shared various talking points about YouTube TV accusing the company of “prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement.” YouTube continued to say in multiple releases they were working on their subscriber’s behalf and calling Paramount “an important partner” in multiple statements.
YouTube TV statement on Sunday ended with a note to their subscribers saying “To our subscribers, we appreciate your patience while we negotiated on your behalf.”
YouTube TV, which is owned by parent company Alphabet, launched its subscription-based service in 2017 also serves as the home of NFL Sunday Ticket under a reported seven-year, $14 billion media rights deal.
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