Fox Corporation and YouTube TV have reached a new multi-year agreement. This keeps the broadcaster’s portfolio of networks on the Google-owned live TV streaming service. It averts a potential blackout just before a packed holiday sports weekend.
The deal, announced late Thursday, ensures continued carriage of Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FS1, FS2, Fox-owned stations and Fox affiliates across the country. It comes one day after Fox’s previous contract with YouTube TV expired. Importantly, it was secured just hours before a temporary extension was set to lapse.
Exact financial details of the renewal were not disclosed.
“We’re happy to share that we’ve reached an agreement with Fox to keep their content on YouTube TV. This allows us to preserve the value of our service for our subscribers and offer more flexibility in the future,” said a statement on YouTube’s social media channels. “This means that Fox channels, including the Fox Broadcast Network, Fox News, and Fox Sports, remain available for our subscribers. Along with 100+ channels, football fans will not miss any of the action this weekend.”
The last-minute deal concludes a tense negotiation. Both sides had accused each other of being responsible for a potential blackout. The two sides came to a temporary extension before the 5 pm Wednesday deadline set by the streaming platform.
YouTube TV argued that Fox was demanding higher carriage fees that would have inevitably raised prices for subscribers. Fox countered that Google was using its dominant market position to seek favorable terms at the network’s expense. Neither company offered specifics beyond those broad claims.
For Fox, the renewed distribution on YouTube TV secures a valuable pipeline to millions of streaming households. This comes at a time when traditional cable subscriptions continue to decline. For YouTube TV, retaining a partner with the reach of Fox was crucial for sports and news programming.
The deal also comes as Fox pushes deeper into streaming with Fox One, a $20-per-month platform. It offers access to its broadcast and cable networks outside of traditional pay TV. Current YouTube TV subscribers can access Fox One by logging in with their credentials. This strategy expands Fox’s digital presence without abandoning existing distribution partners.
The renewed agreement underscores the high stakes in sports media rights, particularly during football season. With Fox carrying both NFL and college football, a blackout on YouTube TV would have frustrated fans. Furthermore, it might have sent subscribers toward competing streaming bundles. By resolving the dispute before kickoff, both companies avoided disruption while strengthening their business positions. This was crucial in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
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