YouTube TV and Fox Strike Distribution Deal

Background

Two heavyweights in the media landscape, Fox and YouTube TV, have come to an agreement that ensures the continued availability of Fox's content on the platform. The deal was announced late Thursday night, marking the end of a tense standoff between the two parties.

The Deal

This new arrangement preserves the value of YouTube TV for its subscribers while offering more flexibility in the future. It encompasses news, business, entertainment, sports content, and programming from local stations. Specifically, this includes Fox, FS1, the Big Ten Network, and the Fox News Channel.

The Aftermath

Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, expressed his approval on social media Thursday evening, acknowledging the deal as a win for college football fans and avoiding potential blackouts.

Negotiations

Prior to this agreement, both parties engaged in intense negotiations due to disagreements over payments. YouTube TV cited 'payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive' as a major sticking point.

History of Blackouts

This isn't the first time either party has been involved in a blackout or negotiation standoff. For instance, Disney content was once pulled from YouTube for around three days, and local Fox content went dark in 23 states and Washington, DC.