Core Viewpoint - The ongoing carriage dispute between Disney, YouTube TV, and local broadcasters is harming local programming and journalism, prompting calls for regulatory intervention [1][2][4]. Group 1: Industry Impact - The carriage fight has resulted in ABC stations and Disney networks like ESPN being unavailable to YouTube TV's 10 million subscribers since last Thursday, significantly impacting viewership during the football season [2]. - The situation reflects broader antitrust issues within the industry, particularly affecting virtual MVPDs like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, which are seen as detrimental to local viewers and journalism [2][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Concerns - The CEO of Sinclair has urged government regulators to intensify their investigation into network-affiliate relations, highlighting that current practices violate the intent of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 [2][4]. - The FCC has initiated an investigation into network affiliation practices that negatively impact local broadcasters, with concerns that consumers are being forced to purchase additional streaming services to access content they have already paid for [4].
Disney-YouTube TV Carriage Fight Is Breaking Antitrust Laws & FCC Rules, Sinclair CEO Says