Core Insights - Disney and YouTube TV have not reached a new carriage deal, resulting in the blackout of major channels like ESPN and ABC from YouTube TV [1][2] - YouTube TV is offering a $20 credit to subscribers affected by the blackout, while alternatives to YouTube TV are being recommended [2][3] Group 1: Impact of the Blackout - The blackout affects popular Disney-owned channels including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and others, which are crucial for sports viewers [2][28] - YouTube TV has stated that negotiations with Disney are ongoing but cannot predict when the channels will be restored [2] Group 2: Alternatives to YouTube TV - Recommended alternatives include DirecTV, Sling TV, Fubo, and ESPN Unlimited, each offering different price points and channel line-ups [3][4] - DirecTV is highlighted as the best overall alternative, starting at $89.99 per month for the Entertainment plan, which includes 90+ channels [5][6] - ESPN Unlimited is a budget-friendly option at $29.99 per month, focusing on sports content [11][13] - Sling TV offers various plans, with the Sling Orange + Blue combo being the most comprehensive for major sports channels at $60.99 per month [17][19] - Fubo is noted for its extensive sports offerings, with the Pro plan costing $84.99 per month and including over 200 channels [20][21] Group 3: Historical Context of Carriage Disputes - Similar carriage disputes have occurred in the past, such as a 13-day blackout between DirecTV and Disney in Fall 2024, and an 11-day dispute with Charter in 2023 [26] - Long-term blackouts can result from these disputes, as seen with Fubo's loss of Warner Bros. channels in April 2024 [27]

Core Points - Disney Channel is no longer available on YouTube TV due to the expiration of their carriage deal, affecting YouTube TV's 10 million subscribers who can no longer access Disney's channels including ABC and ESPN [1][2] - The negotiation between Disney and YouTube revolves around compensation and the integration of Disney's streaming content into YouTube's platform, with Disney accusing Google of using its market dominance to undermine industry standards [2] - YouTube has countered that Disney is using the threat of a blackout as a negotiation tactic and has offered subscribers $20 if Disney's content remains unavailable for an extended period [2] - YouTube TV's subscriber base of 10 million gives it a strong negotiating position, being more than double that of Hulu with live TV and nearly comparable to DirecTV and Charter [3] - The urgency to resolve the negotiation is heightened as YouTube TV subscribers risk missing major sports events, including NFL, NBA, and college football games [3]

Group 1 - The core strategy of AT&T in recent years has been defined by the phrase "Getting back on track" as the company focuses on its core strength in US telecommunications [1] - The divestments of Warner Media and DirecTV between 2021 and 2023 have allowed AT&T to refocus on its primary business operations [1]