Movies

Paramount and YouTube TV extend deadline for a new carriage deal

BBG News

On Thursday, they reached an interim deal for extending their contract between Paramount Global and YouTube TV from Google. This means that CBS and other channels will continue to be accessible, while both parties work on finalizing a long-term distribution agreement.

At the last minute, a stay of execution prevented approximately 8 million YouTube TV subscribers from being cut off from around two dozen channels such as BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and TV Land. Local television stations KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9 in Los Angeles would also have been removed.

In the final moments, a last-minute pardon prevented more than 8 million YouTube TV viewers from losing access to nearly two dozen channels including BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and TV Land. Stations KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9 in Los Angeles would have been among those dropped too.

Or:

Just under the wire, a last-minute rescue prevented around 8 million YouTube TV viewers from losing access to nearly two dozen channels like BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and TV Land. The local stations KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9 in Los Angeles were also at risk of being dropped.

YouTube has temporarily prolonged its agreement with Paramount while we work out the details of a deal to keep their content available on YouTube TV. We ask for your understanding during this negotiation process, as we strive to secure the best possible outcome for you. We highly regard our partnership with Paramount and are committed to finding a mutually beneficial resolution.

In more modern times, disagreements between software developers (programmers) and content suppliers (distributors) have grown quite frequent. These distributors aim to cut expenses as a strategy to entice and keep customers in a market flooded with viewing choices.

Hollywood Inc.

For Subscribers

Shari Redstone was poised to make Paramount a Hollywood comeback story. What happened?

Instead of helping Paramount regain its position among the giants of the industry during his leadership, Redstone’s time at the helm was marked by mistakes and obstacles.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the challenges that established studios like Paramount and others in Hollywood are facing right now. Ratings drops and subscriber losses in cable are making it tough for them to stay financially afloat. One crucial source of income they simply cannot afford to trim is the pay-TV distribution fees, a lifeline for their financial health.

The current dispute centers on the fees Google must pay for the rights to carry Paramount channels.

YouTube stated earlier this week, in their blog post, that they are working towards a deal to ensure no extra charges are imposed on you while providing greater freedom in the way you can enjoy your preferred sports and programs.

The negotiations come at a troubled time for New York-based Paramount.

I, as a supporter, am sharing that CBS is independently engaging in negotiations with Sony Pictures Television to preserve the distribution rights for their highly acclaimed game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Additionally, we’re making efforts to counter a multi-billion dollar lawsuit initiated by President Trump, which stems from edits made to a “60 Minutes” interview featuring former Vice President Kamala Harris last autumn.

Last summer, Shari Redstone, the major shareholder of Paramount, agreed to sell the company that her family has managed for decades to David Ellison’s Skydance Media. This $8-billion deal is facing challenges at the Federal Communications Commission. The commission must approve the transfer of CBS television licenses to Ellison before the deal can move forward.

Hollywood Inc.

A prominent tech company acquires the broadcasting rights for out-of-market Sunday games, a service previously provided to DirecTV subscribers since 1994.

Over the past while, Paramount’s cable networks like Nickelodeon and MTV have experienced significant subscriber losses due to the shift towards on-demand streaming platforms such as Netflix. This trend has led Paramount to take a financial hit of approximately $6 billion in August, recognizing the diminishing worth of its cable television assets. As a result, when negotiating with Google, they found themselves at a disadvantage.

On Wednesday, Paramount stated that they’ve proposed several equitable deals to maintain their established partnership with YouTube TV, granting subscribers access to all of Paramount’s variety of entertainment, news, and sports content.

YouTube TV, which launched eight years ago, is hoping to sharpen its edge.

In a short time, this service has become a significant force in the TV industry, attracting young audiences and sports enthusiasts alike. It has skillfully poached customers away from traditional television providers via cable and satellites.

YouTube TV has moved up to become the fourth largest television distribution service provider in the United States, trailing behind Spectrum (provided by Charter), Comcast Xfinity, and DirecTV, which is headquartered in El Segundo.

Hollywood Inc.

A major tech company acquires exclusive rights for airing the out-of-market Sunday games, a service previously provided to DirecTV subscribers since 1994.

In 2023, the service decided to heavily invest in sports by acquiring the NFL’s “Sunday Ticket” package, which DirecTV had previously held but found too expensive to maintain. This move cost YouTube TV approximately $2 billion per year for the Sunday afternoon NFL games. As a result, Google started reviewing other contract expenses due to this significant increase in operating costs.

YouTube TV’s fees also are on the rise.

Last month, the service hiked its charge to customers to $82.99 a month, up from $72.99 a month.

Hollywood Inc.

YouTube reports a rise in viewers tuning into live events such as Coachella and brief video clips on television screens. Additionally, sports broadcasts, particularly the NFL, have seen an increase in audience numbers.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’m excited to share some great news! If, unfortunately, there’s no agreement reached and Paramount content becomes temporarily unavailable on YouTube TV for an extended duration, the company has promised to provide us with a $8 credit monthly, as they shared in their recent blog post.

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2025-02-14 07:31

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