TelevisaUnivision Networks Return to YouTube TV After Blackout

TelevisaUnivision announced on Wednesday that it has reached a multi-year distribution agreement with YouTube TV, effectively restoring its Spanish-language channels after nearly two months of unavailability. The blackout began on September 30, 2023, affecting millions of subscribers on one of the largest pay-TV platforms in the United States.

The renewed deal includes the reinstatement of channels such as Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, and the sports network TUDN on both the Base Plan and the Spanish Plan of YouTube TV. Additionally, the agreement will integrate ViX, TelevisaUnivision’s streaming service, into YouTube’s Primetime Channels.

The blackout was sparked by a dispute over carriage fees, with Univision highlighting that YouTube TV intended to move its networks to a higher-priced tier, which some have characterized as imposing a “Hispanic tax” at an additional cost of 18%. This terminology reflects concerns regarding equity in pricing for Hispanic viewers.

The developments come as YouTube TV has gained traction in the competitive streaming landscape, leveraging the financial strength of its parent company, Alphabet. This position has bolstered its negotiating power in discussions with various media companies, including NBCUniversal, Paramount, and Fox. The recent agreement with TelevisaUnivision marks a significant turnaround following another successful negotiation earlier this month that restored access to channels owned by Disney, which had also faced a similar disruption.

While the financial specifics of the new deal have not been disclosed, both TelevisaUnivision and Google have yet to respond to inquiries seeking clarification on the terms. This restoration of service is expected to benefit a diverse audience, providing access to popular programming that includes sports, news, and entertainment tailored to Spanish-speaking viewers.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the resolution of this dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by companies in negotiating carriage agreements. With significant competition for viewer attention, maintaining access to diverse content is crucial for platforms like YouTube TV. The ability to offer a broad range of channels is essential for attracting and retaining subscribers in a crowded market.

The return of TelevisaUnivision’s networks to YouTube TV not only restores important content for viewers but also reflects a broader trend in the industry as services strive to provide comprehensive offerings that meet the needs of diverse audiences.