CBS and Several Other Paramount Channels to Go Dark on YouTube TV

By Evans Momodu
3 minute digest
Published 10:50 UK (GMT), Friday, February 14, 2025


A major standoff between YouTube TV and Paramount Global could soon lead to the disappearance of several popular channels—including CBS, Comedy Central, and MTV—from the streaming platform.

If the two companies fail to reach a contract renewal agreement, Paramount’s channels will go dark on YouTube TV at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday.

YouTube TV, owned by Alphabet, assured its customers that it is “working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount” but admitted that negotiations have not been successful so far.

“Paramount is an important partner for us, and as you can imagine, this is not the outcome that we want,” YouTube TV said in a statement.

Paramount, however, is pushing back, accusing YouTube TV of attempting to force "unfavourable and one-sided terms.” The company said it is offering a “comprehensive deal” to keep its channels on the platform and pointed to its history of successfully renewing partnerships with other major distributors.

Subscribers affected by the blackout will be eligible for an $8 credit on YouTube TV’s website if the dispute drags on. YouTube TV has also encouraged customers to sign up for Paramount+ to continue watching CBS and other Paramount-owned content.

The contract dispute comes just a month after YouTube TV raised its base subscription price by $10 to $82.99 per month. With 8 million subscribers, it is the largest internet-based pay-TV service, surpassing rivals like DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

This is not the first time YouTube TV has clashed with a major content provider. In 2021, a similar dispute with Disney briefly led to the removal of its channels before a last-minute deal was reached. Whether YouTube TV and Paramount can reach an agreement before tonight’s deadline remains to be seen.
Source: CNN 
Image: The US Sun