TelevisaUnivision channels return to YouTube TV after 56-day blackout

TelevisaUnivision Channels Return to YouTube TV After Two-Month Blackout

YouTube TV and TelevisaUnivision announced a multi-year distribution agreement on Wednesday, ending a 56-day blackout that removed the Spanish-language broadcaster’s channels from the streaming platform. The deal restores Univision, UNIMÁS, TUDN, and Galavisión to YouTube TV’s base and Spanish-language tiers, while also making TelevisaUnivision’s ViX streaming service available through YouTube’s Primetime Channels in both the U.S. and Mexico for the first time.hollywoodreporter

The resolution marks the longest programming disruption in YouTube TV’s history since the service launched in 2017, and comes as the platform navigates a series of carriage disputes while positioning itself to become the nation’s largest pay-TV provider.variety

Dispute Centered on Pricing and Tier Placement

The channels went dark on September 30 after TelevisaUnivision and YouTube TV failed to reach new distribution terms. During the dispute, TelevisaUnivision accused YouTube TV of attempting to move its networks to a more expensive specialty tier, which the broadcaster characterized as an 18% “Hispanic tax” that would be unfair to a channel serving a fast-growing audience. The standoff drew attention from President Donald Trump, who posted on social media in early October urging the companies to reach an agreement.deadline

Under the new arrangement, TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. networks will remain available on YouTube TV’s Base Plan and Spanish Plan. Additionally, YouTube will expand its Primetime Channels subscription marketplace to Mexico for the first time, with ViX among the offerings. “This agreement recognizes the essential role that our content plays in the daily lives of our viewers,” said Daniel Alegre, CEO of TelevisaUnivision.variety

YouTube TV Faces Wave of Carriage Battles

The TelevisaUnivision resolution follows a pattern of contentious negotiations for YouTube TV, which has emerged as the third-largest pay-TV provider in the U.S. with approximately 9.4 million to 10 million subscribers. Earlier this month, the platform ended a two-week blackout of Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, that began October 30 and disrupted coverage during Election Day and major sporting events. YouTube TV also faced public disputes with NBCUniversal and Fox Corp., though those negotiations concluded without programming interruptions.businessinsider

Analysts at MoffettNathanson predict YouTube TV will surpass cable giants Comcast and Charter to become the largest pay-TV provider in the U.S. by 2026, as traditional cable continues to lose subscribers to streaming alternatives.streamtvinsider