NBCUniversal Reaches Deal With YouTube TV To Remain On Platform Despite Warning Viewers Of Possible Blackout

NBCUniversal and YouTube TV have renewed their carriage deal just one day after the previous one expired, allowing 14 networks to remain on the streaming platform. In a statement, NBCU said it had no desire to “involve our fans” in the dispute, however felt “obligated” to warn them of the possible blackout.

“We are thrilled to have reached a deal with YouTube TV and can continue to offer our full network portfolio, without interruption,” said an NBCU spokesperson. “YouTube is a valued partner and we never want to involve our fans in a dispute, but we felt obligated to let them know what was at stake. We thank our viewers for their loyalty and promise to continue bringing them the networks and programs they love.”

The companies had been at odds this past week over a number of networks, including six regional sports outlets, as well as the main NBC channel and its local stations. Late Thursday, both parties agreed to a brief extension in an attempt to iron out a deal.

One of the main points of contention in negotiations had been the integration of NBCU streaming service Peacock into the YouTube interface. YouTube had resisted this initiative due to concerns about user experience. There was worry that customers might end up paying twice for some of the same content.

YouTube TV, which has been in existence for four years, claimed to have surpassed 3 million subscribers as of late-2020. A figure like that makes the platform the second most popular streaming TV bundle after Disney’s Hulu + Live TV.

YouTube, like many other live TV streamers, has needed to raise prices as programming costs rose in recent years. Despite this, a lack of contract obligation has appealed to many customers who resented being locked in by traditional cable companies.

NBC Sports airs Sunday Night Football each week, which is a popular primetime program that many YouTube TV subscribers could have potentially missed if a deal were not reached.

Michael is a music and television junkie keen on most things that are not a complete and total bore. You can follow him on Twitter — @Tweetskoor