YouTube TV viewers could lose CBS and several other channels as a contract dispute with Paramount drags on

Several channels owned by Paramount Global, including CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV, could go dark on YouTube TV this week if a contract renewal cannot be reached between the two companies.

YouTube TV, a subsidiary of Google, announced in a statement that it is working hard to reach a fair agreement that allows it to keep Paramount channels without raising prices for subscribers. It had not yet been successful in “good-faith” negotiations.

What will happen if a new contract isn’t reached?

After February 13, all Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be removed from YouTube TV. Subscribers will also not be able to access previous recordings from these channels or add-on services, including Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+, according to the statement from YouTube. The company also announced that if an agreement is not reached, it will offer subscribers an $8 credit.

“We’re still in active conversations with Paramount and are hopeful we can come to an agreement to keep their content available on YouTube TV,” said the YouTube team.

What has Paramount said about this?

Paramount said on a special webpage that it had made a series of offers that were good for all customers, though YouTube TV could not agree on the terms.

“YouTube TV is attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to unfavorable and one-sided terms,” said Paramount on the webpage. “YouTube TV is prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement.”

The deal that Paramount proposed would continue the relationship between the companies, enabling them to give streamers access to its networks at a fair price, according to Paramount.

This dispute comes a month after YouTube TV raised the prices of its basic package to $82.99 per month. The service has around eight million subscribers and is the most popular internet-based pay-TV service, surpassing competitors like DirecTV Stream and Fubo, according to CNN.

Sports fans who use YouTube TV could be especially affected, as access to CBS would be cut just as March Madness is soon to begin. Selection Sunday is March 16, and the NCAA tournament starts March 20.

Why does this sound familiar?

Carriage disputes have long plagued the pay-TV business, with traditional cable subscribers often experiencing service disruptions as media companies and distributors squabble over costs. As streaming services have moved to replicate the cable bundle in recent years, they have sometimes found themselves in the same boat.

YouTube previously clashed with Disney in 2021 when it was time for a contract renewal. The problem was caused after Disney thought YouTube wasn’t paying enough for its content. Disney’s channels disappeared on the service for two days before a contract renewal was reached.

How can I find out which channels are in jeopardy?

If a contract cannot be reached by Thursday, Paramount has provided this list of channels, based on zip code, that subscribers could potentially lose.