YouTube TV currently does not carry ABC due to a contract dispute between Disney (which owns ABC) and Google (which runs YouTube TV). When their distribution agreement expired, Disney’s channels, including ABC, ESPN, and others, were removed from the YouTube TV lineup, and they have not been restored while negotiations continue. This situation affects both owned-and- operated ABC stations and many affiliated ABC affiliates, since local stations rely on network-wide licensing for carriage on streaming platforms. Key takeaways
- Why ABC disappeared: A contractual dispute over terms and pricing between Disney and YouTube TV led to Disney channels being dropped from the service.
- Who’s impacted: All ABC-branded channels on YouTube TV, plus related Disney networks like ESPN, FX, and National Geographic, depending on the specific market and agreement status.
- What you can do now:
- Watch ABC live locally via over-the-air antenna if possible, or through other providers that still carry ABC in your area.
- Consider alternative streaming services that carry ABC/Disney networks (such as Hulu Live TV, depending on current offerings and regional availability).
- Use official channels to express desire for resolution: contact YouTube TV support, give feedback through the YouTube TV app, or reach out to the FCC if you believe there are broader access concerns.
- Outlook: The status of ABC and other Disney channels on YouTube TV depends on ongoing negotiations; a resolution would typically bring channels back, but timing is uncertain.
If you’d like, I can look up the latest public statements from Disney and YouTube TV and summarize any announced timelines or credits for affected subscribers.
