YouTube TV Cuts Ties with TelevisaUnivision as Contract Negotiations Stalemate

Google’s YouTube TV has made the significant decision to drop Univision and its affiliated local TV stations, along with a range of other networks owned by TelevisaUnivision. This move follows the failure to reach a new contract agreement on Tuesday, leaving many subscribers in the lurch.

In response to the discontinuation of TelevisaUnivision’s programming, Google has assured Spanish Base subscribers that if the absence of channels continues for an “extended period,” they will be eligible for a $6 credit or refund, depending on their billing method.

Continuing Negotiations with NBCUniversal

In a separate development, Google is currently in contract renewal discussions with NBCUniversal regarding YouTube TV. The existing agreement with NBCU is set to expire on September 30. As of now, talks between the two parties are ongoing.

Understanding the Impact of Content Removal

A representative from YouTube pointed out that while TelevisaUnivision has a massive reach, boasting over 160 million subscribers and billions of views on the YouTube platform, it only accounts for a small fraction of total consumption on YouTube TV. They explained, “Since we have not reached a new agreement with them, their content is no longer available on YouTube TV.”

The spokesperson further encouraged viewers to continue enjoying TelevisaUnivision’s offerings either through their dedicated YouTube channels or on their streaming platform, ViX.

Controversy Surrounding the Decision

Univision, which holds the title of the largest Spanish-language broadcaster in the United States, previously claimed that YouTube TV’s decision to remove Univision from its basic package would “force Hispanics to pay another $15 a month – an 18 percent ‘Hispanic Tax’ – to access Univision.” They characterized Google’s proposal to move Univision to a separate, pricier add-on tier as “discriminatory” and an abuse of market power. However, a Google representative has contested this notion, asserting that their carriage renewal decisions are predicated on viewer consumption and pricing metrics, labeling any contrary suggestions as inaccurate.

Channels Affected by Removal

The removal of Univision content also extends to various other TelevisaUnivision channels, including UniMas, TUDN, Galavision, FOROtv, De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Telehit, Telehit Música, and tlnovelas. Additionally, users subscribed to ViX Premium via YouTube TV will also feel the impact of these changes.