Google calls out ABC over latest YouTube TV request, counters with offer for ESPN networks

Google has denied a request from Disney to restore ABC to its streaming service, YouTube TV, for 24 hours on Tuesday for Election Day. However, the tech company countered with an offer that many sports fans around the country will be happy if it comes to fruition.

Google requested that Disney restore not only ABC, but also ESPN networks to YouTube TV while the parties continue to negotiate a new deal. It also promised to get channels back on the streaming service “within hours” if Disney agrees.

“As you know from the many content disputes you’ve been part of, customers don’t want companies fighting and content blackouts,” Google wrote in an email to Disney. “But unfortunately, your proposal would permit us to return Disney’s ABC stations only for a day and will cause customer confusion among those who may briefly see ABC on YouTube TV only to lose it again shortly after.

“…To truly achieve what is best for our mutual customers, we propose immediately restoring the Disney channels that our customers watch: ABC and the ESPN networks, while we continue to negotiate. Those are the channels that people want. If you agree with our proposal and give us approval, we can get our operational teams together and get these channels live in hours. Let us know how you’d like to proceed.”

Google and Disney are currently in a carriage dispute that resulted in YouTube TV customers losing several ESPN channels as of late Thursday evening. Not only does that include main channels such as ESPN and ESPN2, but also others like SEC Network and ACC Network.

Thousands of college football fans who relied on YouTube TV to watch games had to find alternative methods for Saturday’s slate of games. Similarly, NFL fans were unable to stream a Monday Night Football contest between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals that was broadcast on ESPN.

This is only the latest carriage situation for YouTube TV, which held negotiations with other key media companies this calendar year. The company struck a deal with FOX in late August to avoid a blackout and landed another one with NBC in September prior to that deal’s expiration.

If Disney agrees to the proposal from Google, it’s unclear whether all ESPN channels would be restored or only the main networks. It seems it could still take some time for the two parties to come to an agreement, but this would at least be a step in the right direction.