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Google’s live TV streaming service YouTube TV has given customers a cautious heads up, warning that the company’s partnership with Disney may not be renewed past its contracted date. YouTube has said that if the two companies can’t come to an agreement by the deadline, the streaming service will lose 18 channels–but it will reduce the service’s subscription price by $15 if that comes to pass.
The message was published on YouTube’s news blog, offering some transparency for customers who may be affected by the potential change. “Disney is an important partner for us,” a featured quote in the blog reads. “We’re in active conversations with them and working hard to keep their content on YouTube TV.” The Disney-owned channels at risk include ESPN, Freeform, FX networks, National Geographic, and more, according to a CNET report.
The current deal between YouTube and Disney expires on Friday, December 17, with the blog update saying that the two companies had yet to reach a deal both could agree on as of December 13. “Our ask to Disney, as with all our partners, is to treat YouTube TV like any other TV provider–by offering us the same rates that services of a similar size pay, across Disney’s channels for as long as we carry them,” the blog reads, laying out YouTube’s side of the corporate disagreement.
YouTube says that it will decrease its subscription price from $65 to $50 if the deal with Disney can’t be renewed–even going so far as to suggest customers who are upset about losing access to the channels can sign up for Disney’s own streaming service, the $14 Disney Bundle.
