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Special Report: YouTube TV and CBS/Paramount - A Deep Dive into Their Current Relationship

YouTube TV, the popular streaming television service, and Paramount Global, a mass media conglomerate, are currently engaged in a high-stakes carriage dispute that could significantly impact subscribers. This comprehensive report delves into the complexities of their relationship, exploring the ongoing disagreements, the potential impact on subscribers, and alternative ways to access CBS/Paramount content.

Statements from YouTube TV and Paramount

Before diving into the specifics of the dispute, it's important to understand the perspectives of both parties involved. YouTube TV, in a statement released on February 12, 2025, emphasized its commitment to providing value to subscribers and its efforts to reach a fair agreement with Paramount without passing on additional costs 1. The company assured subscribers that it is actively negotiating with Paramount and will keep them updated on the progress 1.

Paramount, on the other hand, has accused YouTube TV of attempting to pressure the company into unfavorable terms. In a statement, a Paramount spokesperson said, "YouTube TV is attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to one-sided terms, and these non-market demands may lead to an avoidable loss of Paramount's networks on YouTube TV" 2. Paramount highlighted its commitment to securing a fair deal that recognizes the value of its content, including CBS, which it called "America's most-watched network," and popular franchises like "Yellowstone" 3.

Carriage Disputes and Their Implications

Carriage disputes are a recurring event in the television industry, arising when content providers (like Paramount) and distributors (like YouTube TV) clash over the terms of their agreements 4. These disputes often revolve around financial compensation, channel offerings, and how those channels are presented to subscribers 4. In the case of YouTube TV and Paramount, the dispute centers on the renewal of their content distribution agreement. YouTube TV suggests that Paramount is demanding excessive fees that could lead to increased costs for subscribers 5. If YouTube TV concedes to these demands, it's likely that subscription costs for YouTube TV users will increase 5.

This impasse has resulted in a blackout of Paramount-owned channels on YouTube TV, leaving subscribers without access to a significant number of channels. The complete list of national channels that will be unavailable is as follows 2:

  • BET
  • BET Her
  • CBS
  • CBS Sports Network
  • CMT
  • Comedy Central
  • Comet TV
  • Dabl
  • MTV
  • MTV Classic
  • MTV2
  • MYNetwork TV
  • NewsNation
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nick Toons
  • Nickelodeon
  • Paramount Network
  • Pop
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Start TV
  • TeenNick
  • TV Land
  • VH1

In addition to these national channels, CBS stations nationwide would also be dropped from YouTube TV, including the following local stations 2:

  • Atlanta (WUPA)
  • Boston (WSBK)
  • Dallas-Fort Worth (KTXA)
  • New York (WLNY)
  • Philadelphia (WPSG)
  • Pittsburgh (WPCW)
  • Sacramento (KMAX)
  • San Francisco (KPYX)
  • Seattle (KSTW)
  • Tampa Bay (WTOG)

Furthermore, subscribers who have purchased Paramount Plus, SHOWTIME, or BET+ through YouTube TV will also lose access to these streaming services 5. For those subscribed to the Entertainment Plus bundle, YouTube TV will automatically apply a $10 discount on each bill as long as Paramount content is unavailable. Similarly, subscribers to Paramount Plus with Showtime or BET+ through YouTube TV will not be charged further and will receive an automatic refund for their last payment 7.

Impact on YouTube TV and Its Subscribers

The loss of Paramount content could have a significant impact on YouTube TV and its subscriber base. With over 8 million subscribers, YouTube TV is the largest internet-delivered pay-TV service in the U.S8.. The absence of popular channels like CBS and Nickelodeon could lead to subscriber churn, especially if the dispute is prolonged 9. This is particularly concerning for sports fans, as losing access to CBS means losing access to major sporting events like the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament (March Madness) and The Masters Tournament, both of which air on CBS 10. For many sports enthusiasts, this could be a major deciding factor in whether to stay with YouTube TV or explore alternative options.

YouTube TV acknowledges the disruption this blackout causes 1 and has offered an $8 credit to subscribers if Paramount's channels remain unavailable for an extended period 11. This credit can be claimed within the YouTube TV platform itself 11. However, this credit may not be enough to appease all subscribers, especially those who value the convenience and channel lineup offered by YouTube TV. The loss of DVR recordings of Paramount content further adds to the inconvenience 2.

Despite the loss of Paramount content, some YouTube TV subscribers might choose to stay with the service due to its other offerings. YouTube TV provides a wide range of channels, including those from other major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox. It also offers features like unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously 11. These factors could influence subscribers to remain with YouTube TV even without Paramount's channels.

Alternative Ways to Access CBS/Paramount Content

While the dispute continues, subscribers can explore alternative ways to access CBS/Paramount content:

Paramount Plus

This streaming service offers a wide range of Paramount content, including live CBS stations (with the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan), on-demand shows and movies, and original programming. It offers two plans: Essential (with ads) for $7.99/month and with SHOWTIME (no ads) for $12.99/month . To sign up for Paramount Plus through YouTube Primetime Channels, follow these steps 13:

On your computer or mobile web:

  1. Visit youtube.com.
  2. From the left-side panel, select Movies & TV.
  3. Under the Primetime Channels section, select the Paramount Plus icon.
  4. On the Paramount Plus channel page, select "Try it free" to start your Free Trial (new subscribers only).

On your Android or iOS device:

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. From the homescreen, tap the Explore button in the top right corner.
  3. Tap on Movies & TV from the slide-panel menu.
  4. Under the Primetime Channels section, tap the Paramount Plus icon.
  5. Once on the Paramount Plus channel page, click "Sign Up" to purchase.

On a Smart TV:

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. On the left-hand panel, select Movies & TV.
  3. Scroll down to "Primetime Channels", select Paramount Plus.
  4. Click "Try it Free" or "Subscribe" to purchase.
  5. Follow the prompt on your screen.

Paramount Plus is supported on a wide range of devices, including:

  • Living room devices: Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku.
  • Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Certain Samsung televisions and devices based on Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV.
  • Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
  • Game consoles: Microsoft Xbox One.
  • Desktop browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari 12.

Pluto TV

This free, ad-supported streaming service offers a limited selection of Paramount Network shows 14.

Other Streaming Services

Some Paramount content may be available on other streaming services like Hulu+Live TV and FuboTV, although their offerings may vary 12.

Over-the-Air Antenna

Viewers can use an over-the-air antenna to access local CBS stations for free 4. However, if you want to record shows from your local CBS station, you'll need a device with DVR capabilities, since you'll lose that functionality with YouTube TV. Some popular options include:

  • Tablo: Tablo DVRs connect to your antenna and home network, allowing you to watch and record live TV on multiple devices. They offer a user-friendly interface and a grid TV guide for easy navigation.
  • AirTV: AirTV devices integrate with Sling TV, allowing you to watch and record local channels alongside your Sling TV programming. They offer features like dual tuners for recording two shows simultaneously.
  • HDHomeRun: HDHomeRun tuners connect to your antenna and network, providing access to live TV and DVR functionality on various devices and third-party apps like Plex.
  • TiVo: TiVo offers DVRs specifically designed for over-the-air antennas, with features like SkipMode for commercial skipping and OnePass for gathering all episodes of your favorite shows.

These devices can help you maintain access to and record local CBS programming even if it's unavailable on YouTube TV.

Past Carriage Disputes and Industry Trends

This dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount is not an isolated incident. YouTube TV has faced similar carriage disputes in the past, notably with Disney in 2021 and NBCUniversal in the same year 5. These disputes highlight the ongoing tensions between streaming platforms and traditional media companies as they navigate the evolving television landscape 15.

The history of carriage disputes can be traced back to legislation in 1934 that required broadcasters to obtain permission before using programming from another broadcaster. This law was later applied to cable companies as well 4. In the early days of cable television, disputes arose when cable companies retransmitted broadcast signals without compensating the stations. Over time, the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding carriage disputes has evolved, with cord-cutting further impacting the dynamics of these negotiations 4.

The rise of cord-cutting and the increasing popularity of streaming services have empowered content providers to demand higher fees for their channels 4. This has led to more frequent and contentious carriage disputes, often resulting in temporary blackouts or permanent channel removals 16.

Power Dynamics and Negotiation Strategies

The current dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount reveals interesting power dynamics at play. On one hand, there's YouTube TV, a large streaming platform owned by Google, with a significant subscriber base and considerable influence in the streaming market. On the other hand, there's Paramount Global, a traditional media conglomerate with a vast library of content and established brands. This dynamic could significantly influence the negotiation process and the final outcome 15.

Paramount, with its valuable content, might be leveraging its position to demand higher fees, potentially testing YouTube TV's willingness to absorb those costs or risk losing subscribers. YouTube TV, on the other hand, might be using its large subscriber base as leverage, hoping to negotiate a deal that keeps costs down and maintains its competitive edge in the streaming market. The outcome of this negotiation will likely depend on each company's willingness to compromise and their assessment of the potential consequences of a prolonged dispute.

Long-Term Implications for the Streaming Industry

The YouTube TV and Paramount dispute could have long-term implications for the streaming television industry. According to industry analysts, this dispute, along with other recent carriage battles, could accelerate the decline of traditional pay TV bundles and lead to more à la carte streaming options 16. As streaming platforms and content providers continue to clash over carriage fees, consumers might increasingly find themselves with more choices but also potentially higher costs as they subscribe to individual streaming services to access the content they want.

The recent Venu Sports ruling, which temporarily blocked a sports streaming joint venture between Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, further highlights this trend towards unbundling 16. This ruling suggests that the traditional model of bundling channels together might be unsustainable in the long run, potentially paving the way for more flexible and customizable streaming options for consumers.

Conclusion

The ongoing carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount underscores the challenges and complexities of the streaming television industry. While both companies have expressed their desire to reach an agreement, the outcome remains uncertain. The dispute's resolution will likely have broader implications for the streaming television landscape, potentially influencing future carriage agreements and the cost of streaming services.

Several potential outcomes are possible. The companies might reach a last-minute agreement, restoring Paramount's channels to YouTube TV, potentially with an increase in subscription costs for users. Alternatively, the dispute could drag on, leading to a prolonged blackout and potentially pushing YouTube TV subscribers to explore alternative streaming options.

In the long run, this dispute could contribute to the unbundling of pay TV packages and the rise of more à la carte streaming options. This could lead to increased consumer choice and flexibility but also potentially higher costs as consumers subscribe to multiple services to access the content they desire. The evolving relationship between streaming platforms and content providers will continue to shape the future of television, and this dispute serves as a significant development in that ongoing evolution.

Sources and related content

  1. YouTube TV and Paramount Programming Update - Google Help, accessed February 13, 2025, https://support.google.com/youtubetv/thread/324775535?hl=en&msgid=324807963
  2. Are Paramount Channels Going Dark on YouTube? What to Know - Newsweek, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/are-paramount-channels-going-dark-youtube-2030460
  3. Paramount Channels Likely to be Pulled From YouTube TV Today - TVTechnology, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/paramount-channels-likely-to-be-pulled-from-youtube-tv-today
  4. Carriage dispute - Wikipedia, accessed February 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carriage_dispute
  5. Paramount Channels—CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV—Will Go Dark On YouTube TV: Here's What To Know - Forbes, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/02/13/paramount-channels-cbs-nickelodeon-mtv-will-go-dark-on-youtube-tv-heres-what-to-know/
  6. YouTube TV May Lose Paramount Networks, Including CBS Sports - How-To Geek, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.howtogeek.com/youtube-tv-paramount-carriage-dispute-2025/
  7. YouTube TV subscribers may lose access to Paramount channels as soon as today, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-tv-subscribers-may-lose-access-to-paramount-content/
  8. YouTube TV Faces Potential Loss of CBS, Comedy Central, MTV Amid Paramount Contract Dispute - Vitrina AI, accessed February 13, 2025, https://vitrina.ai/blog/youtube-tv-faces-potential-loss-of-cbs-comedy-central-mtv-amid-paramount-contract-dispute/
  9. 20+ channels set to disappear thanks to YouTube TV's latest breakup - Pocket-lint, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.pocket-lint.com/paramount-leaving-youtube-tv/
  10. YouTube TV Faces CBS Blackout As March Madness, Masters Loom - Front Office Sports, accessed February 13, 2025, https://frontofficesports.com/youtube-tv-faces-cbs-blackout-march-madness-masters-loom/
  11. YouTube TV subscribers may lose access to Paramount content — here's why | Tom's Guide, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/youtube-tv-subscribers-may-lose-access-to-paramount-content-heres-why
  12. How To Watch CBS Without Cable in 2025 - A Good Movie To Watch, accessed February 13, 2025, https://agoodmovietowatch.com/how-to/cbs-without-cable/
  13. Is Paramount Plus available as a channel on YouTube Primetime Channels?, accessed February 13, 2025, https://help.paramountplus.com/s/article/PD-Is-Paramount-available-as-a-channel-on-YouTube-Primetime-Channels
  14. TV Shows | Watch Shows Online - Paramount Network, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.paramountnetwork.com/how-to-watch
  15. YouTube and Paramount fail to reach deal, channels to go dark February 13 - PPC Land, accessed February 13, 2025, https://ppc.land/youtube-and-paramount-fail-to-reach-deal-channels-to-go-dark-february-13/
  16. Why DirecTV's 'Existential' Carriage Dispute With Disney Is a Fight for the Future of the Pay TV Bundle - TheWrap, accessed February 13, 2025, https://www.thewrap.com/directv-disney-carriage-dispute-pay-tv-bundle-impact-analysis/

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