According to a report from YouTube, failure to reach a “fair agreement” with Paramount Global has put their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, in jeopardy when it comes to being a part of YouTube TV.
“We’ve been working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount that allows us to keep their channels, including CBS and CBS Sports, on YouTube TV without passing on additional costs to our subscribers,” YouTube said in a release. “Unfortunately, despite our good faith negotiations, we haven’t been successful yet. We understand how disappointing and disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy on YouTube TV.”
This is notable for Big 12 fans for many reasons, but the biggest reason might be the timing, as March Madness is right around the corner. CBS partners with Turner Sports to broadcast the majority of the NCAA Tournament, and the further the tournament advances, the more games end up on CBS.
For example, the Final Four (April 5) and National Championship (April 7) games are both on CBS.
In addition to that, Paramount owns a bevy of other channels that are set to go dark on YouTube TV.
What should YouTube TV users do?
March Madness will begin with the Selection Sunday on March 16, putting us just over four weeks out from tournament time. According to YouTube TV’s release, all Paramount content, including CBS and CBS Sports, will be unavailable on YouTube TV starting at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13.
YouTube TV is currently offering an $8 credit to its approximately 8 million subscribers, in order for them to purchase Paramount+ so that they can still watch the affected channels. However, what folks really want to know is when the dispute will come to a close and programming will return to normal.
According to multiple outlets, mid-March is seen as an unofficial deadline to have a resolution in place, because of the significance that the NCAA Tournament carries that time of year. Unfortunately, we might be waiting for a buzzer-beater until then, as neither entity appears ready to budge at the moment.
“YouTube TV is attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to unfavorable and one-sided terms,” Paramount claims in a dedicated web page. “The comprehensive deal Paramount is proposing would continue our relationship with YouTube TV, enabling them to give you access to our leading broadcast and cable networks at a fair price.
“YouTube TV is prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement.”
UPDATE: YouTube TV has announced a short-term agreement with Paramount that will keep its channels, including CBS Sports.
“We’ve reached a short-term extension as we work toward a deal with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. YouTube TV subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS, and any recordings that are in their Library. We appreciate your patience as we continued to negotiate on your behalf. We also value Paramount’s partnership and willingness to work towards an agreement.”
