Paramount Global is warning its YouTube TV subscribers about the potential loss of access to its popular television channels, including CBS, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, beginning February 13, 2025. This looming blackout is the result of stalled contract negotiations between Paramount and YouTube TV, which has nearly 8 million subscribers across the U.S.
According to an internal memo shared by Deadline.com, the situation is growing serious as Paramount's Co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins informed employees of the potential ramifications. "Unfortunately, Google is unwilling to agree to reasonable terms consistent with the market, choosing to jeopardize the entertainment experience at the expense of consumers," stated the memo.
The ramifications of these stalled negotiations could lead to subscribers losing access to 23 channels, not limited to just CBS, but also premium networks like BET, MTV, and Comedy Central, along with local CBS stations from major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The direct impact could also affect Paramount's streaming services, including Paramount+ and BET+.
Paramount is urging its viewers to be aware of the situation and visit KeepParamount.com for the latest updates and news on the negotiations. The company has indicated it wishes to maintain its longstanding relationship with YouTube TV, emphasizing their attempts to reach fair terms during negotiations.
One of the reasons for the discord hinges on the terms being proposed by YouTube TV, which Paramount accuses of trying to impose unilateral conditions. "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," the spokesperson specified.
Conversely, YouTube TV has sent its own communication to subscribers, where it expressed disappointment over the situation and reiterated its commitment to finding reasonable terms to keep Paramount's channels available without imposing extra costs on users. A blog post on YouTube's site noted, "We understand how disappointing and disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy on YouTube TV, so here’s what you need to know: after February 13, all Paramount content will be unavailable on YouTube TV." This includes previous recordings and add-on services.
Despite the tense environment over negotiations, YouTube TV is offering $8 credits to subscribers inconvenienced by the potential loss of channels. The service continues to encourage users to sign up for Paramount+, the streaming service which includes many of the same CBS and Paramount shows.
This unprecedented potential blackout arrives just shy of major cultural touchstones like the NCAA Basketball Tournament, which is covered on Paramount's channels and is of immense interest to sports fans. The tournament is set to kick off on March 18, adding urgency to the negotiations.
Experts suggest the dispute highlights growing friction between traditional content providers and modern distribution platforms. Such clashes are becoming increasingly frequent, particularly as cable subscriptions decline and streaming services rise to prominence.
Interestingly, YouTube TV has taken strides to expand its programming reach, recently investing heavily to secure NFL Sunday Ticket, which has increased its subscriber base and transformed it to one of the biggest pay-TV services available. Yet, with every increase—the service's price recently hiked to $82.99/month—the stakes have never been higher.
From Paramount's perspective, maintaining access to its array of channels with YouTube TV is not only important for consumers but also for sustaining its broader business model amid increasing operational expenses and losses from traditional video customers.
While negotiations continue, Paramount remains hopeful for resolution. "We have made a series of fair offers to continue our long-standing relationship... We remain hopeful we can reach an agreement to keep their content available on YouTube TV," concluded the statement from Paramount.
With the deadline fast approaching, both companies face immense pressure to come to terms, and subscribers are left anxiously awaiting news on the fate of their favorite channels.