NBCUniversal warns YouTube TV of possible blackout by Sept 30

NBCUniversal warned YouTube TV subscribers this week that its channels could be pulled from the streaming service if the two companies do not reach a new carriage agreement by September 30. The dispute centers on both the fees YouTube TV pays for NBCUniversal programming and how Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, is integrated with the YouTube TV platform, according to officials and people familiar with the talks.

YouTube TV, owned by Google parent Alphabet, has sought lower carriage rates as it approaches roughly 10 million subscribers, arguing that current terms do not reflect its scale and the value subscribers receive. The service has also pushed for Peacock exclusive content to be integrated into YouTube TV’s interface so users would not need to leave the platform to view that programming. YouTube offered additional compensation for the integration, people familiar with the negotiations said, but NBCUniversal considered the proposal insufficient.

A YouTube spokesperson said, "NBCUniversal asking us to pay more than what they charge consumers for the same content on Peacock, which would mean less flexibility and higher prices for our subscribers. We are committed to...