YouTube TV Averts NBCUniversal, Versant Blackout; New Channels Added
A blackout of NBCUniversal and Versant channels on YouTube was averted at the eleventh hour. The two parties reached a short-term extension, ensuring uninterrupted service for about 10 million subscribers.
The deal, struck just before the previous agreement was set to expire, includes carriage for all NBCUniversal and Versant channels. Notably, it also covers a new cable channel, NBC Sports Network, launching later this year. Additionally, Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service, will become available on YouTube Primetime Channels and Google TV devices.
Versant, a group of cable channels set to split from NBCUniversal, will remain available on YouTube. Despite a separate carriage dispute, Univision, which could have gone dark on the platform, did not. This would have disproportionately affected Spanish-speaking households, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month. However, TelevisaUnivision, the company operating Univision's Spanish-language programming, issued a statement criticizing YouTube's actions during this period.
The extension ensures continued access to NBCUniversal and Versant channels for YouTube subscribers. It also paves the way for new content, including the upcoming NBC Sports Network and expanded Peacock availability. Meanwhile, Versant's future distribution plans remain under review, with NBCUniversal handling its ad sales and distribution until the split.
