How Disney and YouTube’s Dispute Impacts Election Night Viewers

Millions of Americans tuning in for Election Night coverage were met with blank screens as YouTube TV and Disney’s carriage dispute entered its second week.

The blackout, which began after contract negotiations over distribution fees collapsed, has cut off access to ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic for roughly 10 million YouTube TV users.

On Monday, Disney requested that YouTube temporarily restore ABC’s feed for one night to air live election results anchored by David Muir, calling it a matter of public interest. YouTube declined, saying the one-day return would only confuse subscribers when the channel was removed again.

The disagreement centers on Disney’s demand for higher payments to carry its networks, which YouTube has called unreasonable amid rising streaming costs. The blackout affects major programming, including “Monday Night Football” and national election coverage.

YouTube TV is offering affected subscribers a $20 credit, while Disney maintains that its goal is fair compensation for its content.