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Paramount Global, the parent company of popular networks like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, has issued a stark warning to YouTube TV subscribers: their favorite channels could disappear from the platform as early as February 13. This comes amid a heated carriage dispute between Paramount and YouTube TV, with both sides struggling to reach a new agreement. If a deal isn’t struck in time, viewers on YouTube TV could lose access to Paramount’s extensive lineup of entertainment, sports, and news programming. Channels such as CBS Sports Network and Paramount Network are also at risk of being pulled, along with the Paramount+ and BET+ streaming services, which are currently available through YouTube TV’s Primetime Channels.
At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement over contract terms. According to a spokesperson for Paramount, YouTube TV is insisting on “one-sided terms” that Paramount feels are unfair. Paramount claims it has offered fair proposals to continue its partnership with YouTube TV, but the platform is refusing to budge. The situation has left millions of subscribers in limbo, wondering if they’ll lose access to popular shows like Yellowstone, which airs on the Paramount Network and has become one of the most-watched cable series in the country. For now, Paramount is holding out hope that a resolution can be reached, but time is running out.
YouTube TV, on the other hand, has framed the situation as a fight to protect its subscribers from extra costs. In a blog post addressing the issue, the company explained that it has been working diligently to negotiate a fair agreement with Paramount. YouTube TV emphasized that its goal is to keep Paramount’s channels— including CBS and CBS Sports— available on the platform without passing additional expenses on to its users. However, the company acknowledged that despite its efforts, the negotiations have yet to yield a successful outcome. This back-and-forth has left many wondering if YouTube TV and Paramount can find common ground before the looming deadline.
The timing of this dispute is particularly notable, as it comes just weeks after YouTube TV announced a significant price hike. As of January 13, 2025, the service raised its base subscription cost by $10 per month, jumping from $72.99 to $82.99. While the exact relationship between the price increase and the carriage dispute isn’t entirely clear, it’s likely that the two issues are intertwined. YouTube TV may be trying to offset rising costs by pushing for better terms with content providers like Paramount, while Paramount is standing its ground to ensure fair compensation for its programming.
For Paramount, this fight isn’t just about money—it’s about maintaining its status as a key player in the YouTube TV ecosystem. A Paramount spokesperson highlighted the company’s role as an essential partner to the platform, pointing out that CBS is the most-watched network in America and that Paramount’s channels have become a cornerstone of YouTube TV’s offerings. The spokesperson also emphasized Paramount’s history of successfully renewing partnerships with major distributors, suggesting that the company is confident it can resolve the situation amicably. Still, the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.
As the February 13 deadline approaches, YouTube TV subscribers are left wondering what the future holds for their viewing experience. If Paramount’s channels are removed, it could be a significant blow to the platform’s value proposition, especially for viewers who rely on CBS for live sports and news or enjoy niche programming from networks like BET and Comedy Central. While both sides continue to negotiate, subscribers are encouraged to stay informed and consider alternative streaming options if the situation isn’t resolved. For now, all eyes are on YouTube TV and Paramount as they work to avoid what could be an avoidable loss for everyone involved.
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