Why YouTube TV is offering $20 credit to subscribers
What's the story
YouTube TV is compensating its subscribers with a $20 (around ₹1,770) credit, due to the unavailability of Disney-owned channels like ESPN and ABC. The blackout started on October 31 after YouTube and Disney failed to reach an agreement over pricing. Subscribers will soon receive an email from YouTube TV detailing how to claim the credit.
Disagreement
Pricing disagreement leads to blackout
The ongoing blackout is a result of a pricing disagreement between YouTube and Disney. While YouTube accuses Disney of raising rates too high, the latter claims that YouTube is "refusing to pay fair rates for our channels." This isn't the first time such a dispute has occurred; in 2022, viewers were given a $15 credit after Disney content was briefly removed.
Subscriber communication
YouTube TV is working on a solution
YouTube TV has acknowledged the frustration caused by the blackout and is working on a solution. The company has said that if an agreement is reached, Disney channels will be restored within hours. Meanwhile, subscribers can access most of Disney's sports programming directly through ESPN.
Credit application
How to claim the $20 credit
To redeem the $20 credit, subscribers need to visit YouTube TV on a web browser, click their profile image in the top-right corner, and open Settings. At the bottom of this page is an "Updates" section where under "Disney Content," YouTube TV informs about the unavailability of channels like ABC and ESPN. Here, subscribers can tap on a blue "Claim credit" button to apply it toward their next bill.