Disney-YouTube TV Blackout Sparks Sharp Ratings Decline for Key Shows

A major dispute between Disney and YouTube TV is hitting viewers hard. Key Disney channels like ABC and ESPN went dark on the streaming service on October 31. This blackout is now showing a direct impact on television ratings.

With YouTube TV commanding about 10 million subscribers, the absence affects a significant portion of the TV audience. Evidence from early November suggests popular shows are losing viewers.

Monday Night Football and Dancing With the Stars See Notable Drops

The November 1 Monday Night Football game averaged 16.37 million viewers. According to Nielsen data, that is well below the season average for other simulcasts. The ABC portion of the broadcast drew only 9.84 million viewers, its second-lowest number this season.

The game featured the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. While the teams had subpar records, the Cowboys are typically a major ratings draw. The sharp decline points to the blackout’s effect.

Broader Impact on the Television Industry

Carriage disputes are not new, but the immediate ratings impact is significant. It highlights the ongoing power struggle between content creators and distributors. For networks, lost viewers mean lower advertising revenue.

For consumers, it creates frustration and disrupts viewing habits. Some may seek alternative streaming methods, as Disney noted with increased Disney+ streaming for Dancing With the Stars. The situation remains unresolved, putting key television events at risk.

The ongoing Disney YouTube TV blackout is proving costly. Key programs are seeing a direct hit to their audience numbers. This dispute underscores the fragile relationship between content and distribution in the modern era.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why are Disney channels blacked out on YouTube TV?

The blackout is due to a carriage dispute. Disney and YouTube TV failed to reach a new distribution agreement. This led to channels being removed from the service.

Q2: Which specific channels are affected by this blackout?

The blackout includes ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned networks. This affects local ABC stations and ESPN’s suite of channels. Key programming like live sports is unavailable.

Q3: How many YouTube TV subscribers are affected?

YouTube TV has approximately 10 million subscribers. This represents about 8 percent of all U.S. television households. The blackout impacts a substantial viewer base.

Q4: Are viewers finding other ways to watch the affected shows?

Yes, Disney reports increased streaming on its own platform, Disney+. Viewership for Dancing With the Stars on Disney+ was higher than usual. This suggests some viewers are migrating to direct streaming options.

Q5: What is the financial impact of such a blackout?

Blackouts can lead to lost advertising revenue for networks due to lower ratings. They also risk subscriber churn for the TV provider. These disputes are high-stakes for both companies.

Trusted Sources

Nielsen, Reuters