YouTube TV and Paramount users, stay calm! The two companies have reached an agreement to prevent channels like CBS from leaving the platform. However, before you get too excited, you should know that this will only be temporary.
The short-term agreement prevents the blackout of channels on YouTube TV for now, but negotiations between the two companies are still ongoing. Here’s everything we know so far.
Just on Thursday, February 13, YouTube TV, from Google, informed its users that they would likely lose access to Paramount’s channels that very evening, as the contract with the network was set to expire at 11:00 PM.
However, just before the deadline, YouTube TV posted a message on its official X account stating that a short-term extension had been agreed upon with Paramount to keep its content available.
“Subscribers still have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue negotiating on your behalf,” the message said.
An update for our members: We’ve reached a short-term extension with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.… https://t.co/xMAs8m6jFU
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) February 14, 2025
Why could Paramount channels leave YouTube TV?
In a statement, the companys explained that the dispute revolves around what is known as “transmission fees,” which are the payments made by pay-TV providers, like YouTube, to TV networks for the right to broadcast their programming.
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“YouTube TV is trying to pressure Paramount to accept unilateral terms, and these non-commercial demands could lead to an avoidable loss of Paramount networks on YouTube TV, along with the removal of Paramount+ and BET+ from YouTube’s Primetime Channels on February 13,” a company spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, YouTube TV stated that its goal is to restore the channels, but if an agreement is not reached and content remains unavailable for a prolonged period, it will offer subscribers an $8 credit.
Which channels will disappear from YouTube TV?
The following channels are at risk of being removed from YouTube TV:
- CBS
- CBS Sports Network
- BET
- Nickelodeon
- Comedy Central
- MTV
- TV Land
- CMT
- VH1
What will happen to my recordings on YouTube TV?
When the channels are no longer available on YouTube TV, any previous recordings from those channels will no longer appear in your library. Additionally, any add-on subscriptions to Paramount+ with Showtime and BET+ will also be unavailable.
What subscription plans does Paramount+ offer?
Currently, the streaming platform offers two subscription packages, each providing different services to cater to individual needs:
- Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported service): Includes over 40,000 full episodes and popular movies on demand. Offers exclusive original shows for subscribers, live streams of CBS News 24/7, CBS Sports HQ, and Mixible, as well as 20 live channels with selected favorites.
- Paramount+ with Showtime: Provides access to Paramount+ along with the Showtime channel, Showtime multiplex channels (TMC and Flix), as well as Paramount+ with Showtime On Demand, available through your TV provider’s streaming app.
How much do Paramount+ subscription plans cost?
- Essential: $7.99 per month
- With Showtime: $12.99 per month
What is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is the largest broadband subscription television service in the United States, with more than 8 million users, surpassing competitors like Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV from Dish.
