Direct answer: Yes. Disney/ABC and other Disney-owned channels (including ESPN and related networks) were taken off YouTube TV in a carriage dispute as of late October 2025, and this blackout extended through Election Day coverage and surrounding days as negotiations continued. YouTube TV and Disney have been trading public statements, with Disney pressing for higher carriage fees and Google/YouTube TV offering to restore the channels only if negotiations progress, sometimes proposing temporary reinstatements or credits depending on the duration of the blackout. Viewers affected have been seeking alternatives (other providers, over-the-air ABC, or direct-to-consumer options) while the talks continue.
Context and key details
- Timeline and scope: The blackout began when Disney and Google failed to reach a new agreement for distribution, resulting in Disney-branded channels (ABC, ESPN, FX, and others) being unavailable on YouTube TV for subscribers. This affected millions of viewers during football and basketball seasons and extended into Election Night coverage discussions.
- Election Night and News coverage: Disney requested a temporary restoration of ABC for Election Night to ensure public access to vote coverage, while YouTube TV argued that such a one-day restoration would cause confusion and suggested continuing negotiations with channels available in other ways.
- Public responses and options: Disney asserted the importance of ABC/NBC News coverage, while YouTube TV highlighted that viewers can access election news across other networks or the main YouTube service for free, and that credits might be issued if the blackout persists. Some articles note alternative pay-TV providers or direct streaming as options, and ABC remains available over-the-air in many markets.
What this means for viewers
- If you rely on YouTube TV for Disney/ABC/ESPN channels, you currently need an alternative solution (switch providers, use a different streaming service, or watch ABC via over-the-air with an antenna where available) while negotiations continue. Some reports mention a potential $20 credit from YouTube TV if the blackout lasts a certain period, but credits and terms can vary by update.
- For election-night coverage specifically, ABC News and other outlets offered alternative ways to watch news content beyond YouTube TV, and Disney has urged customers to use those alternatives during the dispute.
If you’d like, I can:
- summarize the latest developments and timeline from the most recent reports.
- help you compare current available options to regain access (different streaming services, antenna access, or direct ABC/NBA streaming).
- pull the latest statements from Disney and YouTube regarding the status of negotiations and any proposed credits or reinstatements.
