Google and Paramount have successfully reached an agreement to prevent any disruption in channel availability on YouTube TV. The deal ensures that Paramount content, including popular channels like CBS and CBS Sports, will remain accessible to YouTube TV subscribers. The channels were initially set to disappear on February 13, leading Google to issue a warning about the potential disruption through a blog post. However, a short-term deadline extension allowed the two companies to finalize an expanded streaming relationship.
The newly forged agreement not only maintains the existing channels but also grants Google the rights to offer Paramount+ to qualifying YouTube TV customers. Furthermore, YouTube Primetime Channels will continue offering Paramount+ With Showtime and BET+ as additional add-ons. This collaboration underscores Paramount's significant role in the streaming landscape.
"The reality is, you can’t have a successful video product without Paramount, one of the leading media families in TV viewing," – The CEOs
Paramount's co-CEOs, George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins, emphasized the importance of this partnership in an internal memo to employees. They described Google as a "great partner" who is dedicated to ensuring their mutual success, reinforcing the positive outlook on this collaboration.
"unwilling to agree to reasonable terms consistent with the market, choosing to jeopardize the entertainment experience at the expense of consumers" – Paramount’s co-CEOs George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins
Despite some initial disagreements between the companies over terms consistent with market standards, both parties expressed satisfaction with the outcome of negotiations. Google highlighted their commitment to their subscribers by stating they fought for an agreement that would not result in additional costs and would provide more flexibility in viewing options.
"fighting for an agreement that avoids passing along additional costs and offers [subscribers] more flexibility in how you watch your favorite sports and shows" – Google
"We’re happy to share that we’ve reached a deal to continue carrying Paramount channels, including CBS, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon and more … To our subscribers, we appreciate your patience while we negotiated on your behalf" – Google
Anthony Ha, TechCrunch's weekend editor based in New York City, reported on this development. With previous experiences as a tech reporter at Adweek and a senior editor at VentureBeat, Ha brings significant expertise in covering technology and media-related news. His background also includes roles as a local government reporter at the Hollister Free Lance and as vice president of content at a venture capital firm.
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