YouTube TV Secures Short-Term Extension with Fox to Avert Channel Blackout

YouTube TV and Fox agreed on a short-term extension Wednesday, September 7, to maintain Fox channels on the live-TV streamer just hours before a carriage-dispute deadline. Subscribers will keep access to Fox Sports, Fox News and the Fox broadcast network, avoiding interruption of college and NFL coverage.

Nut Graf The extension ensures YouTube TV’s more than 8 million subscribers continue receiving Fox content, underscoring the high stakes of network fees negotiations and the growing influence of streaming platforms in traditional carriage disputes.

Carriage Dispute Resolution

YouTube TV had warned customers that Fox-owned channels could go dark at 5 p.m. ET if a new agreement wasn’t reached. After the deadline passed, the two parties agreed to temporarily extend their contract, preventing any service disruptions and allowing more time to negotiate long-term terms.

Subscriber Impact

  • Access Maintained: Fox Sports, FS1, Fox News and the Fox broadcast network remain available, preserving coverage of key sporting events including Week 1 college football and Sunday’s NFL slate.
  • Credit Policy: YouTube TV previously pledged a $10 credit per month if Fox channels were unavailable for an extended period.

Next Steps

Both sides emphasized continued talks. YouTube TV spokesperson pledged to “advocate on behalf of our subscribers” toward a fair agreement. Fox reiterated its commitment to a “reasonable agreement,” while expressing disappointment over Google’s negotiation tactics.

Background

YouTube TV launched in 2017 and now ranks among the largest U.S. TV providers with over 8 million subscribers. The service, which raised its base rate to $82.99 last January, offers 100+ channels, unlimited DVR and up to six user accounts per household.