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Paramount channels still on YouTube TV after 'short term' extension. But how long will that last?

Jonathan Limehouse   Paste BN

Although Paramount and YouTube TV agreed on a "short term extension" that temporarily paused a blackout of CBS and other Paramount-owned channels on the Google-owned streaming platform, it is unclear how long the agreement will remain in place.

YouTube TV announced the development on Thursday night in a blog post, saying subscribers will continue to have access to CBS and other Paramount channels, as well as any recordings in their library.

"We also value Paramount's partnership and willingness to work towards an agreement," the post read.

But with key CBS-broadcasted sporting events on the horizon, like March Madness and the Masters, many YouTube TV users are concerned just how long the temporary extension will last.

When questioned by users about the duration of the agreement, an X account for YouTube support said the company would "share more updates as we have them."

A Paramount spokesperson told Paste BN on Friday that the company had "no additional updates at this time."

Paramount touts 'long track record' of renewing amicable partnerships

In a statement emailed to Paste BN on Thursday, the Paramount spokesperson said the company has "a long track record of successfully and amicably renewing partnerships with every major distributor, including several in recent months."

Paramount agreed on deals with Charter in May 2024, and Comcast in January.

Before a temporary agreement was reached, YouTube TV said in a blog post that it tried to reach a deal "that avoids passing along additional costs" to its subscribers. Paramount said in its statement that YouTube TV was attempting to "pressure" them to "agree to one-sided terms."

Paramount also said it made a "series of fair offers." The company promoted its KeepParamount.com website, which is still online and offers more information about the negotiations, including what channels and shows they could lose or miss out on if a long-term agreement is not reached.

What is the largest blackout in media history?

While Paramount's track record suggests a deal getting done relatively soon, many YouTube TV subscribers may be hoping it won't take more than three months like it did for Nexstar Media Group and DirecTV to agree on programming rates.

According to the American Television Alliance, the dispute between Nexstar Media Group and DirecTV is the largest blackout in media history. As negotiations were had, millions of DirecTV subscribers could not access the 200 local stations that Nexstar owns and controls in more than 100 metro regions that reach 68% of U.S. TV homes, ATVA spokesperson Cora Mandy said in a statement.

Negotiations between Nexstar and DirecTV, which began in July 2023, ended in September of that year after more than 75 days, multiple outlets reported at the time. Both sides agreed on a new distribution deal, allowing DirecTV customers to again watch ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW network affiliates.

Which Paramount-owned channels would YouTube TV subscribers lose?

According to Paramount, the multiple channels YouTube TV subscribers would lose if a long-term deal is not reached include:

  • CBS
  • CBS Sports Network
  • BET
  • Comedy Central
  • MTV, MTV 2 and MTV Classic
  • Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr. and TeenNick
  • Showtime
  • TV Land
  • VH1
  • Nickelodeon Jr.
  • Country Music Television (CMT)
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Pop TV
  • Start TV
  • Dabl TV Network
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