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The bitter standoff between Disney and YouTube TV has turned into a costly battle, with Disney reportedly losing $4.3 million per day in revenue since its channels were pulled from the streaming platform. The blackout, triggered by failed licensing negotiations, has left millions without access to ESPN, ABC, FX, and the Disney Channel—raising questions about who stands to lose the most.
Why Disney’s Channels Were Dropped
The dispute began when YouTube TV (owned by Google) refused Disney’s demands for higher carriage fees. The streaming service argued that accepting the terms would force a price hike for its 4 million+ subscribers. On December 17, 2021, YouTube TV removed Disney’s networks, escalating tensions between the two media giants.
Disney’s Multi-Million Dollar Loss
For Disney, the blackout means vanishing affiliate fees—the payments YouTube TV would normally make to broadcast its channels. Analysts estimate:
– $4.3 million lost daily
– Potential $100M+ loss if unresolved
ESPN is hit hardest, as affiliate fees make up 60% of its revenue. Missing key events like NBA games and college football bowl season could drive long-term viewer attrition.
Who Loses More: Disney or YouTube TV?
While YouTube TV risks subscriber backlash, Disney faces deeper financial wounds:
– Lost ad revenue from unavailable channels
– Declining ESPN viewership
– Erosion of cable bundle value
Meanwhile, YouTube TV has offered a $15/month discount to affected users—a short-term fix that may not prevent cancellations.
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