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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — YouTube TV’s and ESPN’s dispute over distribution has made its way to the stock market. ESPN’s parent company Disney shares’ fell nearly 8%, erasing $16 billion in market value amid a prolonged carriage dispute with YouTube TV. This marks a six-month low for the stock.
The TV blackout has caused outrage for YouTube TV customers, who have lost access to channels like ESPN and ABC. Both networks are major carriers of NFL and College Football action.
The YouTube TV–Disney blackout, which began Oct. 31, are still in active negotiations, but do not appear to be close to a deal.
“We’re ready to go to war” Disney’s CFO said in an earnings call.
Not what sports fans were hoping to hear as they are soon to enter a third straight weekend without ESPN available on YouTube TV. YouTube TV has started issuing $20 credits to subscribers’ next bill.
According to Sports Business Journal, Disney is losing close to $4 million per day during the absence of its channels from YouTube TV. It’s also been estimated that ESPN is losing 15 percent of its audience for Monday Night Football, College Football, and College GameDay.
Locally the Patriots Monday Night Football game on Dec. 1 against the New York Giants may be affected if the blackout is not resolved.
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