YouTube subscribers won't miss Fox football games and other content after Google announced a short-term extension instead of a blackout on Wednesday.
Aug. 27 (UPI) -- YouTube subscribers won't miss Fox football games and other content after Google announced a short-term extension instead of a blackout that would have started Wednesday.
Google, which owns the streaming service, didn't say how long the extension will last. On Monday, Google threatened Fox Corp. service would go dark at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
"We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement," Google said in an updated blog post. "We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress."
Without an extension or deal, viewers would miss top-ranked Texas playing third-ranked Ohio State, the reigning national champion in Columbus. Kickoff is scheduled for noon EDT Saturday. After the marquee game, South Dakota will play Iowa State and it's Utah vs. UCLA late at night on the Fox stations.
Several other football games were in jeopardy of not being shown on Fox stations, FS1 and the Big Ten Network. Other sports are broadcast on FS2.
On Thursday, Ohio will play Rutgers and Miami of Ohio will face Wisconsin on the Big Ten Network and Buffalo will go against Minnesota on FS1.
Friday night games are Auburn vs. Baylor on Fox, and Western Michigan vs. Michigan State and Central Michigan vs. San Jose State on FS1.
Other Fox channels are Fox News, Fox Business Network, Fox Weather and Fox Deportes.
The NFL season begins on Sunday, Sept. 7 on Fox stations.
Fox also broadcasts Major League Baseball games.
YouTube has around 9.4 million subscribers with the baseline cost $82.99 per month for more than 100 live channels and unlimited DVR usage.
Brendan Carr, the Federal Communications Commission head, posted Tuesday on X: "Millions of Americans are relying on YouTube to resolve this dispute so they can keep watching the news and sports they want -- including this week's Big Game: Texas @ Ohio State. Get a deal done Google!"
Google said it would credit subscribers $10 if Fox channels aren't shown for an extended time.
"Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive," YouTube wrote in its Monday blog post. "Our priority is to reach a deal that reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers."
"FOX is proposing a fair, comprehensive deal to continue our relationship with YouTube TV," Fox posted on keepfox.com. "Google is attempting to use its market power to pressure Fox to agree to unfavorable and one-sided terms, prioritizing their own interests over a fair agreement for its customers."
Fox has launched Fox One, which is its standalone streaming service, for $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
Earlier this month, Disney's ESPN and Fox Corp. announced the two rivals are joining forces to offer a streaming service to consumers as a bundle for $39 per month starting Oct. 2.
Category: Football
