YouTube Holds Lead for Sixth Straight Month in Nielsen's Media Distributor Gauge

YouTube leads Nielsen's Media Distributor Gauge for the sixth consecutive month, capturing 13.4% of TV watch time in July. Netflix ranks third in the list. Nielsen's report aggregates total TV viewing across platforms.

YouTube, a unit of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), has threatened to shut off Fox programming from its YouTube TV streaming service unless a new contract is reached by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on July 3, 2025. The threat comes just days before the start of the new college football season, with Fox televising key games such as the No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State matchup.

In a blog post, YouTube stated that Fox is "asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive." The company prioritizes reaching a deal that reflects the value of Fox's content fairly for both parties without passing on additional costs to subscribers. YouTube has also indicated that it will offer members a $10 credit if a blackout occurs and continues for an extended period.

Fox, in response, expressed disappointment with Google's proposed terms, arguing that they are out of step with the marketplace. Despite the ongoing negotiations, shares of both Alphabet and Fox are down today but remain higher year-to-date.

Meanwhile, YouTube has continued to lead Nielsen's Media Distributor Gauge for the sixth consecutive month, capturing 13.4% of TV watch time in July. This underscores the platform's growing influence in the streaming market, while Netflix ranks third in the list.

[1] https://www.investopedia.com/youtube-tv-threatens-a-fox-blackout-without-a-new-deal-by-tomorrow-11797534