YouTube TV Mulls New 'Sports & Broadcast' Package Amid Fox Negotiations

YouTube TV is reportedly considering a new "Sports & Broadcast" package, but details are unclear. The package would include networks like Fox News, FS1, and Fox Sports, but Fox would fight for Fox News to be included. The idea of separate packages is a point of contention in the broadcast space, but customers want it. The decision on whether to introduce the package has not been made.

YouTube TV and Fox Corp. have reached a last-minute agreement to keep Fox News, Fox Sports, and other Fox-owned channels available on YouTube TV, averting a potential blackout for millions of subscribers [1]. The deal was brokered just in time to prevent a disruption in services, particularly during key sporting events like the highly anticipated No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State college football game scheduled to air on Fox [2].

The agreement comes after tense negotiations over carriage fees between YouTube TV, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), and Fox Corp. (FOXA). Despite the launch of Fox One, YouTube maintains its top spot as America's market leader in terms of audience engagement, capturing over 13% of TV watch time in July [1]. Launching on August 21, Fox One costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually, comparatively less than YouTube TV's $82.99 per month price tag [1].

The short-term agreement is a step forward in the ongoing negotiations between YouTube TV and Fox Corp. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, for now, subscribers can enjoy uninterrupted access to Fox content. Both parties will continue to work towards a more permanent agreement that satisfies their respective requirements [2].

References:
[1] https://screenrant.com/sports-fans-rejoice-as-last-minute-agreement-prevents-blackout/
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/youtube-fox-reach-minute-deal-fox-news-sports-channels-youtube-tv-2508/