YouTube TV could lose a bunch of channels this week if its parent company, Google, fails to hammer out a last-minute deal with NBCUniversal.<\/b>
\nYouTube TV could lose a bunch of channels this week if its parent company, Google, fails to hammer out a last-minute deal with NBCUniversal to carry its programming. Discussions have stalled over pricing, with the two companies unable to agree on a fair rate for the entertainment giant\u2019s content. If the matter isn\u2019t resolved by Thursday, September 30, YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to NBC, Bravo, CNBC, E!, Golf Channel, MSNBC, Oxygen, SYFY, Telemundo, The Olympic Channel, Universal Kids, Universo, and USA Network. A raft of NBC Sports regional networks will also vanish from the service. That\u2019s a lot of programming for those signed up to YouTube TV, and so if it happens, Google said it will lop $10 off the annual subscription cost, bringing it down to $54.99 starting October 1. But hopefully it won\u2019t come to that. \u201cWe\u2019ve been working to renew our deal with NBCUniversal to continue carrying their content on YouTube TV,\u201d Google explained in a blog post on Sunday, September 26. It said it wants NBCU to treat YouTube TV \u201clike any other TV provider,\u201d adding that it\u2019s seeking \u201cthe same rates that services of a similar size get from NBCU.\u201d Google continued: \u201cIf NBCU offers us equitable terms, we\u2019ll renew our agreement with them. However, if we are unable to reach a deal by Thursday, the NBCU lineup of channels will no longer be available on YouTube TV and we will decrease our monthly price by $10, from $64.99 to $54.99.\u201d Commenting on the impasse, NBCUniversal said it\u2019s seeking \u201cfair rates\u201d from Google for the continued use of its programming, adding: \u201cUnfortunately, Google is refusing to make a deal at these fair rates and is willing to withhold entertainment, news, and sports programming from their paying customers.\u201d NBCU has even set up a website called \u201cyou need channels\u201d aimed at putting pressure on Google to agree terms. The website suggests YouTube TV subscribers tweet the video streaming behemoth with the message: \u201cDon\u2019t drop my favorite channels like NBC, Telemundo, USA, Bravo, MSNBC, NBCSN, Golf Channel, SYFY and more. I deserve the channels I pay for!\u201d A link for switching streaming providers is also offered. It\u2019s not clear if Google wants a price cut or NBCU wants to increase its fee, but either way, they\u2019ve so far been unable to come to an agreement. Digital Trends has reached out to both companies for more information and we will update this article when we hear back. Google confirmed in its post on Sunday that the two companies are still in talks as they work to resolve the issue before Thursday\u2019s deadline. YouTube TV launched in 2017 and currently offers subscribers more than 85 channels. Digital Trends has a useful guide to the service for anyone interested in signing up \u2014 with or without NBCU as part of the deal.<\/p>\n