NBCUniversal and YouTube TV have announced a “long-term” distribution agreement, ending the threat of a blackout of NBCU networks in more than 10 million pay-TV homes.
The companies had been at odds over the past week, with the programmer running ads and social media promotions calling attention to the operator’s Big Tech DNA.
On Thursday, however, the sharp-edged rhetoric was shelved as the deal was revealed, though the media industry will take time to parse all of its details before trying to handicap which side gained the most.
Under the deal, whose length and terms, carriage of NBCU’s full portfolio of networks is assured across YouTube TV. Distribution has also been secured for a new iteration of the NBC Sports Network, which will give viewers access to “a broad range of NBCUniversal’s robust sports programming,” as NBCU said in a statement. The network is designed to complement NBC sports programming given that the reconstituted network won’t include the NFL or the Olympics.
Flagship streamer Peacock will become available in the coming months as a subscription offering through YouTube Primetime Channels. It also is getting a multi-year extension across Google Android platforms, including Google Play and Google TV.
Within the long-form overall deal is another long-term pact covering short-form clips, highlights and shows from NBCU premium programming on YouTube.
Films and TV shows from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will also continue to be available to buy or rent on Google TV, YouTube TV and YouTube. Library films from NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution will be available to stream via SVOD on YouTube Premium and AVOD through YouTube Free Primetime Content.
One contentious issue heading into the contract expiration date (September 30, though it was subsequently extended as talks continued) was about the ingestion of Peacock programming into the main YouTube TV experience. It was unclear in the immediate aftermath of the settlement where the parties netted out on that.
YouTube TV, which has grown from a startup to a pay-TV heavyweight in just eight years, has had numerous skirmishes with large programmers. NBCU joined Paramount and Fox Corp. in publicly crossing swords with the distributor but then ultimately reaching an agreement. Hispanic giant TelevisaUnivision’s networks, however, have been dark since the expiration of the companies’ contract on Tuesday.
“Our new agreement with Google is a clear win for both our business and our viewers – underscoring the enduring value of our must-see shows, films, sports, and live events while expanding our reach to even more audiences,” said Matt Schnaars, President of Platform Distribution & Partnerships at NBCU. “We’ve secured long-term access to our full portfolio of broadcast and cable networks on YouTube TV, and we’re advancing our Peacock strategy with an upcoming launch on YouTube Primetime Channels and ongoing presence on Google TV. This agreement positions us for continued growth and reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment to fans across platforms.”
“This deal builds on our long-standing partnership with NBCU while addressing the evolving media landscape and recognizing the importance of making content available where and how viewers want to watch it,” said Justin Connolly, Vice President, Global Head of Media & Sports at YouTube. “We are pleased to have reached this agreement and look forward to continuing our partnership to serve billions of viewers around the world.”
Elements of this agreement include:
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