YouTube TV and Paramount Dispute: Why is it Happening and What Channels are Affected?

There could be trouble for viewers of Paramount shows and films on YouTube if YouTube TV can’t reach a deal with Paramount Network permanently. But why is this dispute happening? What channels will be affected? And what is the deadline? In this article, we will cover all these questions and more. 

YouTube TV and Paramount Network Reach Temporary Extension

On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), YouTube TV confirmed that a short-term extension with Paramount has been reached. This means that "Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS."

An update for our members: We’ve reached a short-term extension with Paramount to keep their content on YouTube TV. Subscribers continue to have access to Paramount channels, including CBS. We appreciate your patience as we continue to negotiate on your behalf.… https://t.co/xMAs8m6jFU

— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) February 14, 2025

But this isn't the end as the two sides will continue negotiating. At the time of writing, YouTube TV hasn't clarified how long this short-term extension will last.

What Channels can get cut if YouTube TV and Paramount Dispute isn’t Resolved?

These Paramount Network channels include:

• CBS
• BET
• Comedy Central
• MTV
• Nickelodeon
• CBS Sports Network
• Paramount Network
• CMT
• Nick Jr.
• Smithsonian Channel
• TV Land
• VH1
• Paramount+
• BET+.

Also, 10 local stations which are a part of the CBS News and Stations division could be stopped in:

• Atlanta (WUPA)
• San Francisco (KPYX)
• Seattle (KSTW)
• Boston (WSBK)
• Philadelphia (WPSG)
• Pittsburgh (WPCW)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (KTXA)
• New York (WLNY)
• Sacramento (KMAX)
• Tampa Bay (WTOG)

Why is this Dispute Happening? What are the Companies Doing to Solve it?

This dispute began when YouTube TV increased its baseline price by $10/month effective Jan. 13, 2025. Costs rose from $72.99 to $82.99 per month.

Variety reported a Paramount spokesperson saying, “YouTube TV is attempting to pressure Paramount to agree to one-sided terms, and these non-market demands may lead to an avoidable loss of Paramount’s networks on YouTube TV, in addition to the removal of Paramount+ and BET+ from YouTube’s Primetime Channels.”

The rep also said that Paramount has a “long track record of successfully and amicably renewing partnerships with every major distributor” and that it will “continue our efforts to reach a new agreement with YouTube TV.”

YouTube reported that they are in active conversations with Paramount and working hard to give them a fair agreement that would allow them to keep their channels without passing on the extra costs to the subscribers. 

What if an Agreement Can’t Be Reached?

YouTube has said there’s a way out even if an agreement with Paramount can’t be reached and their channels go dark for a long time. YouTube TV subscribers can claim an $8 credit at tv.youtube.com. Also, they can sign up for Paramount+, which starts at $7.99/month, to watch the shows there. 

If Google and Paramount can’t find common ground, it could become difficult for fans to find a single online cable service that offers access to every March Madness action across CBS, TNT Sports, and ESPN channels.