YouTube TV to lose Paramount channels soon: What subscribers should know

Viewers may no longer be able to access Paramount Global-owned channels, including CBS, Comedy Central and MTV, via YouTube TV after Thursday if the two companies fail to renew their contract.

The dispute reportedly revolves around carriage fees — payments that paid TV providers, such as YouTube TV, must make to broadcasters for the right to carry their programming.

In recent times, major conflicts between providers and broadcasters have resulted in frequent blackouts.

YouTube's statement

In an official statement, YouTube, owned by Alphabet, informed its customers that it has been working hard to reach a fair agreement with Paramount that allows it to keep its channels without passing on additional costs to subscribers, according to CBS News

The company added that despite its ongoing negotiations, the two sides are yet to reach a resolution.

YouTube TV announced that all Paramount content would become unavailable on the platform after Thursday (February 13, 2025).

Subscribers will lose access to their existing library recordings from Paramount channels, as well as add-on services such as Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and BET+.

While the Alphabet-owned company is “still actively negotiating with Paramount,” it stated that subscribers would receive a $-8 credit if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.

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But viewers can still access Paramount shows and films by subscribing to Paramount+, starting at $7.99 per month.

“Paramount is an important partner for us and as you can imagine, this is not the outcome that we want. We’re still in active conversations with Paramount and are hopeful we can come to an agreement to keep their content available on YouTube TV,” it added.

Paramount responds

On a dedicated webpage, Paramount stated that it had made several offers favourable to customers, but accused YouTube TV of “attempting to pressure Paramount into agreeing to unfavourable and one-sided terms.”

The company further alleged that YouTube TV is prioritising its own interests over a fair agreement.

This dispute comes nearly a month after YouTube TV increased its basic package price by $10 to $82.99 per month, CNN reported.

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The highly popular internet-based pay-TV service, which has around eight million subscribers, has already surpassed key competitors such as DirecTV Stream and Fubo.

FAQs

1. When will Paramount channels leave YouTube TV?
According to CNN, Paramount stations and CBS will be removed from YouTube TV at 11 PM ET on Thursday.

2. What is the price of YouTube TV’s basic package?
The price starts at $82.99 per month.