YouTube TV viewers have lost access to Disney channels, including ABC and ESPN, after contract talks broke down. Other channels like the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo have also disappeared. YouTube TV announced Thursday that Disney followed through on a threat to suspend its content during negotiations. YouTube claims Disney used the blackout threat to push for higher prices, benefiting its own streaming services like Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. YouTube TV expressed disappointment and urged Disney to work towards a fair agreement. Subscribers will receive a $20 credit if Disney content remains unavailable for a long time.
A problem at Amazon’s cloud computing service disrupted internet use around the world. The outage on Monday took down a broad range of online services, including social media, gaming, food delivery, streaming and financial platforms. Amazon said the outage was resolved as of Monday evening. The all-day disruption and the ensuing exasperation it caused served as the latest reminder that 21st century society is increasingly dependent on just a handful of companies for much of its internet technology, which seems to work reliably until it suddenly breaks down.
The days of $7 a month ad-free streaming are just about gone.
Amazon will now be the latest service to charge money, if you don't want to watch ads.
Disney may bypass movie theaters yet again and send its latest 2020 movie releases to its streaming platform, a move that could further devastate the country's major theater chains still reeling from months of stifled operations.
The company's stock was up about 5% in after hours trading following the news.