ABC News Vanishes from YouTube TV: The Disney Dispute Explained and Your Questions Answered
The sudden disappearance of over 15 channels, including local ABC stations, FX, National Geographic, and the entire suite of ESPN networks, stems from a failure to renew a carriage agreement. At the heart of the conflict are the fees YouTube TV pays Disney to carry its content. This has left over 10 million subscribers without access to key programming, from local news and primetime shows on ABC to major sporting events on ESPN.
The timing has been particularly frustrating for viewers, occurring during the height of the college football and NFL seasons and impacting coverage of major events. The public spat has seen both companies pointing fingers. Disney accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay fair rates, while YouTube TV claimed Disney was demanding terms that would force a price hike for customers. The standoff even saw YouTube TV reject Disney's request to temporarily restore the ABC feed for U.S. election night coverage.
How to Watch ABC News and ESPN During the Blackout
For those who can't wait for the corporate giants to resolve their differences, there are several alternative options to access the blacked-out content:
Other Live TV Streaming Services: Services like Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV still carry the full lineup of Disney-owned channels.
Sling TV Passes: For a more temporary and affordable solution, Sling TV offers a "Day Pass" that provides 24-hour access to its Sling Orange package, which includes ESPN, for a small fee.
ESPN Streaming Service: Fans can subscribe directly to ESPN's own streaming app to watch live games and events.
Your ABC News Questions Answered
Amid the disruption, many viewers are curious about the network at the center of the storm. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ABC News.
ABC News is the news division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The network is a flagship property of The Walt Disney Company, which acquired ABC's parent company, Capital Cities/ABC, in a landmark deal in 1996.
Why was an ABC News weatherman fired?
In the spring of 2024, veteran ABC News meteorologist Rob Marciano was fired after a decade with the network. His dismissal followed numerous complaints from staffers about his behavior over the years, including alleged anger management issues. According to reports, the final straw was a "heated screaming match" with a producer on "Good Morning America."[18][19] The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of management by chief meteorologist Ginger Zee, leading to the network's decision to terminate his contract. Marciano had previously been temporarily barred from the show's Times Square studios after making a colleague feel uncomfortable.
What Is Today's Biggest Global News?
While you may be missing your local ABC News broadcast, here is a look at some of the major international headlines for November 5, 2025:
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is cautiously proceeding, with reports that the remains of a hostage were returned to Israel for burial. The situation remains tense as details of a potential leaked proposal are being discussed.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Batters the Philippines: A powerful typhoon has left dozens dead and caused widespread, destructive flooding across the central Philippines.
Democrats See Success in US Elections: Democrats celebrated significant victories in U.S. elections, with Zohran Mamdani making history as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian Mayor.
Chinese Astronauts' Return Delayed: The return of Chinese astronauts from space has been postponed after their spacecraft was reportedly struck by debris.
Political Scandal in Israel: Israel's top military lawyer has been arrested after admitting to leaking a video of soldiers' abuse, creating a significant political scandal.
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