For some extra context, in December of last year, the YouTube TV service was forced to dropDisney-owned channels it previously offered as part of its streaming package, namely ABC and ESPN, with YouTube then opting to lower its subscription from $64.99 to $49.99 a month as a measure to make up for the loss to its customers. Back then, YouTube even suggested users could use those saving to opt for the Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle, currently priced at $14 with ads or $20 per month without ads.
RELATED:The Best Science Fiction Movies On Hulu (November 2022)
The case was filed on November 18 at California’s Northern District Court in San Francisco. This occurred just a couple of days before Disney made some strategic changes by replacing outgoingCEO Bob Chapek with the returning Bob Iger, who ran the company from 2005 to 2020. YouTube TV didn’t keep ESPN off its platform for more than a couple of days in total, but the service is currently priced at $64.99 a month.
This latest chapter of the streaming wars represents a different facet than the more prominent battles involving Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Paramount Plus. The TV providers still alive and kicking also suffer the effects of Disney’s corporate consolidation and what are, admittedly, excellent deals at first glance for users wanting to enjoy Hulu’s programming and ESPN sports. The controversy is hardly Disney’s first legal scuffle, as the company’s subsidiaries have also been involved in court withthe copyright of many Marvel franchisescurrently being fought by their creator’s families.
Any ramifications from either case won’t be felt byDisneyor its customers for a while, although it’s safe to say the company isn’t afraid of litigation sinceScarlett Johansson took Disney to court overBlack Widowprofits.
