Disney is losing $4.3 million a day in revenue because of YouTube TV drama

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In the latest episode of “Corporate Soap Opera: Streaming Wars Edition,” Disney and Google have found themselves locked in a dramatic standoff that’s costing Disney an eye-watering $4.3 million every single day, or about $30 million a week, according to Morgan Stanley. 

The culprit? A contract dispute over YouTube TV has left millions of subscribers staring at blank screens instead of Monday Night Football.

The blackout, now dragging into its 12th day, has pulled the plug on more than 20 Disney-owned channels, including ABC, ESPN, FX, and National Geographic. (Via: The Verge)

It all started when the companies failed to renew their distribution deal by 11:59 PM ET on October 30th. Cue the corporate finger-pointing.

Google claims Disney yanked its channels as a “negotiating tactic,” accusing the House of Mouse of trying to squeeze higher rates that would ultimately hike up prices for YouTube TV customers. 

Disney, meanwhile, insists it’s Google that’s being cheap, saying the tech giant “refuses to pay fair rates” for its content. 

Both sides think the other is being greedy, and viewers are the ones paying for it, literally.

To soften the blow, Google’s been handing out $20 credits to subscribers stuck in the middle, though many aren’t buying it, literally. 

A Drive Research survey found that 24 percent of US subscribers have either canceled or are planning to cancel YouTube TV altogether. Ouch.

Analysts expect both sides to come to their senses soon (probably after realizing just how much money they’re burning). 

Morgan Stanley predicts the feud could end by the end of the week, but at this point, the only real winners are the analysts.

Until then, YouTube TV subscribers are left wondering which will end first: the Disney-Google blackout or the next government shutdown. 

Either way, viewers just want their sports, sitcoms, and Shark Tank back, preferably before the popcorn runs out.