Here’s a shocking reality check: The ongoing battle between Disney and YouTube TV is causing more than just headaches—it’s potentially tanking ABC’s ratings. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this standoff a necessary negotiation or a self-inflicted wound for both giants? Let’s dive in.
Since October 31, Disney networks like ABC and ESPN have gone dark on YouTube TV due to a heated carriage dispute. With YouTube TV boasting around 10 million subscribers—roughly 8% of U.S. TV households—this blackout isn’t just a blip; it’s a major disruption. And this is the part most people miss: While the immediate impact on ratings might seem obvious, the ripple effects are far more complex than you’d think.
Take ABC’s primetime college football game on November 1. Ratings plummeted below the season average, but was it solely due to the blackout? Not necessarily. The game aired opposite Game 7 of the World Series, which likely siphoned viewers. CBS and NBC’s college football games also took a hit that night, muddying the waters. Here’s the twist: Evidence from Monday and Tuesday suggests the dispute is dragging down viewership for ABC’s flagship shows—but it’s not the whole story.
Monday Night Football drew just 16.37 million viewers across ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2, a steep drop from the season’s 20.17 million average. ABC’s share? A mere 9.84 million, its second-lowest of the season. Meanwhile, Dancing With the Stars saw its first decline after six weeks of growth, dropping 6% in viewers and 10% in the 18-49 demographic. Bold question: Could this be the beginning of a downward spiral for ABC, or is it just a temporary blip?
Disney claims live streaming of Dancing With the Stars on Disney+ surged on Tuesday, hinting that some viewers migrated to the platform. But here’s the catch: TV ratings are always noisy. The Monday Night Football matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys wasn’t exactly a blockbuster, and Election Night coverage likely drew eyeballs to cable news. Yet, the Cowboys are usually a ratings magnet, making the drop even more puzzling.
Meanwhile, CBS saw slight primetime growth, and Fox held steady. So, is the blackout the sole culprit, or are other factors at play? Controversial take: Could Disney’s hardline stance in negotiations be alienating viewers, or is YouTube TV’s refusal to budge pushing fans away? Weigh in below—this debate is far from over.
