Disney Settles Antitrust Lawsuit Over Live TV Streaming Pricing Practices A federal antitrust lawsuit against Disney has reached a settlement, potentially entitling users of YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream to financial compensation. The case, filed in 2022, alleged that Disney leveraged its ownership of ESPN and other high-demand programming to compel streaming services to include these channels in their base packages. This bundling practice, plaintiffs claimed, prevented providers from offering lower-cost, sports-free subscriptions and artificially inflated prices across the industry. The lawsuit argued that Disney’s control over ESPN and Hulu—both owned by the company—forced streaming platforms to bundle expensive content into standard subscriptions. This led to significant price increases, with the base package for YouTube TV rising from $35 to $65. The plaintiffs contended that Disney’s acquisition of operational control over Hulu in May 2019 exacerbated the issue, causing subscription prices in the Streaming Live Pay Television (SLPTV) market to nearly double. Under the settlement terms, eligible users who subscribed to YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream—formerly known as DirecTV Now or AT&T TV Now—between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, may receive a payout. The deadline to claim compensation is September 8, 2026. To qualify, individuals must verify their subscriptions and submit claims through the settlement administrator’s website or by mail. Those who receive a notice via USPS or email will be directed to a dedicated website where they can log in using the ID and PIN provided. For users who do not receive a notice but believe they are eligible, the settlement administrator offers an email contact and a printable claim form. Physical claims must be postmarked by September 8.#california #youtube_tv #disney #direcTV_stream #district_of_columbia
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Free: Streaming Options and Schedule The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, will feature a series of matches broadcast across multiple platforms, with several free streaming options available to viewers. For those seeking to watch the tournament without paying for cable, several services offer free trials or ad-supported subscriptions, allowing access to both English and Spanish-language broadcasts. The tournament will be televised in English on FOX and FS1, while Spanish-language coverage will air on Telemundo and Universo. To stream these games without a paid subscription, users can take advantage of free trial periods offered by various streaming services. For example, FOX One provides a 3-day free trial, Fubo and DirecTV offer 5-day trials, and YouTube TV extends its free trial to 21 days. Additionally, an antenna can provide free access to Fox stations, though this method may not include all channels. Peacock, which streams Spanish-language broadcasts, is available for free through partnerships with services like Walmart+ and Instacart+. Walmart+ subscribers can access Peacock at no extra cost, while Spectrum TV Select customers may also receive Peacock Premium (with ads) at no additional charge. These options make it possible to watch all matches without a direct subscription fee. For viewers preferring a more affordable long-term plan, YouTube TV offers a discounted rate of $67.99 per month for the first five months, followed by $82.99 thereafter. While YouTube TV provides access to all necessary channels, its live streams may experience a slight delay, which could affect real-time viewing. DirecTV’s Entertainment tier, priced at $59.99 for the first month and $89.#fox #youtube_tv #fifa_world_cup #telemundo #walmart_plus
YouTube TV vs. DirecTV: A Comprehensive Comparison of Packages, Features, and Value YouTube TV and DirecTV are two of the leading live TV streaming services, each offering a range of packages, pricing options, and channel selections. This comparison highlights the key differences between the two platforms, focusing on their channel availability, pricing structures, interface design, DVR capabilities, and additional streaming services. Both services provide free trials—DirecTV offers a five-day trial, while YouTube TV provides a 21-day trial—allowing users to test their features before committing. Packages, Pricing, and Channel Availability Both services provide multiple plan options tailored to different viewing preferences. YouTube TV’s main plan costs $82.99 per month and includes over 100 channels, such as ESPN, TBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and major sports networks like NBA TV and NFL Network. Additional plans cater to specific interests, such as a $64.99/month Sports Plan with 30+ channels, including regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets, and a $54.99/month Entertainment Plan featuring HGTV, Bravo, ID, and Discovery. YouTube TV’s Sports + News Plan ($71.99/month) combines sports and news channels, while the News + Entertainment + Family Plan ($69.99/month) excludes sports. The Sports + News + Entertainment plan ($77.99/month) covers nearly all of YouTube TV’s offerings. DirecTV, on the other hand, offers a broader range of packages with more channel options. Its Entertainment plan ($89.99/month) includes 90+ channels, such as ESPN Unlimited, Disney+, and Hulu. The Choice plan ($94.99/month) adds 125+ channels, including more national sports networks and RSNs, though regional sports fees apply. The Ultimate plan ($124.#youtube_tv #direc_tv #sports_plan #entertainment_plan #ultimate_plan
YouTube TV’s Fully Customizable Multiview Feature Begins Limited Rollout YouTube TV has initiated a limited rollout of its long-awaited “Add to multiview” feature, which allows users to fully customize their live stream selections. This update marks a significant shift from the previous system, which restricted users to preset channel bundles. The new functionality enables viewers to choose up to four streams from categories such as sports, news, and movies, offering greater flexibility in how they consume content. The feature is currently available on a per-account basis and has started appearing for a small subset of users in the United States across both TV and mobile platforms. YouTube TV, a live streaming service provided by Google, has emphasized that its multiview feature—previously limited to preset combinations—now allows users to tailor their viewing experience. This customization is particularly notable because the streams are processed and delivered as a single livestream by YouTube’s servers, rather than being handled by the user’s device. The rollout has been met with enthusiasm, especially among users in sports-centric markets like Philadelphia. Reddit users have highlighted the ability to pair local sports networks with national broadcasts, a capability that was previously unattainable under the old system. For example, fans can now simultaneously watch their local team’s game alongside a national sports channel, enhancing their viewing options. To check if the feature is available, users can open a livestream and press the down button on their remote (or tap the player on mobile). This action will open the multiview selection menu, where the “Add to multiview” option will appear if the feature is active. Users can then select up to three additional channels to fill their grid.#google #reddit #youtube_tv #philly #multiview
Oscar Night’s Biggest Loser Was Hulu as Viewers Run Into One Issue After Another Viewers attempting to watch the Academy Awards faced significant frustration as the ceremony became inaccessible on the Hulu/Disney+ app, despite being heavily advertised as available through the platform. While the red carpet coverage for the event was streamed on the combined Hulu/Disney+ app, the main awards ceremony itself was nowhere to be found, leaving audiences scrambling for alternative ways to tune in. The confusion stemmed from the app’s structure, which required users to access the live event through a specific, more expensive version of Hulu—Hulu Live—rather than the standard subscription. This led to widespread criticism on social media, with users expressing disappointment over the logistical hurdles. One user tweeted, “I’m going to be very happy when the Oscars go to YouTube.” They added, “It was advertised as being on Hulu. But as it turns out, not your basic Hulu… just the super expensive Hulu live, or whatever that is. I had to get a free trial of Fubo to watch.” Another viewer lamented the cost and inconvenience, stating, “What’s the point of having Disney+ and Hulu when you can’t watch the Oscars unless you have a regular Hulu account. Why pay twice for something that I already have smh.” The situation highlighted the disconnect between the platform’s marketing and its actual functionality, as users were left with limited options to access the event. The primary workaround involved downloading Hulu separately, though this was discouraged for those already subscribed to Disney+. Attempting to access the app through devices or computers often resulted in error messages, further complicating the process.#fubo #disney_plus #academy_awards #hulu #youtube_tv
YouTube TV Introduces 2026 Cheaper and More Flexible Streaming Plans YouTube TV has launched new pricing options for 2026, offering customers more control over their streaming subscriptions. The updated plans replace the previous $83 monthly flat rate with smaller, niche-specific bundles tailored to different viewing preferences. Users can now select from a range of packages that focus on specific genres such as sports, entertainment, news, or family programming, allowing for more personalized and cost-effective access to live content. One of the primary options is the Sports bundle, priced at $65 per month. This plan includes major sports networks like ESPN, FS1, and NBC Sports Network, catering to fans of live games and sports events. For those interested in combining sports with news coverage, a $72 monthly package is available, featuring both sports channels and national news networks. Entertainment-focused viewers have a $55 option that includes channels such as FX, Comedy Central, Food Network, HGTV, and Hallmark, providing a mix of shows and lifestyle programming. A new News and Entertainment bundle costs $63 per month, offering a balance between current affairs and entertainment content. For users seeking broader coverage, a larger package combining Sports, News, and Family programming is available for $78 monthly. These options are accessible through YouTube TV’s account settings, where users can navigate to the "Explore Plans" section to review and switch between packages. The platform has also simplified the process for changing subscriptions, making it easier for customers to adjust their plans based on their viewing habits. While the savings per month may seem modest, the new pricing structure can reduce costs by $5 to $20 compared to the standard plan.#youtube_tv #sports_bundle #news_entertainment_bundle #entertainment_bundle #sports_news_bundle
YouTube TV Introduces More Affordable Subscription Plans YouTube TV has launched new subscription tiers designed to offer users greater flexibility and lower costs. The updated plans allow subscribers to choose specific content categories, such as sports, entertainment, or news, while avoiding unnecessary expenses for channels they don’t watch. This shift aims to reduce overall costs by letting users pay only for the services they value most. The new Sports Plan costs $64.99 per month, with a discounted rate of $54.99 for new users. This plan includes access to major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and TNT, making it ideal for fans of live games and sports events. For those interested in entertainment content, the Entertainment Plan is priced at $54.99 ($44.99 for new users), featuring channels such as FX, Comedy Central, Paramount+, and HGTV. These options provide a more tailored experience compared to the previous all-inclusive base plan. YouTube TV also introduced a Sports + News + Family Plan at $78 per month, combining access to sports, news networks, and family-friendly content. This tier is particularly appealing for households that want a mix of entertainment and informational programming. Additionally, users can opt for standalone plans like the News + Entertainment bundle ($63/month) or the Sports + Family plan ($72/month), offering further customization. A significant discount is available for new subscribers, with the first month’s fee reduced by $28 on most plans. For example, the Entertainment Plan starts at $44.99 instead of $54.99, while the Sports Plan is $54.99 for new users. These introductory rates are designed to attract users looking to cut costs without sacrificing access to popular channels.#paramount_plus #tnt #espn #youtube_tv #fox_sports
Another Cable TV Company is Shutting Down and Moving Customers to YouTube TV The closure of a major cable TV provider marks a significant shift in the industry, as customers are being transitioned to YouTube TV, a live streaming service operated by Google. This move has been anticipated by industry experts, given the company’s strategic pivot announced in 2023. At that time, WOW! revealed plans to phase out its traditional pay TV offerings and integrate YouTube TV into its service lineup. By August 2023, the company had fully implemented this transition, making YouTube TV available as a bundled option with internet plans while ceasing sales of its own cable TV products. For many WOW! customers, the loss of traditional TV service has already begun, with the final areas still receiving conventional TV service set to lose it in April 2026. This transition poses both challenges and new opportunities for affected users. Those accustomed to traditional cable interfaces may need to adapt to streaming platforms, which require compatible devices such as smart TVs, Roku players, or Fire TV sticks. YouTube TV offers features like unlimited cloud DVR storage, multi-device streaming, and access to a wide range of channels, including local networks and premium add-ons. However, the service comes with its own pricing model, starting at approximately $73 per month, though bundled deals with WOW! may provide discounts. Customers in regions with competitive internet providers may also explore alternatives from companies like AT&T, Spectrum, or Verizon Fios. The shift underscores the broader industry trend toward streaming services, driven by the declining relevance of traditional cable infrastructure.#google #youtube_tv #wow #fiber_optics #at_t
YouTube Outage: Service Restored After 2 Hours YouTube experienced a widespread service disruption on Tuesday evening, leaving users worldwide unable to access the platform for approximately two hours. The outage began around 5:30pm PT, with users reporting blank screens and error messages such as "Something Went Wrong" across all YouTube services, including YouTube Music, YouTube Kids, and YouTube TV. Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints from users in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other regions, highlighting the extensive reach of the issue. The incident underscored the critical role YouTube plays in both content creation and daily communication. Many users and creators faced interruptions during livestreams or mid-scroll sessions, serving as a stark reminder of how deeply integrated the platform has become in modern life. While the exact cause of the outage was not immediately disclosed, the disruption revealed the platform’s central role in connecting millions of people globally. The restoration of service after two hours marked a temporary resolution to the crisis, though the incident raised questions about the reliability of a service that remains a cornerstone of digital interaction.#united_states #youtube #youtube_music #youtube_kids #youtube_tv
