Entertainment
YouTube TV in “short-term extension” to keep Fox channels on it for now
New York — YouTube TV says it’s reached a “short-term extension” in its contract dispute with Fox, meaning subscribers of the Google-owned streamer won’t see immediate disruptions of Fox channels on the platform.
The current carriage agreement between YouTube TV and Fox originally faced a Wednesday afternoon deadline – with YouTube previously warning that networks like Fox Sports, Business and News would become unavailable on its streaming platform if the two sides didn’t reach a new deal by 5 p.m. ET.
That would have left YouTube TV customers without Week 1 of some college football games and other broadcast programming from Fox. But shortly after the clock hit 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, YouTube said it was able to “prevent disruption” as it continues to work toward a new agreement.
“We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress,” YouTube said in a brief update announcing the extension.
A spokesperson for Fox had no addition comment, but confirmed that the broadcast giant had agreed to the short-term extension. It wasn’t immediately clear how long the extension would be.
In a statement earlier Wednesday, Fox said it was “disappointed that Google continually exploits its outsized influence by proposing terms that are out of step with the marketplace.” Fox also directed subscribers to a site called keepfox.com for more information and to call on YouTube to come to an agreement.
In addition to Fox Sports, Business and News, keepfox.com notes that YouTube TV may no longer carry FS1 and the Big Ten Network (which is majority-owned by Fox) if a deal isn’t reached.
Meanwhile, in blog post earlier this week, YouTube said Fox was “asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive.” The company added that it hoped to reach a deal that’s “fair for both sides” without “passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”
If Fox content becomes unavailable on YouTube TV “for an extended period of time,” YouTube also noted it would provide members with a $10 credit. YouTube TV’s base plan – which currently boasts access to over 100 live channels – costs $82.99 a month.
Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, also chimed in on the dispute leading up to Wednesday’s deadline – while appearing to target Google particularly. He called on the tech company to “get a deal done” in a post on social media.
“Google removing Fox channels from YouTube TV would be a terrible outcome,” Carr wrote in a Tuesday post on X. “Millions of Americans are relying on YouTube to resolve this dispute so they can keep watching the news and sports they want-including this week’s Big Game: Texas Ohio State.”
From sports events to awards shows, live programming that was once reserved for broadcast has increasingly made its way into the streaming world over the years – as more and more consumers ditch traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions for content they can get online. But renewing carriage agreements can also mean tense contract negotiations – at times resulting in service disruptions.
YouTube TV has been down this road before: In 2021, YouTube TV subscribers briefly lost access to all Disney content on the platform, including networks like ESPN and local ABC stations, after a contract breakdown between the two companies. That outage lasted less than two days, with the companies eventually reaching an agreement.
Beyond deals with YouTube TV and others, Fox last week launched its own streaming platform, “Fox One,” which has a starting price of $19.99 a month.
It looks like the Prince and Princess of Wales’ children are about to have a very merry Christmas indeed.
After Princess Kate revealed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were a little sad about missing the Royal Variety Performance, their festive prayers have been answered.
The young royals have reportedly been invited to watch the West End sensation Paddington: The Musical.
This stage show, a heartwarming spin-off of the beloved marmalade-loving bear, has already cemented its status as a British cultural institution.
Paddington famously shared a sandwich with the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Platinum Jubilee, and the character has since become a symbol of tribute to the monarch.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO! from the red carpet, producer Sonia Friedman said, “We can’t wait for Paddington to meet the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales—it’s going to be very special.”
Friedman, known for hits like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, added, “We’re very proud. It’s taken hundreds of people and many years to get to this point, and now we’re handing it over to the audience—it feels amazing.”
The royal couple have already had a sneak peek, enjoying a performance number from their private box during the Royal Variety Performance on November 19.
Producer Eliza Lumley described the moment as “iconic,” calling it a royal seal of approval for the production.
Even Tom Fletcher couldn’t hide his excitement: “I invited Their Royal Highnesses to see the show, so hopefully they’ll make it to the theatre.
Performing a tiny peek for them at the Royal Variety was surreal—they seemed to really enjoy it, and I hope the kids do too.”
Charlie Puth did not audition for Wicked.
The popstar is shutting down the recent buzz claiming he auditioned for the blockbuster films.
The singer took to X on Saturday, November 29, and cleared the speculation in a joke-filled reply after a fan account shared a list of artists who were rumoured to have read for roles in the two-part movie.
“I never auditioned for Wicked I would be so bad lol,” wrote Puth, 33.
The list included some huge names such as Jennifer Lopez, Shawn Mendes, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Amanda Seyfried, Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Dove Cameron, Lea Michele and Jessie J.
While Puth was never in the running, several of those stars have previously confirmed that they did audition for the films.
Amanda Seyfried has been open about how badly she wanted the role of Glinda. She explained her audition experience in 2022, saying she was juggling filming The Dropout while preparing for the musical tryout.
“Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth [The Dropout], on the weekends I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of Wicked — because I wanted it that much,” she told Backstage.
She shared that she sacrificed her Sundays just to go for it.
Even before Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were cast as Glinda and Elphaba, other big names were linked to the project.
Lady Gaga had been attached to the film as Elphaba during early development before director changes were made, according to OK! Magazine.
Actress Cristin Milioti also confirmed she tried for the role. She told her audition story on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, explaining how she was excited but nervous to sing in person again after COVID.
She recalled being asked to belt the hardest music and said, “I open my mouth and the sound that escaped me is something I will hear on my deathbed. It was disgusting. I sounded terrible.”
Despite many stars chasing those iconic roles, Charlie Puth wasn’t one of them—and he’s more than happy to set the record straight himself.
American comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco reacted after Marcello Hernandez did an impression of him on Saturday Night Live.
Hernandez’s parody of the 52-year-old didn’t only get his stamp of approval but also drew a flattering reaction.
“He did a great job. I was very flattered that they did that,” the Bookie actor said, revealing that the SNL star had even asked him to join the sketch for a cameo but he couldn’t make it due to prior commitments.
“He actually called me on Thursday before the show, said, ‘Do you want to come in and do a cameo at the end of it?’ I couldn’t do it because I was performing in Palm Springs,” he explained.
“But I thought this kid did a fantastic job,” the comic added, per a preview clip of his upcoming appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on December 2.
Known for his physical comedy style and exaggerated speech, Maniscalco noted that he hasn’t made his debut at the NBC comedy special yet but the impersonation was “absolutely all in love.”
He even joked if Barrymore could help him out as a member of the Five-Timers Club, notably the actress has hosted six times.
“I’m here today to kind of petition — and maybe you could help me,” The Irishman actor said. “You’re taking all the spots!”
The viral SNL sketch was aired during the November 15 episode hosted by Glen Powell.
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