The prolonged dispute between media giant Disney and tech titan Google has entered its fourth day, leading to a significant blackout that affects major Disney networks most notably ABC and ESPN on YouTube TV. The disruption stems from an unresolved fee disagreement between the two corporations, with each side accusing the other of making unreasonable demands regarding content licensing and distribution costs.

The standoff intensified when Disney requested that Google temporarily restore ABC for a single day Tuesday, November 4 to ensure coverage of Election Night for subscribers. Google, however, declined this short-term reinstatement. Instead, it proposed a broader, long-term solution: that Disney permit YouTube TV to permanently bring back ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue, emphasizing that these are “the channels that people want.”

The blackout began shortly after the previous contract between Disney and Google expired at midnight ET on October 30. According to Google’s statement, Disney is demanding an “unprecedented fee increase” for its full suite of networks. Disney, on the other hand, claims that Google is “refusing to pay fair rates,” reflecting a deeper clash over how streaming-era content should be valued.

YouTube shared an internal email it sent to Disney leadership outlining why it refused the 24-hour ABC restoration. The company cited possible “customer confusion” if the channel were restored briefly only to vanish again. Google also noted that election coverage is readily available through other broadcast networks on YouTube TV and for free on the main YouTube platform. It further reminded Disney that it could livestream news via its ABC News YouTube page, which has more than 19 million subscribers, as well as through local ABC affiliate channels.

Seeking a resolution, Google reiterated its offer to “immediately restore the Disney channels that our customers watch ABC and the ESPN networks while we continue to negotiate.” Disney confirmed that it has sent a renewal proposal and awaits Google’s response, though no deal has yet been finalized.

The current blackout affects a wide range of Disney-owned networks, including ABC local stations, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, SEC Network, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, ABC News Live, ACC Network, and Localish. Subscribers to YouTube TV’s Spanish plan are also missing ESPN Deportes, Baby TV Español, and Nat Geo Mundo.