In a blog post dated November 3, 2025, YouTube TV shared an email sent to Disney leadership in response to a proposal to restore ABC stations for a single day. The email acknowledged that “the right priority here is to give customers what they want” but emphasised that returning ABC only for a day “will cause customer confusion among those who may briefly see ABC on YouTube TV only to lose it again shortly after.” 
YouTube pointed out that viewers have other options, noting that election-news coverage “is very widely available across other broadcast stations and news networks on YouTube TV, as well as on the main YouTube service, for free.” The blog further claimed that “on the last two U.S. election days, the vast majority of tuned-in YouTube TV subscribers chose not to watch ABC.” 
The email offered to immediately restore “the Disney channels that our customers watch: ABC and the ESPN networks,” while continuing to negotiate with Disney for a broader carriage agreement. YouTube stated it would be able to make the channels live within hours if Disney agrees to the proposal. 
Disney’s networks remain off YouTube TV following failed licensing talks earlier this week; Disney initially asked for access to ABC ahead of U.S. Election Day, highlighting the public-interest nature of broadcast news coverage. YouTube’s refusal reflects its stance that reinstating ABC temporarily would not resolve the underlying carriage-fee dispute. 
