YouTube TV and Disney remain in a highly-publicized contract stalemate, leaving millions of customers without access to ESPN/ABC channels for Week 10’s primetime “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.
This is the second “Monday Night Football” game affected by the YouTube TV blackout. Since the platform’s Oct. 30 announcement that it would be removing ESPN and ABC channels, users have missed out on two full slates of college football action and Week 9’s NFL matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.
YouTube TV announced the promise of a $20 credit to customers who have been affected by the blackout.
“Members: We’ve been working to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV. We know it’s been disappointing to lose Disney channels, and in light of the disruption, we’re offering our subscribers a $20 credit,” the platform wrote on Sunday.
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This $20 credit will not be automatically deposited to users’ accounts. Instead, customers will have to follow a set of instructions to claim the platform’s financial promise.
Understandably, this decision doesn’t sit right with many YouTube TV users.
“So @YouTubeTV@TeamYouTube decided to offer the $20 credit but they hid it on their site hoping most people don’t see or find it. They have the ability to just adjust your bill but have chosen not to,” one wrote.
“I received an email saying I will be able to apply for the credit in the future. Why not just give me the credit? This is a scumbag move and incentivizes me to dump them. Way to go YouTube! It’s a clear example of how NOT to treat a long term customer,” another said.
“Same as a coupon or a rebate. If you are going to give me money off/back, then don’t make it cumbersome to get it. But that’s why they do it – because most people won’t go through the process and they’ll only pay out a fraction of the original total,” another added.
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YouTube TV provided a follow-up message after its initial announcement.
“Over the next few days, family managers will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem their $20 YouTube TV credit. We remain committed to working with Disney to bring their content back, and we appreciate your patience while we work toward a resolution,” the platform wrote.
Tonight’s “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Eagles and Packers will kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET.
