May 07, 2020
Expanded agreement introduces 14 ViacomCBS channels to YouTube TV subscribers.
Every episode of The Daily Show, kids' favorite Nickelodeon series, and the upcoming third season of Yellowstone are just some of many ViacomCBS favorites that will soon be available on YouTube TV.
As part of a multi-year distribution agreement with Google announced on Thursday, YouTube TV will introduce 14 ViacomCBS channels to its lineup. It will continue to carry CBS broadcast stations, CBS Sports Network, Pop TV, Smithsonian Channel, and The CW.
The deal is the fourth major distribution agreement secured by ViacomCBS in the past few months, demonstrating its post-merger position of strength as well as its commitment to negotiating mutually beneficial terms. Its affiliate renewals with Meredith and Nexstar, finalized in March, ensured continued coverage of CBS stations for more than 10% of U.S. audiences. Its carriage deal with Verizon, announced last month, was the first to include its full portfolio—including Pluto TV—since the ViacomCBS merger last December.
“We are thrilled to have reached an expanded agreement with YouTube TV that recognizes the full power of our newly combined portfolio as ViacomCBS,” said Ray Hopkins, president of ViacomCBS' U.S. networks distribution. “Google has been an excellent partner, and we look forward to bringing even more of our entertainment networks to YouTube TV subscribers for the first time."
ViacomCBS networks BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land, and VH1 will launch on YouTube TV this summer. BET Her, MTV2, Nick Jr., NickToons, TeenNick and MTV Classic will launch later. As well, YouTube TV and broader YouTube platforms will keep distributing ViacomCBS’ premium subscription services, including SHOWTIME.
The move also showcases ViacomCBS' commitment to maximizing the value of its content and ensuring that audiences are able to watch the content across platforms and price points.
YouTube TV, which costs $49.99 per month, includes live and on-demand content from more than 70 networks.