Part 8/11:
As negotiations drag on, consumers are caught in the crossfire. The blackout results in missed college football games, canceled live sports, and the absence of channels like ABC and ESPN from streaming services. Meanwhile, some analysts note increasing frustration among viewers, particularly sports fans, who are finding it more difficult to access their favorite content.
Interestingly, recent surveys suggest only about 5% of viewers blame YouTube for the disruptions, indicating that dissatisfaction primarily falls on Disney’s strategy and content management. Disney’s short-sightedness is cited as a potential source of reputational damage, with critics arguing that alienating sports viewers and casual fans could have long-term consequences.