YouTube TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters looking for a live TV streaming service that offers a wide range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. One of the most frequently asked questions about YouTube TV is whether it carries Fox, a major broadcast network that offers a variety of popular shows and sports events. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between YouTube TV and Fox, and what it means for subscribers.
YouTube TV and Fox: A Brief History
YouTube TV launched in 2017 as a live TV streaming service that offered a range of channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. At the time, YouTube TV was one of the few streaming services that carried all four major broadcast networks, making it an attractive option for cord-cutters who wanted to access live TV without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
However, in 2020, YouTube TV and Fox had a public disagreement over carriage fees, which led to a brief blackout of Fox channels on the platform. The dispute was eventually resolved, and Fox channels were restored to YouTube TV. But the incident highlighted the complex and often contentious relationship between streaming services and broadcast networks.
What Fox Channels Are Available on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV currently carries a range of Fox channels, including:
- Fox (the main broadcast network)
- Fox News
- Fox Business
- Fox Sports 1
- Fox Sports 2
- FS1 (Fox Sports 1)
- FS2 (Fox Sports 2)
In addition to these national channels, YouTube TV also carries a range of local Fox affiliates, which offer local news, sports, and weather. The availability of local Fox affiliates on YouTube TV varies depending on your location, so you may not have access to all of these channels if you live in a certain area.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
One area where YouTube TV and Fox have a more complicated relationship is with Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). RSNs are local channels that offer sports coverage of local teams, and they are often owned by major broadcast networks like Fox.
YouTube TV carries some Fox-owned RSNs, including:
- Fox Sports Arizona
- Fox Sports Carolinas
- Fox Sports Detroit
- Fox Sports Florida
- Fox Sports Indiana
- Fox Sports Kansas City
- Fox Sports Midwest
- Fox Sports New Orleans
- Fox Sports North
- Fox Sports Ohio
- Fox Sports Oklahoma
- Fox Sports San Diego
- Fox Sports South
- Fox Sports Southwest
- Fox Sports Tennessee
- Fox Sports West
- Fox Sports Wisconsin
However, YouTube TV does not carry all Fox-owned RSNs, and the availability of these channels varies depending on your location.
How to Watch Fox on YouTube TV
Watching Fox on YouTube TV is relatively straightforward. If you have a YouTube TV subscription, you can access Fox channels by following these steps:
- Open the YouTube TV app on your device (this can be a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device like a Roku or Chromecast).
- Navigate to the “Live” tab, which offers a range of live TV channels, including Fox.
- Scroll through the channel guide to find the Fox channel you want to watch (e.g. Fox, Fox News, Fox Sports 1, etc.).
- Click on the channel to start watching.
You can also use the YouTube TV search function to find specific Fox channels or shows. For example, you can search for “Fox News” or “The Simpsons” to find relevant content.
Recording Fox Shows on YouTube TV
One of the benefits of YouTube TV is its cloud DVR feature, which allows you to record live TV shows and watch them later. This feature is available for Fox channels, so you can record your favorite Fox shows and watch them at a later time.
To record a Fox show on YouTube TV, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube TV app and navigate to the “Live” tab.
- Find the Fox channel you want to record (e.g. Fox, Fox News, Fox Sports 1, etc.).
- Click on the channel to start watching.
- Click the “Record” button to start recording the show.
- The show will be recorded to your cloud DVR, where you can watch it later.
Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV allows you to stream content on multiple devices at the same time, which is useful if you have a large household or want to watch different channels on different devices.
The number of simultaneous streams you can have on YouTube TV varies depending on your subscription plan. The base plan allows for three simultaneous streams, while the “Add-on” plan allows for unlimited simultaneous streams.
Conclusion
YouTube TV and Fox have a complex relationship, but the good news is that YouTube TV carries a range of Fox channels, including the main broadcast network, Fox News, and Fox Sports. While there may be some limitations on the availability of local Fox affiliates and RSNs, YouTube TV is a great option for cord-cutters who want to access live TV without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
If you’re a fan of Fox shows or sports, YouTube TV is definitely worth considering. With its cloud DVR feature, simultaneous streams, and range of channels, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to cut the cord and still access live TV.
| Channel | Availability on YouTube TV |
|---|---|
| Fox (main broadcast network) | Yes |
| Fox News | Yes |
| Fox Business | Yes |
| Fox Sports 1 | Yes |
| Fox Sports 2 | Yes |
| FS1 (Fox Sports 1) | Yes |
| FS2 (Fox Sports 2) | Yes |
| Local Fox affiliates | Varies depending on location |
| Fox-owned RSNs | Varies depending on location |
Note: The availability of Fox channels on YouTube TV may vary depending on your location and subscription plan.
What is the dispute between YouTube TV and Fox?
The dispute between YouTube TV and Fox is a carriage fee disagreement. YouTube TV wants to continue carrying Fox channels, but the two companies cannot agree on a price. Fox is seeking higher fees from YouTube TV to carry its channels, which include Fox Sports and Fox News. YouTube TV is resisting the fee increase, arguing that it would lead to higher costs for its subscribers.
If the dispute is not resolved, YouTube TV may drop Fox channels from its lineup. This would mean that YouTube TV subscribers would no longer have access to Fox programming, including live sports and news. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional media companies and streaming services over carriage fees and content distribution.
Which Fox channels are affected by the dispute?
The Fox channels affected by the dispute include Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox News, Fox Business, and the Fox local affiliates. These channels offer a range of programming, including live sports, news, and entertainment. If YouTube TV drops these channels, subscribers would need to find alternative ways to access Fox content.
It’s worth noting that the dispute does not affect all Fox content. YouTube TV subscribers would still have access to on-demand Fox content, such as TV shows and movies. However, live programming, including sports and news, would no longer be available through YouTube TV.
How would dropping Fox channels affect YouTube TV subscribers?
Dropping Fox channels would likely have a significant impact on YouTube TV subscribers. Many subscribers rely on YouTube TV for live sports and news, and the loss of Fox channels would leave a gap in the service’s offerings. Subscribers who want to continue accessing Fox content would need to find alternative streaming services or traditional TV providers.
The loss of Fox channels could also lead to a decrease in subscriber satisfaction and potentially even cancellations. YouTube TV has built its reputation on offering a comprehensive range of channels, including live sports and news. If the service is no longer able to offer these channels, subscribers may look elsewhere for their TV needs.
Is there a deadline for resolving the dispute?
There is no official deadline for resolving the dispute, but the situation is ongoing. YouTube TV and Fox are reportedly in negotiations, but so far, they have been unable to reach an agreement. If the dispute is not resolved soon, YouTube TV may drop Fox channels from its lineup.
It’s difficult to predict when or if the dispute will be resolved. Carriage fee disputes can be complex and contentious, and they often involve multiple parties and competing interests. YouTube TV and Fox may need to make concessions and compromises in order to reach an agreement.
Can YouTube TV subscribers still access Fox content through other means?
Yes, YouTube TV subscribers can still access Fox content through other means. Fox offers its own streaming services, including Fox Now and Fox Sports, which provide on-demand access to Fox content. Subscribers can also access Fox content through other streaming services, such as Hulu with Live TV or Sling TV.
Additionally, subscribers can access Fox content through traditional TV providers, such as cable or satellite TV. However, these options may require separate subscriptions or equipment, and they may not offer the same convenience and flexibility as YouTube TV.
How does the dispute between YouTube TV and Fox reflect broader trends in the TV industry?
The dispute between YouTube TV and Fox reflects broader trends in the TV industry, including the shift towards streaming and the increasing importance of carriage fees. As more viewers turn to streaming services for their TV needs, traditional media companies are seeking higher fees from these services to carry their channels.
The dispute also highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional media companies and streaming services over content distribution and revenue sharing. As the TV industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more disputes and negotiations between these parties.
What are the implications of the dispute for the future of TV streaming?
The dispute between YouTube TV and Fox has implications for the future of TV streaming. If YouTube TV is unable to reach an agreement with Fox, it may set a precedent for other streaming services and traditional media companies. This could lead to more disputes and negotiations over carriage fees and content distribution.
The dispute also highlights the need for streaming services to diversify their channel offerings and reduce their reliance on traditional media companies. As the TV industry continues to evolve, streaming services will need to adapt and innovate in order to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of their subscribers.