Fubo TV Criticizes NBCUniversal for Removing Channels Amid Carriage Dispute

Fubo TV subscribers have lost access to NBCUniversal channels following a failed contract negotiation. The blackout affects key channels such as NBC, Bravo, CNBC, and Telemundo, impacting nearly 1.6 million customers just before Thanksgiving.

The dispute is especially significant as NBC is scheduled to broadcast major events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the National Dog Show, and a Thursday night NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. These events will also stream on NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform.

Fubo TV criticized NBCUniversal for refusing to allow a selective carriage of channels. The sports-focused streaming service wanted to offer a slimmed-down channel lineup to manage costs but was met with demands to carry the full portfolio.

Moreover, Fubo took issue with NBCUniversal negotiating on behalf of a set of legacy cable channels soon to be spun off into a new company called Versant. Fubo offered to carry these channels for one year but refused a multi-year commitment that would extend beyond the corporate split.

NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, countered that it offered terms similar to those made with other distributors. The company accused Fubo of repeatedly dropping channels at consumers’ expense.

This blackout follows an earlier dispute involving Disney and YouTube TV, where about 10 million customers temporarily lost access to Disney-owned channels. Disney recently acquired a controlling stake in Fubo, integrating it into Hulu + Live TV, though Hulu subscribers retain NBCUniversal channels due to separate agreements.

Fubo also highlighted NBCUniversal’s arrangement with YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video, allowing those services to include Peacock in their offerings. Fubo said NBC refused to grant them the same access.

In a statement, Fubo reaffirmed its commitment to providing a premium live TV streaming experience. The company urged NBCUniversal to reconsider, warning that if the dispute persists, Fubo will move forward without NBCUniversal channels.