Disney-owned sports broadcaster ESPN has removed some of its content from YouTube, following a “rights conflict” due to the launch of ad-free subscription service YouTube Red.
The $9.99-per-month service, which launched last week, saw the introduction of a new content contract for YouTube partners. Anyone who does not sign the deal sees their content set to ‘private’.
Having declined to make its content available for YouTube’s paid tier, ESPN has now replaced YouTube with its own video player for brands such as NFL channel Grantland.
A YouTube spokesperson told The Verge: “Disney has signed the agreement for YouTube Red, but ESPN is not part of the subscription service at launch due to rights and legal issues.”
Speaking to M&M Global last week, several media agency executives gave the thumbs up to YouTube Red, arguing it represents a good strategy for the Google-owned platform.
“The name may prove unfortunate, but it’s a smart and necessary move from Google. YouTube Red is aimed squarely at younger audiences for whom we know ad blocking is a growing trend, and Google knows it needs to provide an alternative revenue model,” said Alan King, head of digital, UK and international, at IPG Mediabrands.
Read the full reaction to the launch of YouTube Red here.
