YouTube entered the online streaming fray by unveiling its network lineup and monthly pricing. At a press event on Tuesday, YouTube officially announced YouTube TV, a lineup of more than 40 channels at $35/month.
Right now, we don’t know when YouTube TV will launch, but there is a signup that will send out an e-mail to let you know.
The four major broadcast networks will be there, ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. For NFL fans, they’ll be able to games on computers, Chromecast and tablets, but they’ll fall under blackouts on mobiles as Verizon currently has the rights to show games on smartphones.
In addition, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN’s family of networks, FS1/FS2, Fox Sports’ regional networks and NBCUniversal’s sports networks (Golf Channel/NBCSN). But there are some major omissions in YouTube TV’s lineup.
There are no league-owned networks, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network or NHL Network. None of Turner’s networks, CNN, TBS, TNT, truTV or Turner Classic Movies are listed. And none of Viacom’s networks, MTV, Spike or VH1 will be on when YouTube TV launches.
Some of the features include a cloud DVR, the ability to record live TV with unlimited storage. And according to YouTube, subscribers will be able record as many programs as they want simultaneously.
People can watch on all possible screens, computers, mobiles, tablets, Google Chomecast or Chromecast built-in TV.
YouTube TV memberships come with six accounts. And there are no commitments, people can cancel at anytime.
But the main takeaway for sports is that while some of the major networks like CBS/CBS Sports Network, ESPN’s family, Fox along with its Fox Sports channels (Fox Soccer Plus will be an add-on), NBCUniversal’s networks are there, several major networks are not.
Perhaps YouTube will be able to gain agreements with the league-owned networks as well as the Turner Broadcasting channels, but they are a major omission at this time.
Time will tell if YouTube TV can attract cord cutters. It’s going take a while from the launch to make a true judgment.
About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.