Roku Subscribers May Lose YouTube TV Subscription

Received an email from roku.com today saying negotiations between them and Google had broken down. The email went on to say, their subscribers may lose access to YouTube TV. Roku is concerned about unfair demands from Google concerning their user’s data. Why is it the big guys are always trying to dropkick the little guys in the nuts? Money and Power just like the Biden Admin!

In my personal opinion, this is nothing more than a big-tech power play to force TV viewers back to the cable companies. Just like Amazon forced Parler members to go back to Facebook and Twitter!

Update 04/30/21: Google is not renewing Roku’s YouTube TV Contract! 😥

Dear Roku Customer, 

We are disappointed to share the news that Google has chosen to let the YouTube TV contract expire. While this news is unfortunate, we wanted to let you know that we are taking an extra step to ensure existing Roku users like yourself retain access to YouTube TV while we work to reach an agreement.  

We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google’s unfair and anti-competitive requirements that would allow for the manipulation of your search results, impact the usage of your data, and ultimately cost you more.

Our commitment is to always put your interests first and therefore we will continue to offer existing users access to YouTube TV unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel. New subscribers will not be allowed at this time. It is also important that you do not delete the YouTube TV channel as it will not be available for download to Roku devices.

We remain committed to reaching a good-faith agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, honors your desired search preferences, and protects your data. We hope to update you soon.

Thank you,

Roku

Dear Roku Customer, 

We are sending this email to update you on the possibility that Google may take away your access to the YouTube TV channel on Roku. Recent negotiations with Google to carry YouTube TV have broken down because Roku cannot accept Google’s unfair terms as we believe they could harm our users.

Ensuring a great streaming experience at an exceptional value is the core of our business. We will always stand up for our users, which is why we cannot accept Google’s unfair and anti-competitive requirements to manipulate your search results, impact the usage of your data and ultimately cost you more. 

While we are deeply disappointed in Google’s decision to use their monopoly power to try and force terms that will directly harm streamers, we remain committed to reaching an agreement with Google that preserves your access to YouTube TV, protects your data and ensures a level playing field for companies to compete. We encourage you to contact Google and urge them to reach an agreement to continue offering YouTube TV on Roku and to follow standard industry practices pledging not to require access to sensitive search data or to manipulate your search results. 

Thank you,

Roku

I ditched Spectrum TV back in 2018 and bought a Roku streaming device. They have a ton of FREE stuff like shows and movies etc. At that time Google was promoting their YouTube TV and Roku had an app for it. It was a no-brainer to try YouTube TV for $29.95 a month. It was easy to set up on our TVs. But like all things Google, the price has skyrocketed. Google added a bunch of liberal channels bragging about the value-added. And being liberal anti-American haters, they don’t offer OANN or NewsMaxTV! 😡

As usual, just my two cents’ worth on this subject! 🙂