Why Disney is losing the PR war against YouTube TV amid their contract dispute

"Several data sources indicate that YouTube could have the upper hand in public perception. A survey by Drive Research of 1,100 respondents showed that 58% consider both parties equally at fault, but a far bigger share (37%) blamed Disney than YouTube TV (5%). "I do think they've managed to present themselves as protectors for subscribers and Disney as corporate overlords," Richard Swain, partner at branding and creative agency Further, said of YouTube."

"According to Muck Rack, from October 5 to November 5, Disney got over 18,000 negative mentions on X, and YouTube TV got about 14,000. However, by November 6, negative sentiment had shifted more to YouTube TV. Google searches for "cancel YouTube TV" spiked immediately after the blackout and reached their highest level in at least five years, according to data from Google Trends. Interest in competing services soared."

"Disney and YouTube TV are waging a PR war to sway viewers as their contract dispute drags on. Disney has painted itself as the underdog, but some surveys show it's getting more blame. PR pros weighed in on Disney and YouTube's messaging strategies. Who's winning the PR war in the Disney-YouTube TV standoff? Data suggests YouTube - so far. Disney's channels have been unavailable on YouTube TV since October 30 due to a contract dispute,"

Disney's channels went dark on YouTube TV beginning October 30 because of a contract dispute, blocking access to ESPN sports, ABC News and shows like Abbott Elementary. Multiple surveys and social-listening metrics show significant public backlash aimed at Disney, with Drive Research finding 37% blamed Disney versus 5% blaming YouTube TV, and Cord Cutters News reporting 82% primarily blamed Disney. Muck Rack data recorded thousands of negative mentions for both sides, and Google Trends showed searches for "cancel YouTube TV" spiking and interest in competitor services surging. Messaging success appears linked to perceptions of subscriber protection versus corporate rent-seeking.

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