NBC and YouTube TV in Final Stretch for Midnight Deal

After months of negotiations, NBC and YouTube TV are inching closer to a deal that would see the video streaming service acquire NBCUniversal's linear channels. However, the two sides remain far apart on one key issue: YouTube TV wants to ingest Comcast's Peacock.

Background

In 2020, NBCUniversal announced its plan to launch a new streaming service, which would offer its vast library of content, including popular shows like Saturday Night Live and The Office. The service, dubbed "Midnight," was expected to be a major player in the rapidly growing streaming market.

YouTube TV, on the other hand, has been expanding its own offerings, adding more channels and improving its content lineup. The company's CEO, Neal Mohan, has been vocal about his desire to acquire NBCUniversal's linear channels, which would give YouTube TV access to a vast library of content.

The Current Situation

According to reports from Puck's John Ourand, the negotiations between NBC and YouTube TV are nearing their end. However, the two sides remain far apart on one key issue: YouTube TV wants to ingest Comcast's Peacock.

Peacock is a popular streaming service launched by Comcast in 2020. The platform offers a wide range of content, including TV shows, movies, and original programming. YouTube TV has been seeking to acquire Peacock as part of its deal with NBCUniversal, but Comcast has been resistant to the idea.

Why Peacock Matters

Peacock is a significant player in the streaming market, and its acquisition by YouTube TV would give the service access to a vast library of content. The platform offers a range of original programming, including sports coverage, news, and entertainment shows.

By acquiring Peacock, YouTube TV would be able to offer its subscribers a more comprehensive lineup of channels and content. This would make the service more competitive in the rapidly growing streaming market.

The Benefits for NBC

If YouTube TV were to acquire NBCUniversal's linear channels, it would provide the company with access to a vast library of content. The deal would also give NBCUniversal a significant influx of capital, which could be used to further invest in its own streaming service and other business ventures.

For NBC, the deal would be a major coup, as it would allow the company to maintain control over its valuable content while still generating revenue through streaming rights.

The Challenges Ahead

While the negotiations between NBC and YouTube TV are nearing their end, there are still several challenges that must be overcome before a deal can be finalized.

One of the main concerns is the pricing structure for the deal. YouTube TV has been seeking to acquire NBCUniversal's linear channels at a significant discount, but Comcast has been resistant to this proposal.

Another challenge is the issue of Peacock itself. As mentioned earlier, Comcast has been resistant to the idea of acquiring Peacock as part of the deal with NBCUniversal. This has created a significant roadblock in the negotiations.

The Future of Midnight

Despite the challenges ahead, there remains a strong possibility that a deal between NBC and YouTube TV will be finalized soon. The two sides have shown a willingness to compromise on several key issues, including pricing and Peacock's acquisition.

If a deal is reached, it would mark a major milestone in the growth of the streaming market. Midnight would offer subscribers access to a vast library of content, including popular shows like Saturday Night Live and The Office.

For YouTube TV, the acquisition of NBCUniversal's linear channels would be a significant coup, allowing the service to expand its offerings and compete more effectively with other streaming services.

Conclusion

The negotiations between NBC and YouTube TV are nearing their end, but there remains several challenges that must be overcome before a deal can be finalized. The issue of Peacock is a major sticking point, as Comcast has been resistant to the idea of acquiring the platform as part of the deal with NBCUniversal.

Despite these challenges, there remains a strong possibility that a deal will be reached soon. If a deal is finalized, it would mark a major milestone in the growth of the streaming market and offer subscribers access to a vast library of content.

Key Players

• NBCUniversal: The parent company of NBC, Telemundo, and other cable networks.
• YouTube TV: A video streaming service owned by Alphabet Inc.
• Comcast: The parent company of NBCUniversal and Xfinity.
• Neal Mohan: CEO of YouTube TV.

Key Dates

• 2020: NBCUniversal announces its plan to launch a new streaming service, Midnight.
• 2022: Negotiations between NBC and YouTube TV begin in earnest.

Related Articles

• "NBC and YouTube TV Near Deal for Midnight"
• "Comcast Resists Idea of Selling Peacock as Part of Deal with NBCUniversal"
• "The Future of Streaming: How Midnight Will Change the Game"