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Trump Urges Google to Reinstate Univision on YouTube TV Amidst Political Fallout
A dispute over carriage fees between Google-owned YouTube TV and Univision has taken a sharp political turn, with former president Donald Trump publicly urging Google to restore the Spanish-language broadcaster to its platform. Trump argued that univision’s reach within the Hispanic community will be crucial in the upcoming midterm elections.
The conflict stems from Univision being removed from YouTube TV, which boasts approximately 8 million subscribers, last week due to disagreements over financial terms. This is the latest in a series of carriage fee disputes for YouTube TV, a service gaining popularity as consumers seek alternatives to customary cable and satellite packages.
“I hope Univision, a grate and very popular Hispanic Network, can get BACK onto the very amazing Google/YouTube,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday night. “It has been taken out of their package, which is VERY BAD for Republicans in the upcoming Midterms.” He further emphasized his past positive relationship with the network, stating, “Thay were so good to me with their highest rated ever political Special,” and claiming he “set a Republican Record in Hispanic voting.” He concluded with a plea for “FAIRNESS.”
Univision has not yet publicly responded to requests for comment.
The situation differs from a recent similar dispute between Google and NBCUniversal, which was resolved without significant political repercussions. Though, the current standoff has quickly become politicized. Daniel Alegre, chief executive of televisaunivision, expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Thank you very much President Trump for recognizing the impact of Univision and the importance of Hispanics. We take pride in Univision representing the voice of Hispanic America.”
https://twitter.com/DanielAlegre
Alegre further accused Google of imposing a “Hispanic tax,” characterizing the blackout as “tone-deaf” and discriminatory during an appearance on Fox News’ “Mornings with Maria” on Monday. He also acknowledged support from other political figures,including Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr,who recently dealt with a separate controversy involving ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.
Google maintains that the dispute centers on Univision’s viewership numbers. A YouTube spokesperson explained that while TelevisaUnivision has a substantial presence on the broader YouTube platform with over 160 million subscribers and billions of views, its contribution to viewership on the paid YouTube TV service is comparatively small.
“TelevisaUnivision has over 160 million subscribers and billions of views across YouTube, where they generate ad revenue from their content,” the spokesperson stated. “On our paid live TV subscription service,YouTube TV,however,TelevisaUnivision only represents a tiny fraction of overall consumption.”
This dispute unfolds shortly after YouTube reached a $24.5 million settlement with Trump over accusations of censorship following the suspension of his account after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. As part of the settlement, YouTube will contribute $22 million to the Trust for the National mall to aid in the renovation of the White House State Ballroom, and an additional $2.5 million will be distributed to a coalition of Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf.
