NBC is no longer blacked out on YouTube TV. There had been a temporary glitch earlier in 2023 but that’s been worked out and NBC is now available on YouTube TV.

The list of channels that comes with any streaming subscription is a result of contracts between the streaming platform and the broadcasters or content providers. It’s an area of contention because each player in the dynamic must monetize competing products and services.

>Earlier in 2023 a group of local TV station owners united to ask the FCC to classify live streaming services like YouTube TV the same way they classify traditional cable TV companies. Cable companies must negotiate directly with each local affiliate station to carry local news. However, live streaming platforms like YouTube TV have cut blanket deals directly with network owners like Peacock (NBC) and these direct deals give the streaming platform the ability to offer local stations without having to negotiate individually with each local network affiliate.

Losing local news and local sports coverage that affiliate stations provide in each market would be a big negative for some subscribers. This issue may reach temporary resolution but it provides a very good example of the fierce competition among all parties involved for proper monetization of valued content in new distribution channels.