Fact Check: Is CW on YouTube TV?

Is CW on YouTube TV?

The claim in question is whether The CW network is available on YouTube TV. This inquiry arises amidst ongoing changes in streaming services and their channel offerings, particularly regarding local affiliates and national networks.

What We Know

1. Current Availability: As of March 2023, YouTube TV and Nexstar, the owner of The CW, announced a deal that ensures local CW-affiliated stations would remain available on YouTube TV 4. This agreement was part of a broader arrangement that included the addition of 59 new local stations, which encompassed 29 CW-affiliated channels 7.

2. Subscription Details: YouTube TV offers a subscription service that includes over 100 live channels, which, according to their promotional material, features The CW among other networks 3. However, the availability of specific channels can depend on the user's geographic location.

3. Recent Changes: On August 31, 2023, it was reported that some local CW stations were temporarily unavailable on YouTube TV due to a dispute 8. This indicates that while CW is generally part of the YouTube TV lineup, there may be exceptions based on regional agreements or disputes.

4. Historical Context: The CW was added to YouTube TV's channel lineup in 2019 after an agreement between the two entities 9. This historical context is important as it shows that the relationship has evolved, with both additions and temporary removals of CW programming.

5. User Experience: Users can check the availability of The CW on YouTube TV by entering their ZIP code on the YouTube TV website, which provides a tailored list of channels based on location 5.

Analysis

The evidence regarding The CW's availability on YouTube TV is mixed and reflects the complexities of streaming agreements.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • The announcement from Nexstar 6 is a primary source that confirms the ongoing relationship between The CW and YouTube TV, making it a reliable reference.
  • Articles from Cord Cutters News 1 and 9to5Google 4 provide additional context and updates on the agreements, but they may have a slight bias towards promoting streaming services as they cater to an audience interested in cord-cutting options.
  • The Desk's article 8 about the temporary unavailability of CW programming raises concerns about the stability of the CW's presence on YouTube TV, suggesting that users should remain vigilant about potential changes.

• Methodological Considerations: The claims regarding availability are based on agreements and announcements, which can change based on negotiations or disputes. The reliance on user location for channel availability adds another layer of complexity, as not all users may have access to the same channels.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those that focus on promoting streaming services, may present information in a way that favors YouTube TV or The CW, potentially leading to biased interpretations of the facts.

• Contradicting Information: The temporary removal of CW programming in certain areas 8 contradicts the broader claims of availability, highlighting the need for users to verify their local channel listings.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that The CW is available on YouTube TV is partially true. Evidence indicates that The CW is generally included in YouTube TV's channel lineup, supported by a recent agreement between YouTube TV and Nexstar, the owner of The CW. However, the availability of The CW can vary based on geographic location and is subject to change due to ongoing disputes, as evidenced by reports of temporary unavailability in some areas.

This nuanced verdict reflects the complexities of streaming agreements and the potential for regional discrepancies. While the primary sources confirm the relationship between The CW and YouTube TV, the existence of temporary removals raises questions about the reliability of this availability for all users.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the dynamic nature of streaming agreements and the potential for changes that may not be immediately reported. Users are encouraged to verify their local listings and remain informed about any updates that may affect their access to The CW on YouTube TV.

As always, readers should critically evaluate information and consider multiple sources before drawing conclusions about the availability of channels on streaming platforms.

Sources

1. YouTube TV is Adding More The CW Affiliates - Cord Cutters News. Retrieved from https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-is-adding-more-the-cw-affiliates/
2. Does YouTube TV Include The CW - YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOqka48b9UM
3. Watch The CW online | YouTube TV (Free Trial). Retrieved from https://tv.youtube.com/browse/the-cw-UCbqpFncwfi15vHbgqeK0tFQ
4. YouTube TV gets local CW channels - 9to5Google. Retrieved from https://9to5google.com/2023/03/13/youtube-tv-cw-channels/
5. Available locations & networks on YouTube TV - Google Help. Retrieved from https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7370552?hl=en
6. The CW Network Renews and Extends Multi-Year Agreement with YouTube TV. Retrieved from https://www.nexstar.tv/cw_network_youtubetv_carriage_agreement_2023/
7. YouTube TV & The CW Agree to a New Deal Adding 59 New Local Stations. Retrieved from https://cordcuttersnews.com/youtube-tv-the-cw-agree-to-a-new-deal/
8. YouTube TV to drop CW Network programming in some areas. Retrieved from https://thedesk.net/2023/08/youtube-tv-cw-network-dropped-nexstar/
9. Does YouTube tv have the cw channel? Retrieved from https://www.clrn.org/does-youtube-tv-have-the-cw-channel/
10. YouTube TV Channels List: What Channels Are On YouTube TV? - TV Guide. Retrieved from https://www.tvguide.com/news/youtube-tv-channels-list/