Fubo, an internet TV provider, recently removed all Warner Bros. Discovery networks from its lineup. The decision came amidst allegations that the media conglomerate was seeking rates deemed ‘above-market,’ and refused to license Turner Sports networks separately.
In a statement released on Tuesday, New York-based Fubo, disclosed its efforts to renew the content agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) encompassing networks such as Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and TLC. Additionally, the streaming service sought to secure licensing for Warner Bros. Discovery’s trio of Turner Sports networks—TNT, TBS, and truTV. However, WBD failed to engage in negotiations ‘in good faith,’ leading to Warner Bros. Discovery networks being removed from Fubo’s lineup effective April 30 at 5 p.m. ET.
The streaming provider said in a statement, “Fubo offered Warner Brothers Discovery market rates for its content and, despite Fubo’s efforts to negotiate in good faith, Warner Brothers Discovery did not provide any counteroffer, and insisted on continuing to offer us above-market rates for its content. Fubo views Warner Brothers Discovery’s refusal to engage in good faith negotiations as another example of its abuse of massive market power that ultimately limits consumer choice. It is clear to us that Warner Bros. Discovery’s actions hurt consumer wallets and limit their choice.”
Furthermore, on July 1, 2020, Fubo decided to discontinue the legacy WarnerMedia suite of networks, which included TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, and Boomerang. This decision came into effect after the two companies were unable to reach a renewal agreement.
Additionally, Fubo initiated legal action by filing a federal lawsuit against Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) regarding their joint plans to introduce a sports streaming bundle in February 2024, alleging that this initiative violates antitrust laws.
Warner Bros. Discovery said to Variety, “Our priority is to deliver the best content, at the best value, to our fans wherever they want to watch it. We have been and remain ready and willing to work diligently with Fubo to reach a fair market agreement. We proposed an extension of our current agreement, with no changes or price increases, that would allow Fubo to continue carrying these networks, and it is unfortunate that Fubo has decided to alienate their own customers in this way.”