Executives at Walt Disney Co. cautioned on Thursday that the company’s ongoing conflict with YouTube might continue, potentially leaving subscribers to the Google-owned platform without access to popular channels such as ABC, ESPN, and FX.

Since October 30, Disney’s channels have been unavailable on YouTube TV due to a carriage dispute between the companies. In a blog post last month, YouTube accused Disney of withdrawing its networks as a negotiation strategy to impose deal terms that could result in higher prices for consumers.

During an investor call on Thursday, Disney’s Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston commented on the negotiations, stating that “these discussions could go for a little while,” but he did not specify a timeline or offer further details.

Disney CEO Robert Iger emphasized the company’s commitment to its audience during the call, saying, “We care deeply about our consumer. Our priority has always been to remain on their service without interruption, aiming to finalize a deal promptly to prevent any disruptions. The deal we have proposed is equal to or better than what other major distributors have already accepted.”

What are carriage fees?

Pay-TV service providers like YouTube TV are required to pay carriage fees to network owners, such as Disney, for the right to broadcast their channels. Disputes over these fees are not uncommon, with content providers and TV networks often clashing over commercial terms when their agreements come up for renewal.

The conflicts sometimes result in viewers losing access to a company’s channels or content if the negotiations extend beyond the end of a contract.

Disney claimed last month that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and has chosen to “deny their subscribers the content they value most,” pointing to its ESPN sports broadcasts and ABC shows such as “High Potential.” 

YouTube has countered that Disney “is proposing costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices,” according to an Oct. 23 blog post.

YouTube, the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers, said last month that it would offer a $20 credit if Disney’s content remains unavailable on YouTube TV for “an extended period of time.” The streaming platform costs $82.99 per month.

Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Johnston’s comment or whether YouTube is currently offering the $20 credit to customers. 

Disney on Thursday also reported mixed fourth-quarter results, with weaker growth from cable and the box office somewhat offset by strength in its streaming business and theme parks. 

Although the company’s profit topped analyst estimates, Disney’s $22.4 billion in revenue for the quarter fell short of Wall Street forecasts of $22.8 billion. Sales at its Disney Entertainment unit, which includes the company’s movie studios and streaming service, dropped 6%, while revenue for its parks division climbed 6%.

Shares of Disney tumbled $10.83, or 9.3%, to $105.84 in Thursday afternoon trading.