The Walt Disney Company publicly asked YouTube TV to reinstate ABC for Election Day coverage, calling the move a matter of public interest just days after its networks went dark due to an expired licensing deal.

In response, YouTube TV acknowledged Disney’s request but cautioned that a one-day restoration would confuse subscribers. “Your proposal would permit us to return Disney’s ABC stations only for a day and will cause customer confusion among those who may briefly see ABC on YouTube TV only to lose it again shortly after,” the company said in a blog post.

Disney’s appeal comes as millions of viewers lose access to ABC, ESPN, FX, and other Disney-owned networks on YouTube TV after contract negotiations fell apart last week. The blackout impacts more than 8 million subscribers nationwide.

YouTube TV noted that ABC’s news programming remains accessible through alternative channels, saying, “Disney can continue to livestream news on the ABC News YouTube page and ABC local stations can do so on their YouTube pages.”

Despite those assurances, Disney pushed for a broader solution that would ensure uninterrupted access for viewers ahead of election coverage. In response, YouTube proposed a longer-term reinstatement while talks continue. “To truly achieve what is best for our mutual customers, we propose immediately restoring the Disney channels that our customers watch: ABC and the ESPN networks, while we continue to negotiate. Those are the channels that people want,” YouTube said.

The back-and-forth highlights a growing tension between major media companies and streaming distributors. Content owners like Disney want higher licensing fees to match rising production costs, while platforms like YouTube TV aim to hold pricing steady for users.

For viewers, the dispute comes at an inconvenient time, with election coverage, Monday Night Football, and popular network programming suddenly unavailable. Disney has not said whether it would agree to YouTube’s counteroffer, but both sides face public pressure to reach a deal before the polls close.