Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has thrown down the gauntlet against YouTube TV, demanding the streaming giant reverse its decision to drop Spanish-language network Univision from its base subscription package next year.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Paxton accused YouTube of potentially retaliating against Univision for hosting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a town hall during the 2024 campaign. The planned removal, scheduled for September 30, 2025, has sparked concerns about both consumer deception and politically motivated targeting.
“We also cannot ignore what appears to be obvious retaliation for Univision’s promotion of viewpoint diversity,” Paxton wrote in his letter. “In a time where political violence is at its highest point in decades, during the 2024 campaign season, Univision was one of the only platforms that offered to host a Town Hall for then-candidate Donald Trump. That was a laudable decision, and to the extent that YouTube TV is now using market power to punish it, such retaliation will not be tolerated.”
Consumer Protection Concerns
Beyond the political implications, Paxton’s office has raised red flags about YouTube TV’s marketing practices. The streaming service continues to advertise Univision as part of its base package while simultaneously planning to drop it next year — a practice that could potentially violate Texas consumer protection laws.
The timing couldn’t be more sensitive. With more than 11 million Spanish-speaking residents in Texas, Univision represents a critical information source for a substantial portion of the state’s population. Its removal would disproportionately impact Latino communities who rely on the network for news, entertainment, and cultural programming in their primary language.
What happens if YouTube doesn’t comply? Paxton’s office isn’t mincing words, making it clear they’re prepared to pursue all legal avenues to protect Texas consumers and ensure Univision remains accessible.
The statement from Paxton’s office underscores the potential for formal legal action: “The Texas Attorney General’s Office is prepared to take all necessary actions to protect consumers and defend Univision’s accessibility against politically motivated targeting violating Texas laws.”
This dispute highlights the growing tension between streaming platforms and content providers, especially when political considerations enter the mix. YouTube TV hasn’t publicly responded to Paxton’s allegations as of press time.
For Spanish-speaking Texans who’ve built their viewing habits around Univision’s programming, the standoff represents more than just another corporate negotiation — it’s about continued access to culturally relevant content in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
