Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging YouTube to reverse its reported plan to drop Univision from its base-level streaming package today.
The move comes as YouTube TV prepares to remove the Spanish-language network while still advertising it to attract new subscribers.
In a letter sent to YouTube, Paxton condemned what he characterized as blatant targeting of Univision due to political calculations. The attorney general linked the planned removal to the network’s decision to host a town hall for then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign.
“We also cannot ignore what appears to be obvious retaliation for Univision’s promotion of viewpoint diversity,” Paxton wrote. “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.”
He added: “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.”
The letter raises concerns about potential consumer deception under Texas law. Despite planning to remove Univision, YouTube TV continues to prominently advertise the channel as part of its base plan.
Paxton warned that such conduct may violate Texas consumer protection laws. His office stands ready to take “all necessary action” to protect Texas consumers and defend Univision’s accessibility.
The attorney general characterized the situation as politically motivated targeting that could run afoul of state laws. YouTube has not yet responded to the letter or announced any changes to its programming plans.