Univision Financials Hit by Dish Dispute, Lower Ad Revenues

Third-quarter revenues at Univision Communications fell by 17.3 percent to $628.2 million, with the company citing the protracted dispute with Dish, lower ratings and decreased ad revenues as key factors.

The U.S. Hispanic broadcaster posted a net loss of $83.8 million for the period, as compared with the year-ago profit of $104 million.

“Third quarter financial results were impacted by headwinds including our dispute with Dish, the World Cup’s impact on advertising, lower ratings and the 2018 Televisa PLA rate increase,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Univision. “Longer term, our refocused mission is gaining momentum evidenced by Univision being on pace to win the November Sweeps in Spanish language even without carriage on Dish. Our teams are rededicated to the company’s core mission of serving Hispanic America and with many structural and organizational changes now in place, I am optimistic about our strategy going forward. We have the number one Spanish-language network, the number one Spanish-language sports network and many of our local TV and radio stations are number one in local news and entertainment, English or Spanish. We have a great base to build from.”