AT&T & Univision Spar Over Pricing

DALLAS/MIAMI: AT&T and Univision Communications have still not reached new terms for a distribution deal due to a spat over programming fees, with the Spanish-language Univision channel blacked out as of Friday for U-verse pay-TV customers.

Univision has accused AT&T of discriminating against Hispanics by failing to reach a new contract. AT&T, meanwhile, said the cause of the dispute is purely about money.

Jim Cicconi, AT&T’s senior executive VP for external and legislative affairs, said: “It’s unfortunate the owners of Univision not only have blocked U-verse customers from seeing their channels, but also have stooped to despicable allegations in an effort to extort an outrageous price increase—an increase which ultimately will come at the expense of all our customers, including Univision viewers. Spanish-language channels are important to us and our customers. AT&T’s focus is to offer a wide range of content for our Hispanic viewers, while keeping cost increases, and bills, down as much as possible. If Univision really cares about their audiences, they will immediately restore their channels to U-verse homes while we figure this out.”

Univision said of the issue: “Despite Univision’s tireless efforts to reach an agreement, AT&T is denying its U-verse customers access to our networks and stations, which have the most popular Spanish-language news, sports and entertainment. AT&T is redlining our audience by refusing to recognize the value of the Univision networks and the customers we serve. AT&T’s discriminatory behavior is preventing Hispanic America from receiving content and information in language and in culture, which is especially vital during this election year. These disputes can be confusing for consumers, but in our case it’s simple: we must receive fair compensation, on par with English-language broadcasters.”