Univision Warns of Possible Blackout on Dish

Univision is warning its viewers on Dish Network of a possible forthcoming blackout. In a statement Friday, it said Dish has "dismissed multiple good-faith carriage offers," including one that would extend the current agreement temporarily to avoid a blackout. Dish "still seems intent on entering what would be their 68th broadcast blackout since 2010," it said. Univision said it's notifying viewers through social media, its radio stations in applicable markets and its apps. Dish said Univision is asking for a rate increase of 75 percent for channels that have had ratings declines of close to 33 percent over the past five years, and Univision lost rights to the World Cup for 2018, 2022 and 2026. The MVPD said it's "unsure why Univision decided to involve customers in the contract negotiation process" since there's still time to reach a deal. Neither company said when the current carriage deal expires.