With Univision Blackout Entering Month 2, Sides Seem Far Apart as Dish Crediting Some Customers

The blackout of Univision content on Dish Network and its Sling over-the-top product (see 1807030044) entered its second month Monday. Both sides indicated they are far apart on a new deal, as the direct broadcast satellite provider began offering some customers credits. Univision representatives "returned to their corporate offices last week at which time we offered several paths forward to show Dish how serious we are about resolving this dispute amicably," a spokesman for the broadcaster emailed us. "Dish responded with an offer that was essentially the same as the one they previously offered back in June. We remain open and willing to negotiate with Dish at any time and ready to return to their offices this week should they choose to be constructive." With "renewal talks in an apparent deadlock," Dish will issue $5 monthly credits for August customer bills to DishLatino and Sling Latino package subscribers, the DBS provider said earlier Monday. "We assume Univision's decision is permanent: Univision executives are seeking a massive rate increase despite reports showing the programmer lost more than 50 percent of its prime-time viewership in the last seven years," said Dish CEO Erik Carlson. "While we've been available, responsive and have made a best effort to negotiate, Univision appears to be forcing an impasse." The FCC still isn't commenting on the dispute.