Univision and AT&T Spar Over Retrans

not take a stand and require the distributors treat us on par with English-language broadcasters, what does that mean for the minority and independent creators that come after us?” asked Univision Executive Vice President-Government Relations Jessica Herrera-Flanigan. Univision has “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,” said Jim Cicconi, AT&T senior executive vice president-external and legislative affairs. "If Univision really cares about their audiences, they will immediately restore their channels to U-Verse homes while we figure this out.” Herrera-Flanigan said AT&T should “continue its tradition of valuing the Hispanic community by negotiating reasonably and respectfully towards a fair agreement.” The National Hispanic Media Coalition said the blackout's timing could prevent many Latino voters from watching Wednesday's Democratic presidential debate, which will be hosted by Univision. Though Univision said AT&T should return to the negotiating table to have access to Univision content restored, and made statements defending the blackout as taking a stand for Spanish-language viewers, NHMC blamed AT&T for the blackout. "For AT&T to shut out Univision -- the most popular Spanish-language news network -- mere days before. the Democratic debate co-hosted by the network is a grave injustice to voters looking to be informed," said NHMC. "AT&T’s action jeopardizes the ability of Latinos to be well-informed participants in the political process." Both parties "must come back to the table immediately to resolve their differences," NHMC said.