Univision, the Spanish language broadcaster, says AT&T is discriminating against Hispanics by failing to reach a new distribution deal for Univision's stations.
AT&T denies that and says "this is about nothing more than Univision demanding we pay an outrageous price increase."
Early Friday morning, Univision's contract with AT&T's U-verse television service expired and Univision's stations disappeared in U-verse's 6 million homes.
These types of TV blackouts happen when programmers and distributors can't agree on the terms of a new contract. They are usually resolved in a matter of days, but some drag on for weeks and even months.
But this case is unique because Univision is accusing AT&T of "discriminatory behavior," saying the distributor is "preventing Hispanic America from receiving content and information in language and in culture, which is especially vital during this election year."
In a statement shortly after the midnight contract deadline, Univision also said AT&T is "redlining our audience by refusing to recognize the value of the Univision networks and the consumers we serve."
"Redlining" is a practice dating back many decades. It originally referred to actual red lines that bankers and real estate agents would draw on maps to delineate minority neighborhoods and discriminate against them.
So Univision's comments are provocative to say the least.
AT&T responded later on Friday by blaming Univision for blocking U-verse customers from accessing the channels.
The company said it is trying to keep costs down for consumers by keeping "what Univision charges at a reasonable amount. Numerous and diverse programming deals we have signed recently prove this can be accomplished."
Univision, on the other hand, says it has earned a significant increase.
"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," the network said in its statement.
Friday's blackout marks the first time in recent memory that Univision has gone dark on a major distributor's TV system.
"We hope to resolve this matter quickly and appreciate our customers' patience," AT&T said Friday. "Spanish-language channels are important to us and our customers. That's why we carry 78 Spanish-language channels."
