S&P: DISH unaffected

Standard & Poor's said the ratings and outlook on DISH Network Corp. are not affected by its announced settlement with Cablevision Systems Corp. and AMC Networks Inc. regarding the Voom HD litigation.

As part of the settlement, DISH will pay $700 million to Cablevision and AMC, $80 million of which will be for the purchase of Cablevision wireless spectrum licenses in 45 metro areas. In addition, DISH will agree to resume carriage of AMC's cable networks including AMC, the Sundance Channel, WE tv and IFC.

S&P said it does not expect the settlement to materially erode DISH's liquidity position, which is a credit positive given the potential for sizable cash outlays over the intermediate term depending on the course of its wireless strategy.

The agency also said the cash portion of the settlement is favorable compared with the $2.5 billion of damages that Cablevision and AMC were seeking.

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