ABC News & Univision Align for New U.S. Hispanic TV Network

NEW YORK: ABC News and Univision have teamed up for a multiplatform joint venture that will serve the U.S. Hispanic market with news, lifestyle content and more, provided in English.

The partnership will see the creation of a new 24-hour English-language channel as well as integrated digital and social platforms. The news content will be focused on issues, lifestyle interests and the culture of importance to Hispanics. Journalists from ABC News and Univision News will be involved. The as-yet-unnamed service is expected to launch in 2013.

"This exciting joint venture represents the latest example of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach of ABC," said Anne Sweeney, the president of the Disney-ABC Television Group. "Our powerful premier news brand, combined with the world’s leading Hispanic media company, will create the nation’s first news and lifestyle channel targeted to this quickly expanding and important community."

Cesar Conde, the president of Univision Networks, added, "For more than five decades Univision has been the leader in serving Hispanics in the U.S. and this joint venture is an extension of our vision to deliver the most relevant news and information, regardless of language, to all Hispanics."

“"All of us at ABC News are thrilled to work with Univision,"” commented Ben Sherwood, the president of ABC News. “"Our mission is clear: To offer culturally relevant news, information and lifestyle programming to the large and thriving Latino audience in the United States. In these times of rapid change, we are very excited about this opportunity.”"
 
"“Univision News is proud to be working with ABC News in this groundbreaking venture to further deliver global news and investigative reporting to the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population which today is one of the most important influencers on the future of the United States and its role in the world,"” said Isaac Lee, the president of Univision News. “"It will also provide all audiences with a multiplatform current events perspective on the issues that matter most to Latinos. This is an important moment for journalism in the U.S. and for the U.S. Hispanic community.”"