Univision Communications Unveils New SVOD Service

Among a number of new highlights from Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the unveiling of a new on-demand and live streaming service, Univision NOW, which counts as partners BBC Studios, Comarex, RCN, RTVE, Televisa and Viacom.

The platform will feature four new verticals that will give fans access to a collection of content from around the world. Highlight titles include BBC Studios’ drama Broken, children’s animated series Sarah & Duck and filmic documentary Love & Hate Crime; RTVE’s historical drama Isabel seasons one through three and modern drama Traición; and Viacom’s children series Fairly Odd Parents and Yo Soy Franky, as well as the reality series Acapulco Shore.

“Think of it as the epicenter of Spanish-language entertainment—anchored and curated by Univision and bringing together the best titles from around the globe by other leading media companies and content creators,” said Tonia O’Connor, UCI’s chief revenue officer.

Viacom’s Sheri Weidner, senior VP of partnerships, distribution and business development, added, “We look forward to working collaboratively with Univision as they launch their service and deliver programming that represents the breadth of Spanish-language hits across our global properties, from top kids’ shows to groundbreaking reality formats that are enjoyed throughout the Spanish-speaking world.”

Overall, UCI announced 20 digital content initiatives that will enhance the company’s existing relationship with consumers and provide “meaningful entry points” for marketers in the year ahead. These partnerships include deals with ACE Media, the content and production arm of the NFL Players Association, Facebook Watch, Oath, POPSUGAR, Snapchat, TED and The Players’ Tribune.

The company also unveiled Aperture by Univision Communications, a suite of data-driven advertising tools, as well as plans to invest heavily in content development with the launch of UCI Studios, a new enterprise-wide content studio that will leverage the power of analytics firm Fokal.

O’Connor said: “We’re number one with Hispanics. Period. UCI’s credibility and reach can help brands make meaningful connections with the nearly 60 million Hispanics driving the culture and economy of this country. We have built a trust with our audience over the past half-century that is unmatched in the marketplace.”