5-8-2012
ABC News and Univision News announce they have agreed to form a multiplatform joint venture dedicated to informing Hispanic Americans in English. The new 24/7 network will include America?s first English-language channel for English-dominant and bilingual Hispanics as well as integrated digital and social platforms. It will deliver news content focused on issues, lifestyle interests and culture of importance to Hispanics and will feature journalists of ABC News and Univision News.
Currently, Hispanics represent 16 percent of the total population in the United States, a number that is projected to double to 30 percent by 2050. Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the population, wield considerable spending power of over $1 trillion, and have an increasing impact on social, economic and political trends.
?This exciting joint venture represents the latest example of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach of ABC. 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,? said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group.
A website, mobile and social media content are expected to debut this summer. The currently unnamed television channel is expected to launch in 2013. Editorial coverage will focus on the issues most relevant for U.S. Hispanics, including the economy, jobs, health care, immigration, education, politics, entertainment, health and wellness and more.
A management team is expected to be announced this summer. The network will have anchors and correspondents in major cities across the U.S. Additionally, ABC News and Univision News will share newsgathering and production resources.
