Former Viacom CFO Wade Davis’ ForgeLight and Searchlight Capital have closed their acquisition of Univision, the two investment companies announced Tuesday.
The deal, first announced in February, gives the two companies a 64% majority stake in Univision, the country’s top Spanish-language broadcaster. Televisa, the Mexican media company which supplies much of Univision’s programming, retains its 36% share in the company and will continue to serve as an “important strategic partner” to the new owners.
As previously announced, ForgeLight founder and CEO Wade Davis will take over as CEO of Univision. In a statement, the former Viacom CFO called this an “exciting new era for Univision.”
The FCC approved the deal, allowing greater than 25% foreign ownership of the company in a ruling issued last week — Searchlight Capital’s partners are based in Germany, Canada, and the U.S. The approval followed an agreement between Univision and the U.S. Department of Justice allowing greater government oversight.
The deal, first announced in February, gives the two companies a 64% majority stake in Univision, the country’s top Spanish-language broadcaster. Televisa, the Mexican media company which supplies much of Univision’s programming, retains its 36% share in the company and will continue to serve as an “important strategic partner” to the new owners.
As previously announced, ForgeLight founder and CEO Wade Davis will take over as CEO of Univision. In a statement, the former Viacom CFO called this an “exciting new era for Univision.”
The FCC approved the deal, allowing greater than 25% foreign ownership of the company in a ruling issued last week — Searchlight Capital’s partners are based in Germany, Canada, and the U.S. The approval followed an agreement between Univision and the U.S. Department of Justice allowing greater government oversight.
- 12/30/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Univision, the Hispanic media giant whose takeover by private equity investors led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis will soon close, has named four independent directors to its board.
The new board members include SoftBank Group COO Marcelo Claure; United Airlines executive chairman Oscar Munoz; Estée Lauder Companies SVP of public affairs María Cristina “Mc” González Noguera; and veteran Walmart exec Gisel Ruiz. It is understood that Univision will name at least four more members to the board when the pending takeover by new majority investors is complete. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020.
ForgeLight, a firm run by Davis, and Searchlight Capital Partners are buying majority control of Univision from a collection of other private equity investors. Mexico-based production power Televisa is keeping its 36% stake.
Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group acquired the company for $13.7 billion...
The new board members include SoftBank Group COO Marcelo Claure; United Airlines executive chairman Oscar Munoz; Estée Lauder Companies SVP of public affairs María Cristina “Mc” González Noguera; and veteran Walmart exec Gisel Ruiz. It is understood that Univision will name at least four more members to the board when the pending takeover by new majority investors is complete. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020.
ForgeLight, a firm run by Davis, and Searchlight Capital Partners are buying majority control of Univision from a collection of other private equity investors. Mexico-based production power Televisa is keeping its 36% stake.
Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group acquired the company for $13.7 billion...
- 11/11/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with executive comments on earnings call.
Univision executives said the Hispanic media giant is seeing steady improvement during the current third quarter as it looks to recover from spring’s Covid-19 doldrums.
Speaking to Wall Street analysts on the company’s second-quarter earnings call, CFO Peter Lori said advertising revenue for the third quarter was on track for a 15% year-over-year decline in the third quarter. That’s an improvement from the second quarter’s 40% plunge.
CEO Vince Sadusky said the flagship broadcast network’s recent ratings upswing, which has seen it beat English-language rivals in the 18-to-49-year-old demo this summer, is helping with upfronts ad negotiations. About 90% of the network’s traditional upfront advertisers are “fully engaged” in negotiations, he said, though some may delay purchase decisions until closer to the calendar-year upfront.
Univision has “the best viewership story in media,” Sadusky said, with modest gains in the 2019-20 broadcast season,...
Univision executives said the Hispanic media giant is seeing steady improvement during the current third quarter as it looks to recover from spring’s Covid-19 doldrums.
Speaking to Wall Street analysts on the company’s second-quarter earnings call, CFO Peter Lori said advertising revenue for the third quarter was on track for a 15% year-over-year decline in the third quarter. That’s an improvement from the second quarter’s 40% plunge.
CEO Vince Sadusky said the flagship broadcast network’s recent ratings upswing, which has seen it beat English-language rivals in the 18-to-49-year-old demo this summer, is helping with upfronts ad negotiations. About 90% of the network’s traditional upfront advertisers are “fully engaged” in negotiations, he said, though some may delay purchase decisions until closer to the calendar-year upfront.
Univision has “the best viewership story in media,” Sadusky said, with modest gains in the 2019-20 broadcast season,...
- 8/10/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Turkish telenovela adaptations, soccer programming, music and reality shows and amped-up news coverage are among the programming highlights of Univision’s 2020-21 content slate.
The Spanish-language media giant hosted a virtual upfront presentation on Tuesday for media buyers. The event is likely to be the last public outing for Univision before it is sold to a consortium of new investors in the fall, led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis’ Forgelight Media.
In a slick presentation that began with a rousing performance by Latin artist Pitbull, outgoing CEO Vince Sadusky led a team of executives that included entertainment chief Jessica Rodriguez, ad sales and marketing head Steve Mandala and President of Univision’s sports brand Tudn, Juan Carlos Rodriguez.
Sadusky touted the fact that Univision was the fastest growing network in the U.S., regardless of language, posting 12% year-over-year growth, trailed by Fox at 4%.
Univision’s sister broadcast network, UniMás,...
The Spanish-language media giant hosted a virtual upfront presentation on Tuesday for media buyers. The event is likely to be the last public outing for Univision before it is sold to a consortium of new investors in the fall, led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis’ Forgelight Media.
In a slick presentation that began with a rousing performance by Latin artist Pitbull, outgoing CEO Vince Sadusky led a team of executives that included entertainment chief Jessica Rodriguez, ad sales and marketing head Steve Mandala and President of Univision’s sports brand Tudn, Juan Carlos Rodriguez.
Sadusky touted the fact that Univision was the fastest growing network in the U.S., regardless of language, posting 12% year-over-year growth, trailed by Fox at 4%.
Univision’s sister broadcast network, UniMás,...
- 6/16/2020
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Univision, which is coming off a period of reorganization and nearing a change in ownership control, released its upfront slate Tuesday with an emphasis on consistency and reach to U.S. Hispanic consumers.
Calling itself “America’s Hispanic Superbrand,” the company said its offerings across entertainment, sports, live events and news give advertisers stability and growth potential despite the uncertainty roiling the marketplace. In its upfront presentation to advertisers, delivered online, it touted 11 new scripted series, 10 trophy soccer events and a series of initiatives surrounding this fall’s election.
“With a clear mission to inform, empower and entertain the Hispanic community, we’re playing a more vital role in our audience’s lives than ever before during these unprecedented times,” CEO Vince Sadusky said. “The investments we’ve made in network, local and digital programming has resulted in Univision finishing the broadcast season as the highest-growth network at a time...
Calling itself “America’s Hispanic Superbrand,” the company said its offerings across entertainment, sports, live events and news give advertisers stability and growth potential despite the uncertainty roiling the marketplace. In its upfront presentation to advertisers, delivered online, it touted 11 new scripted series, 10 trophy soccer events and a series of initiatives surrounding this fall’s election.
“With a clear mission to inform, empower and entertain the Hispanic community, we’re playing a more vital role in our audience’s lives than ever before during these unprecedented times,” CEO Vince Sadusky said. “The investments we’ve made in network, local and digital programming has resulted in Univision finishing the broadcast season as the highest-growth network at a time...
- 6/16/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Spanish-language broadcaster Univision plans to offer live sports and scripted series in coming months, as the network’s company strives to woo ad dollars from English competitors while being sold to a new company in the not-too-distant future.
Univision plans to unveil 11 new scripted series, the result of a long production pipeline that readies series with a much longer lead time than counterparts, as well as televise matches from Liga Mx, UEFA Champions League and Mls, While the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on sports leagues that return to play has yet to be charted, Univision said it plans to televise more than 1600 live games over its various platforms. The company could be poised to deliver a more robust slate of originals than many of its U.S. rivals, which have had to suspend production of many of scripted comedies and dramas.
“With a clear mission to inform, empower and entertain the Hispanic community,...
Univision plans to unveil 11 new scripted series, the result of a long production pipeline that readies series with a much longer lead time than counterparts, as well as televise matches from Liga Mx, UEFA Champions League and Mls, While the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on sports leagues that return to play has yet to be charted, Univision said it plans to televise more than 1600 live games over its various platforms. The company could be poised to deliver a more robust slate of originals than many of its U.S. rivals, which have had to suspend production of many of scripted comedies and dramas.
“With a clear mission to inform, empower and entertain the Hispanic community,...
- 6/16/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Spanish-language media giant Univision, which earlier this year agreed to sell a majority stake to an investment group led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis, reported first-quarter net profit of $11.7 million compared to $36.9 million for the same period ending March 31 last year.
In a conference call with investors on Friday, CEO Vince Sadusky pointed out that company revenue rose 8% to $660.4 million from $611.9 million despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Prior to the crisis, we achieved continued ratings momentum in the important February sweeps period, where we not only expanded our share lead over competitors but with an 18% portfolio ratings growth we also ranked as the fastest growing portfolio of networks in the country, regardless of language,” said Sadusky. “This momentum has continued through the crisis driven by our strong news and entertainment content.”
Sadusky said that Univision continued to work towards a smooth transition to the new majority stakeholders,...
In a conference call with investors on Friday, CEO Vince Sadusky pointed out that company revenue rose 8% to $660.4 million from $611.9 million despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Prior to the crisis, we achieved continued ratings momentum in the important February sweeps period, where we not only expanded our share lead over competitors but with an 18% portfolio ratings growth we also ranked as the fastest growing portfolio of networks in the country, regardless of language,” said Sadusky. “This momentum has continued through the crisis driven by our strong news and entertainment content.”
Sadusky said that Univision continued to work towards a smooth transition to the new majority stakeholders,...
- 5/8/2020
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Wade Davis’ new investment fund just became part owner of Univision in a deal expected to close late summer with the former Viacom executive as CEO. It’s a new chapter for both, and Davis on Tuesday described an abundance of commercial, strategic and audience opportunities.
“This is a platform that is unique and, from a business standpoint, more attractive than any other media business out there,” he told Deadline.
Univision’s audience of Spanish speakers is the nation’s fastest-growing demographi and has “incredible cultural relevance,” he said. (Listen to pundits on the presidential primaries and there’s doubt about that.) The company has large news and sports operations, live events and music. Its core: a massive library of Spanish-language programming from its partnership with Televisa of Mexico.
What it does not have much of: the latest, biggest trend in entertainment, a dedicated direct-to-consumer service. Asked about Dtc, he said,...
“This is a platform that is unique and, from a business standpoint, more attractive than any other media business out there,” he told Deadline.
Univision’s audience of Spanish speakers is the nation’s fastest-growing demographi and has “incredible cultural relevance,” he said. (Listen to pundits on the presidential primaries and there’s doubt about that.) The company has large news and sports operations, live events and music. Its core: a massive library of Spanish-language programming from its partnership with Televisa of Mexico.
What it does not have much of: the latest, biggest trend in entertainment, a dedicated direct-to-consumer service. Asked about Dtc, he said,...
- 2/25/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Viacom chief financial officer Wade Davis didn’t waste any time after exiting the company last year amid the musical chairs in senior management as Viacom and CBS Corp. prepared to merge. Two months after hanging out his ForgeLight LLC investment shingle, Davis has reached a deal to acquire a majority stake in Univision,
“When I look at Univision, there’s no question in my mind that it’s the most attractive traditional media business today,” Davis told Variety. “It’s focused on a large demographic that is growing faster than any other demographic in the United States. And it’s incredibly relevant from a cultural standpoint.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ForgeLight and partner Searchlight Capital Partners are acquiring the 64% stake held by Haim Saban’s Saban Capital, Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Mexican media giant Televisa retains...
“When I look at Univision, there’s no question in my mind that it’s the most attractive traditional media business today,” Davis told Variety. “It’s focused on a large demographic that is growing faster than any other demographic in the United States. And it’s incredibly relevant from a cultural standpoint.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ForgeLight and partner Searchlight Capital Partners are acquiring the 64% stake held by Haim Saban’s Saban Capital, Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg and Thomas H. Lee Partners. Mexican media giant Televisa retains...
- 2/25/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Searchlight Capital Partners and ForgeLight have together acquired a 64% majority stake in Spanish-language broadcast network Univision. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The pair of investment companies acquired the stake from Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group — a.k.a. the “Sponsor Group.”
Wade Davis, the founder of ForgeLight, is set to become Univision’s CEO. Davis was Viacom CFO before the MTV parent company re-merged with CBS in late 2019. Vince Sadusky, the current CEO of Univision, will exit the company after the transaction closes, an insider knowledgeable with the deal tell TheWrap. Sadusky is 53 years old, so it will not be a retirement.
Televisa will retain 36% ownership of Univision, the top-rated Spanish-language network.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close later in 2020.
To provide a broad understanding of the kind of money at stake here,...
The pair of investment companies acquired the stake from Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group — a.k.a. the “Sponsor Group.”
Wade Davis, the founder of ForgeLight, is set to become Univision’s CEO. Davis was Viacom CFO before the MTV parent company re-merged with CBS in late 2019. Vince Sadusky, the current CEO of Univision, will exit the company after the transaction closes, an insider knowledgeable with the deal tell TheWrap. Sadusky is 53 years old, so it will not be a retirement.
Televisa will retain 36% ownership of Univision, the top-rated Spanish-language network.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close later in 2020.
To provide a broad understanding of the kind of money at stake here,...
- 2/25/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Giant Miami-based Spanish language broadcaster Univision is being acquired by two private investment firms, ForgeLight and Searchlight Capital Partners, and will enter a new era led by Wade Davis – longtime media executive, former Viacom CFO and ForgeLight founder-ceo – and marked by enhanced collaboration with core programming partner and remaining shareholder, Televisia of Mexico. In an announcement early Tuesday, the partners said they intend to build on Univision’s recent content and programming momentum to accelerate growth, expand its portfolio of advertising products, substantially enhance its digital presence and work closely with Televisa, which will retain its 36% stake. ForgeLight and SearchLight, meanwhile, will buy a majority 64% ownership interest from all the other stockholders of the privately-held company. Financial terms of the of the transaction were not disclosed. Davis founded ForgeLight last year. Univision is currently controlled by a consortium of investment groups including Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Tpg, Thomas H.
- 2/25/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
As investors circle Hispanic media giant Univision Communications, former Viacom chief financial officer and investment banker Wade Davis continues in the mix as some new names emerge.
The latest entrant into the process is Searchlight Capital, a private equity firm said to be teaming up with Davis, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Searchlight, with offices in New York, Toronto and London, has an investment in Hemisphere Media, a smaller, publicly-traded Spanish media group previously reported to be involved in the bidding for Univision.
Davis was named Viacom CFO in 2012 after seven years at the company heading up strategic planning and M&a. He was previously a media and tech investment banker. He left when the Viacom-CBS merger closed last December after recently garnering plaudits for bringing Pluto TV into the Viacom fold, considered a prescient deal given the intense industry focus on streaming.
Searchlight also owns...
The latest entrant into the process is Searchlight Capital, a private equity firm said to be teaming up with Davis, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Searchlight, with offices in New York, Toronto and London, has an investment in Hemisphere Media, a smaller, publicly-traded Spanish media group previously reported to be involved in the bidding for Univision.
Davis was named Viacom CFO in 2012 after seven years at the company heading up strategic planning and M&a. He was previously a media and tech investment banker. He left when the Viacom-CBS merger closed last December after recently garnering plaudits for bringing Pluto TV into the Viacom fold, considered a prescient deal given the intense industry focus on streaming.
Searchlight also owns...
- 2/14/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
It was good news and bad news for leading Spanish-language media company Univision, which reported a further slide in earnings in its second quarter financial report. However, the company has seen its best upfront in four years, said CEO Vince Sadusky in an earnings call, noting a sales spike in the “mid-single digits” for its linear business and double-digit growth in its digital biz.
“However, there is still a large gap between Univision’s ratings delivery and its share of TV ad revenues,” said Sadusky, echoing a lament that has resounded through previous administrations at Univision.
Univision’s income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2019 was $92.0 million compared to $121.3 million for the same prior period, a decrease of 24.7%.
According to the firm, its revenue for the second quarter this year fell 4.0% to $701.7 million compared to $730.9 million for the same prior period. Core revenue for its second quarter dipped...
“However, there is still a large gap between Univision’s ratings delivery and its share of TV ad revenues,” said Sadusky, echoing a lament that has resounded through previous administrations at Univision.
Univision’s income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2019 was $92.0 million compared to $121.3 million for the same prior period, a decrease of 24.7%.
According to the firm, its revenue for the second quarter this year fell 4.0% to $701.7 million compared to $730.9 million for the same prior period. Core revenue for its second quarter dipped...
- 8/14/2019
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
In offering Wall Street analysts an update on Univision’s strategic review process Wednesday, Univision CEO Vince Sadusky recalled his executive tenure at Telemundo. The review, initiated in July, could result in a sale of the privately held Hispanic media giant, though other options are being considered.
“There are only two [Hispanic] networks in the U.S. and we are the clear leader,” Sadusky said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call. “I was at Telemundo when it was sold to NBC” for just shy of $2 billion in 2001. “It’s still there and it probably will be there forever.”
The media sector’s scramble to mount streaming efforts and increase scale has left many of them with debt, cash constraints and other battles to fight. Even so, Sadusky said they all would be well-served by at least kicking the tires.
“Whatever state the various media companies are in, there’s not...
“There are only two [Hispanic] networks in the U.S. and we are the clear leader,” Sadusky said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call. “I was at Telemundo when it was sold to NBC” for just shy of $2 billion in 2001. “It’s still there and it probably will be there forever.”
The media sector’s scramble to mount streaming efforts and increase scale has left many of them with debt, cash constraints and other battles to fight. Even so, Sadusky said they all would be well-served by at least kicking the tires.
“Whatever state the various media companies are in, there’s not...
- 8/14/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After a year of stem-to-stern reorganization under CEO Vince Sadusky, Univision’s owners have hired Morgan Stanley and boutique firm LionTree to help them explore strategic options that could include a sale of the media mainstay. Possible buyers or partners include private equity firms and established media companies looking to establish a presence in the sizable U.S. Hispanic media market. In 2017, the company turned down an offer from cable and media potentate John Malone. That bid valued Univision at between $13.5 billion and $15 billion.
“After a successful year under the leadership of our new management team, including a complete refocus on our core Spanish-language media business, it is abundantly clear that Univision’s strategic value has never been greater,” the Univision board said in a statement. “The U.S. Hispanic audience represents one of the very few certain growth opportunities in today’s media marketplace, and Univision is ideally positioned.
“After a successful year under the leadership of our new management team, including a complete refocus on our core Spanish-language media business, it is abundantly clear that Univision’s strategic value has never been greater,” the Univision board said in a statement. “The U.S. Hispanic audience represents one of the very few certain growth opportunities in today’s media marketplace, and Univision is ideally positioned.
- 7/3/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision is rebranding its Univision Deportes network as Tudn, but it will still deliver a heavy dose of soccer and other sports.
Pronounced “tu-de-ene” (or “my sports network” in English), the sports network plays heavily into the overall programming offerings of the privately held Hispanic media company. Univision unveiled the Tudn shift as well as its 2019-20 programming lineup during a press event in New York.
In recent years, the company had veered outside its traditional lane under former CEO Randy Falco, courting English-speaking media consumers though websites like Gawker and the Fusion cable and digital brand. Since current CEO Vince Sadusky took over last spring, he has refocused the company’s efforts on Hispanic audiences.
That core constituency numbers about 62 million in the U.S., Sadusky said. Among that cohort, the Univision brand as “more powerful and relevant than ever,” he added.
Almost 90% of Univision viewing is live, which...
Pronounced “tu-de-ene” (or “my sports network” in English), the sports network plays heavily into the overall programming offerings of the privately held Hispanic media company. Univision unveiled the Tudn shift as well as its 2019-20 programming lineup during a press event in New York.
In recent years, the company had veered outside its traditional lane under former CEO Randy Falco, courting English-speaking media consumers though websites like Gawker and the Fusion cable and digital brand. Since current CEO Vince Sadusky took over last spring, he has refocused the company’s efforts on Hispanic audiences.
That core constituency numbers about 62 million in the U.S., Sadusky said. Among that cohort, the Univision brand as “more powerful and relevant than ever,” he added.
Almost 90% of Univision viewing is live, which...
- 5/7/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Boston-based private equity firm Great Hill Partners on Monday announced plans to purchase Gizmodo Media Group and The Onion from Univision. The buy caps months of feverish speculation over what would happen to the troubled slate of websites, which include brands like Gizmodo, Lifehacker, Jezebel, Deadspin and Splinter.
Neither company offered specifics about the purchase price went for but people familiar with the deal told the Wall Street Journal that the final price was markedly less than the $135 million Univision paid for the websites back in 2016.
Great Hill Partners said in a statement that it planned to fold the websites into the newly created G/O Media, which would all come under the editorial leadership of longtime digital veteran James Spanfeller.
Also Read: Former CNN Contributor Jason Miller Sues Gizmodo Over Abortion Pill Story
“This opportunity comes at a time when the entire digital media category is beginning to be...
Neither company offered specifics about the purchase price went for but people familiar with the deal told the Wall Street Journal that the final price was markedly less than the $135 million Univision paid for the websites back in 2016.
Great Hill Partners said in a statement that it planned to fold the websites into the newly created G/O Media, which would all come under the editorial leadership of longtime digital veteran James Spanfeller.
Also Read: Former CNN Contributor Jason Miller Sues Gizmodo Over Abortion Pill Story
“This opportunity comes at a time when the entire digital media category is beginning to be...
- 4/8/2019
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Univision Communications reached a deal to sell Gizmodo Media Group and The Onion to private-equity firm Great Hill Partners for an undisclosed amount.
With the sale, Great Hill will form a new company called G/O Media Inc., headed by digital content industry vet Jim Spanfeller, who also will be a “significant investor” in the company. The sale puts an end to Univision’s bid — under then-ceo Randy Falco — to diversify beyond its Hispanic broadcasting core business into what it had hoped would be a fast-growing, young-skewing mass digital play.
Terms of the all-cash deal weren’t disclosed. According to person familiar with the deal, Great Hill is paying considerably less than the $135 million that Univision paid in August 2016 for the Gawker assets in a bankruptcy auction, (which didn’t include Gawker.com). Univision acquired a 40% stake in The Onion in January 2017.
The brands moving from Univision to G/O...
With the sale, Great Hill will form a new company called G/O Media Inc., headed by digital content industry vet Jim Spanfeller, who also will be a “significant investor” in the company. The sale puts an end to Univision’s bid — under then-ceo Randy Falco — to diversify beyond its Hispanic broadcasting core business into what it had hoped would be a fast-growing, young-skewing mass digital play.
Terms of the all-cash deal weren’t disclosed. According to person familiar with the deal, Great Hill is paying considerably less than the $135 million that Univision paid in August 2016 for the Gawker assets in a bankruptcy auction, (which didn’t include Gawker.com). Univision acquired a 40% stake in The Onion in January 2017.
The brands moving from Univision to G/O...
- 4/8/2019
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Univision has completed the sale of assets comprising Gizmodo Media Group — the portfolio once known for Gawker — as well as The Onion to private equity firm Great Hill Partners.
Plans call for Gmg and The Onion to form a new company named G/O Media, which will operate as independent assets within the Great Hill Partners portfolio.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In August 2016, after the Gawker sites had to declare bankruptcy after losing a libel lawsuit to Hulk Hogan, Univision paid $135 million to acquire the portfolio. Earlier in 2016, it paid $27 million for a stake in The Onion.
The digital moves were initiated by the company’s previous management regime, led by former CEO Randy Falco, who steered the company in a broader direction. Vince Sadusky, who took over as CEO last summer, made plans to sell off the English-language sites a cornerstone of his efforts to refocus the strategy on Hispanic viewers.
Plans call for Gmg and The Onion to form a new company named G/O Media, which will operate as independent assets within the Great Hill Partners portfolio.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In August 2016, after the Gawker sites had to declare bankruptcy after losing a libel lawsuit to Hulk Hogan, Univision paid $135 million to acquire the portfolio. Earlier in 2016, it paid $27 million for a stake in The Onion.
The digital moves were initiated by the company’s previous management regime, led by former CEO Randy Falco, who steered the company in a broader direction. Vince Sadusky, who took over as CEO last summer, made plans to sell off the English-language sites a cornerstone of his efforts to refocus the strategy on Hispanic viewers.
- 4/8/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision and Dish Network have ended their nine-month carriage dispute, agreeing to a new contract on Tuesday.
The new agreement puts Univision channels back on Dish’s service, which is effective immediately. The new deal covers channels including Univision, UniMás, Univision Deportes Network, Galavisión, Tlnovelas and FOROtv. Separately, the companies agreed to settle all of its pending litigation against each other.
Last June, Univision ceased service on more than 60 stations programmed for the Dish Network and blocked Sling customers from accessing its channels on the network.
Also Read: Cord-Cutting Doubled in 2018, New Study Says
“We want to thank our Dish customers for their patience as we worked to reach an agreement that is fair to all parties, especially our customers,” said Erik Carlson, Dish president and CEO. “For more than 20 years, Dish has led our industry in serving the U.S. Hispanic community, and today’s announcement is reflective of...
The new agreement puts Univision channels back on Dish’s service, which is effective immediately. The new deal covers channels including Univision, UniMás, Univision Deportes Network, Galavisión, Tlnovelas and FOROtv. Separately, the companies agreed to settle all of its pending litigation against each other.
Last June, Univision ceased service on more than 60 stations programmed for the Dish Network and blocked Sling customers from accessing its channels on the network.
Also Read: Cord-Cutting Doubled in 2018, New Study Says
“We want to thank our Dish customers for their patience as we worked to reach an agreement that is fair to all parties, especially our customers,” said Erik Carlson, Dish president and CEO. “For more than 20 years, Dish has led our industry in serving the U.S. Hispanic community, and today’s announcement is reflective of...
- 3/26/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Ending a nearly eight-month impasse, Dish Network and Univision Communications have announced a new long-term carriage deal.
The companies said restoration of Univision networks and stations on DishLatino and Dish will begin immediately. Dish at the end of 2018 reported 12.3 million total pay-tv subscribers, including 2.4 million on its “skinny-bundle,” internet-delivered service Sling TV. It pioneered the concept of bundling programming for Hispanic TV viewers in the U.S., a population whose size and spending power has grown dramatically since the launch of DishLatino in 1998.
The settlement follows a noticeable thaw in the public stance of both Univision and Dish. On the companies’ most recent earnings calls, its top executives said they had made progress in their talks. That marked a change from Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen’s prior declaration that the outage, which began last July, was “likely permanent.” Ergen compared the Univision headway in recent weeks with the lack of...
The companies said restoration of Univision networks and stations on DishLatino and Dish will begin immediately. Dish at the end of 2018 reported 12.3 million total pay-tv subscribers, including 2.4 million on its “skinny-bundle,” internet-delivered service Sling TV. It pioneered the concept of bundling programming for Hispanic TV viewers in the U.S., a population whose size and spending power has grown dramatically since the launch of DishLatino in 1998.
The settlement follows a noticeable thaw in the public stance of both Univision and Dish. On the companies’ most recent earnings calls, its top executives said they had made progress in their talks. That marked a change from Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen’s prior declaration that the outage, which began last July, was “likely permanent.” Ergen compared the Univision headway in recent weeks with the lack of...
- 3/26/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision and satcaster Dish Network have reached a carriage agreement after a nine-month blackout that marked one of the longest standoffs between a major programmer and distributor.
Univision channels went dark on Dish Network’s satellite and streaming platforms on June 30. The sides were at odds over carriage fees that have become increasingly contentious for large MVPDs as they adjust to the influx of lower-cost competition in the pay-tv eco-system.
This past weekend, Viacom went down to the wire in talks with DirecTV on a new deal that was make-or-break for the parent company of Nickelodeon, MTV, Bet, Comedy Central and more. Dish Network and its Sling TV platform reach about 12.2 million total subscribers. The long interruption of fees from Dish’s national service took a toll on Univision’s earnings in recent quarters. Univision outlets were restored Tuesday on Dish Network’s satellite service reaching about 10 million viewers, but...
Univision channels went dark on Dish Network’s satellite and streaming platforms on June 30. The sides were at odds over carriage fees that have become increasingly contentious for large MVPDs as they adjust to the influx of lower-cost competition in the pay-tv eco-system.
This past weekend, Viacom went down to the wire in talks with DirecTV on a new deal that was make-or-break for the parent company of Nickelodeon, MTV, Bet, Comedy Central and more. Dish Network and its Sling TV platform reach about 12.2 million total subscribers. The long interruption of fees from Dish’s national service took a toll on Univision’s earnings in recent quarters. Univision outlets were restored Tuesday on Dish Network’s satellite service reaching about 10 million viewers, but...
- 3/26/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Impacted by its ongoing dispute with Dish Network, increased expenses and impairment losses, U.S. Hispanic media giant Univision reported an 8.9% decline in fourth-quarter total revenue to $688.5 million from $755.5 million in the year prior.
In comparing the full year of 2018 with the previous year, total revenue fell 7.6% to $2,713.8 million from $2,937.3 million. Total core revenue dipped 5.4% to $2,674.2 million from $2,827.3 million.
Last year, the Company began the process of selling its discontinued English-language digital businesses, including the Gizmodo Media Group, The Onion and Fusion Digital. According to Univision, the loss from the Gizmodo group in the quarter was $32.5 million compared to $3.0 million for the year-ago period. The Wall Street Journal reported that Univision has written down the value of those digital assets to $15 million, down from $135 million.
“Univision serves a unique audience,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Univision. “Hispanic America is driving population and Gdp growth and will continue to do so for decades,...
In comparing the full year of 2018 with the previous year, total revenue fell 7.6% to $2,713.8 million from $2,937.3 million. Total core revenue dipped 5.4% to $2,674.2 million from $2,827.3 million.
Last year, the Company began the process of selling its discontinued English-language digital businesses, including the Gizmodo Media Group, The Onion and Fusion Digital. According to Univision, the loss from the Gizmodo group in the quarter was $32.5 million compared to $3.0 million for the year-ago period. The Wall Street Journal reported that Univision has written down the value of those digital assets to $15 million, down from $135 million.
“Univision serves a unique audience,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Univision. “Hispanic America is driving population and Gdp growth and will continue to do so for decades,...
- 2/14/2019
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Univision swung to a loss in the fourth quarter, blaming a downturn in revenue in part on a months-long carriage dispute with Dish, but CEO Vince Sadusky expressed guarded optimism about a resolution to the impasse during a conference call with analysts.
Univision posted an operating loss of $40.2 million, compared with income of $390 million in the year-earlier quarter. Total revenue decreased 8.9% to $688.5 million from $755.5 million.
With a massive executive turnover now behind it, Univision has continued to face disruption to its operations in 2019 due to the Dish battle. The flagship Univision broadcast network went dark on the satellite operator last June, with sports network Univision Deportes following suit in October.
“We continue to have discussions with Dish,” said CEO Vince Sadusky, who succeeded Randy Falco in the top job just as the Dish contract was about to expire. “It’s clear not doing a deal is harmful to both companies.
Univision posted an operating loss of $40.2 million, compared with income of $390 million in the year-earlier quarter. Total revenue decreased 8.9% to $688.5 million from $755.5 million.
With a massive executive turnover now behind it, Univision has continued to face disruption to its operations in 2019 due to the Dish battle. The flagship Univision broadcast network went dark on the satellite operator last June, with sports network Univision Deportes following suit in October.
“We continue to have discussions with Dish,” said CEO Vince Sadusky, who succeeded Randy Falco in the top job just as the Dish contract was about to expire. “It’s clear not doing a deal is harmful to both companies.
- 2/14/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Dish Network co-founder and chairman Charlie Ergen says the satellite provider’s carriage dispute with HBO shows no signs of letting up, and he predicts a blackout lasting through the mid-April return of Game of Thrones would increase piracy.
The HBO situation “will be interesting because people will find another way to get it,” Ergen said. On that same theme at another point in the call, he said, “Every young person knows how to go onto the internet and get a code and get HBO. We hate to talk about piracy, but that will be the result.”
Dish president and CEO W. Erik Carlson said there has been “no meaningful movement” in talks with HBO about the impasse, the first in the network’s nearly five-decade history. He estimated that the blackout, which began in November, along with a separate ongoing struggle with Univision, accounted for about half of the 334,000 subscriber losses in the quarter.
The HBO situation “will be interesting because people will find another way to get it,” Ergen said. On that same theme at another point in the call, he said, “Every young person knows how to go onto the internet and get a code and get HBO. We hate to talk about piracy, but that will be the result.”
Dish president and CEO W. Erik Carlson said there has been “no meaningful movement” in talks with HBO about the impasse, the first in the network’s nearly five-decade history. He estimated that the blackout, which began in November, along with a separate ongoing struggle with Univision, accounted for about half of the 334,000 subscriber losses in the quarter.
- 2/13/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Adversely impacted by its carriage dispute with Dish Network, the loss of World Cup ad revenue to rival Telemundo, lower ratings, and the 2018 rate increase of its agreement with long-time primetime programming supplier Televisa, Univision has reported a 17.3% plunge in revenue to $628.2 million from $759.4 million for its 2018 3rd quarter results ending Sept. 30, 2018, compared to the same period last year.
Total core revenue dipped 8.2% to $648.9 million from $706.7 million in the same time frame. Consolidated ad revenue was down 16.6% to $378 million from $454 million in the prior period.
In an earnings call with investors Wednesday, Univision CEO Vince Sadusky said the Dish blackout was likely to be permanent. “Our talks were ongoing right up to the recent takedown of Univision Deportes Network (Udn),” he said, adding: “At the end of the day, it’s all about economics, but it’s very odd that they’ve been unwilling to recognize the power of the...
Total core revenue dipped 8.2% to $648.9 million from $706.7 million in the same time frame. Consolidated ad revenue was down 16.6% to $378 million from $454 million in the prior period.
In an earnings call with investors Wednesday, Univision CEO Vince Sadusky said the Dish blackout was likely to be permanent. “Our talks were ongoing right up to the recent takedown of Univision Deportes Network (Udn),” he said, adding: “At the end of the day, it’s all about economics, but it’s very odd that they’ve been unwilling to recognize the power of the...
- 11/14/2018
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Describing Dish Network’s negotiating approach as “bizarre,” Univision CEO Vince Sadusky said the Hispanic media giant’s carriage dispute with the major satellite operator is “likely permanent.”
While the executive has issued previous warnings in the same vein, his comments during Univision’s third-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts suggested a new chapter in the cord-cutting era. Carriage disputes have become rampant as the pay-tv bundle shows the strain of competing, lower-cost consumer options, but the finality of the language this time around is striking. The impasse and its effect on Univision, not surprisingly, dominated the 45-minute call.
Counting both traditional satellite and its skinny-bundle Sling TV service, Dish has about 12.5 million subscribers. Founded in 1980, it staked out a leadership position in packaging offerings for Hispanic viewers in the U.S. under its Dish Latino brand, which has had about 1 million subscribers until recently. Sadusky said Univision estimates...
While the executive has issued previous warnings in the same vein, his comments during Univision’s third-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts suggested a new chapter in the cord-cutting era. Carriage disputes have become rampant as the pay-tv bundle shows the strain of competing, lower-cost consumer options, but the finality of the language this time around is striking. The impasse and its effect on Univision, not surprisingly, dominated the 45-minute call.
Counting both traditional satellite and its skinny-bundle Sling TV service, Dish has about 12.5 million subscribers. Founded in 1980, it staked out a leadership position in packaging offerings for Hispanic viewers in the U.S. under its Dish Latino brand, which has had about 1 million subscribers until recently. Sadusky said Univision estimates...
- 11/14/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision’s ongoing carriage dispute with Dish Network hit the privately held company’s third-quarter results hard, with total revenue falling 17% and operating income off 34%.
Revenue came in at $628.2 million for the period ending September 30, compared with $759.4 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
Income from continuing operations plummeted to $12.4 million from $109.6 million, and adjusted operating income dropped 34% to $231 million.
“Third quarter financial results were impacted by headwinds including our dispute with Dish, the World Cup’s impact on advertising, lower ratings and the 2018 Televisa Pla rate increase,” said CEO Vince Sadusky in the earnings release. “Longer term, our refocused mission is gaining momentum evidenced by Univision being on pace to win the November sweeps in Spanish language even without carriage on Dish. Our teams are rededicated to the Company’s core mission of serving Hispanic America and with many structural and organizational changes now in place, I am...
Revenue came in at $628.2 million for the period ending September 30, compared with $759.4 million in the same quarter a year earlier.
Income from continuing operations plummeted to $12.4 million from $109.6 million, and adjusted operating income dropped 34% to $231 million.
“Third quarter financial results were impacted by headwinds including our dispute with Dish, the World Cup’s impact on advertising, lower ratings and the 2018 Televisa Pla rate increase,” said CEO Vince Sadusky in the earnings release. “Longer term, our refocused mission is gaining momentum evidenced by Univision being on pace to win the November sweeps in Spanish language even without carriage on Dish. Our teams are rededicated to the Company’s core mission of serving Hispanic America and with many structural and organizational changes now in place, I am...
- 11/14/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision, now run by CEO Vince Sadusky, may be trying to trim costs and staff to stay competitive, but the purchase and possible sale of its brand The Onion could result in a whole new set of tears for the Spanish-language media company. That would be at least $2 million worth of tears to be specific, as part of a lawsuit filed against Univision and the news satire outlet late last week by financial specialists Gca Advisors.
“As a direct and proximate result of The Onion’s breach of the Agreement, Plaintiff has suffered damages, in an amount to be determined at trial, but not less than $2,000,000, and prejudgment interest,” said attorneys at Liddle & Robinson Llp in an August 10 jury-trial-seeking filing (read it here) in New York Supreme Court.
Essentially, Gca, formally called Gca Savvian Advisors, LLC, claims it was brought on board by The Onion in October 2013 to help with a potential sale.
“As a direct and proximate result of The Onion’s breach of the Agreement, Plaintiff has suffered damages, in an amount to be determined at trial, but not less than $2,000,000, and prejudgment interest,” said attorneys at Liddle & Robinson Llp in an August 10 jury-trial-seeking filing (read it here) in New York Supreme Court.
Essentially, Gca, formally called Gca Savvian Advisors, LLC, claims it was brought on board by The Onion in October 2013 to help with a potential sale.
- 8/15/2018
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Vince Sadusky, who replaced Randy Falco two months ago as CEO of Univision, briefed investors on his efforts to rejuvenate the Hispanic media giant in his first earnings conference call in his new role.
The first extended public comments by the CEO, who is familiar with the U.S. Hispanic space from a prior stint as an executive at rival Telemundo, offered a directional snapshot of the company. While it is privately held, Univision releases quarterly results and holds regular conference calls because of its deep ties with publicly traded companies. Earlier this morning, the company said soft ad revenue dragged down the company’s overall second-quarter results.
On the call, Sadusky didn’t minimize the task ahead, noting his “diligence” before taking the job and his efforts to familiarize himself quickly with its operations and personnel. With Falco’s exit, most other key creative positions have also seen turnover...
The first extended public comments by the CEO, who is familiar with the U.S. Hispanic space from a prior stint as an executive at rival Telemundo, offered a directional snapshot of the company. While it is privately held, Univision releases quarterly results and holds regular conference calls because of its deep ties with publicly traded companies. Earlier this morning, the company said soft ad revenue dragged down the company’s overall second-quarter results.
On the call, Sadusky didn’t minimize the task ahead, noting his “diligence” before taking the job and his efforts to familiarize himself quickly with its operations and personnel. With Falco’s exit, most other key creative positions have also seen turnover...
- 8/9/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision said total revenue dipped 2% to $749.8 million in the second quarter on a downturn in advertising, highlighting the challenge ahead of the privately held Hispanic media giant.
New CEO Vince Sadusky has been remaking the company in recent months. He will address the status of the rebuilding efforts and discuss the quarterly results on a conference call later today.
Net income inched up to $114.3 million from $106.1 million a year ago. But adjusted operating profit declined 7.5% to $304.1 million from $328.7 million.
Media Networks ad revenue slipped 8% to $372.3 million, which the company chalked up to declines in the television networks’ packaged goods, retail and restaurant sectors and softness in the Company’s local TV business, including declines in the automotive sector.
“While our foundation is strong, Univision has gone through a significant amount of change over the last few months,” Sadusky said in the earnings release. “We are starting an exciting new chapter...
New CEO Vince Sadusky has been remaking the company in recent months. He will address the status of the rebuilding efforts and discuss the quarterly results on a conference call later today.
Net income inched up to $114.3 million from $106.1 million a year ago. But adjusted operating profit declined 7.5% to $304.1 million from $328.7 million.
Media Networks ad revenue slipped 8% to $372.3 million, which the company chalked up to declines in the television networks’ packaged goods, retail and restaurant sectors and softness in the Company’s local TV business, including declines in the automotive sector.
“While our foundation is strong, Univision has gone through a significant amount of change over the last few months,” Sadusky said in the earnings release. “We are starting an exciting new chapter...
- 8/9/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises said four executives have been promoted and given additional responsibilities as Luis Silberwasser prepares to end his four-year tenure as president.
Silberwasser presided over a period of notable growth for the U.S. Hispanic network, which has gained market share as longtime rival Univision stumbled. He will stay through October 1 to help with the transition.
The executives gaining promotions and new responsibilities include: Beau Ferrari, Evp; Mónica Gil, Evp & Chief Marketing Officer; Peter Blacker: Evp, Revenue Strategy & Innovation; and Ronald Day, Evp, Entertainment, Telemundo Networks. All four will report to Cesar Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and NBCUniversal International Group.
Ferrari oversees the operations, financial performance and corporate strategy. Gil is adding the Cmo title and will oversee reputation, brand and corporate marketing as well as communications, corporate affairs and Hr. Blacker takes on a newly created role, working across linear and digital platforms to focus on driving revenue.
Silberwasser presided over a period of notable growth for the U.S. Hispanic network, which has gained market share as longtime rival Univision stumbled. He will stay through October 1 to help with the transition.
The executives gaining promotions and new responsibilities include: Beau Ferrari, Evp; Mónica Gil, Evp & Chief Marketing Officer; Peter Blacker: Evp, Revenue Strategy & Innovation; and Ronald Day, Evp, Entertainment, Telemundo Networks. All four will report to Cesar Conde, Chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and NBCUniversal International Group.
Ferrari oversees the operations, financial performance and corporate strategy. Gil is adding the Cmo title and will oversee reputation, brand and corporate marketing as well as communications, corporate affairs and Hr. Blacker takes on a newly created role, working across linear and digital platforms to focus on driving revenue.
- 8/6/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision laid off 6 percent of its employees on Wednesday, a move towards efficiency that follows prior staff reductions.
In March, Univision laid off 20 employees. In April, the media company cut 150 staffers. We knew more was coming.
Here is Univision’s statement on this latest round of layoffs:
We have concluded a company-wide strategic review aimed at reorienting our operations to ensure we are positioned to most effectively compete in an evolving media marketplace. We are implementing a plan to rejuvenate and reenergize the company with a rededication to our core mission of serving the Us Hispanic community. As part of this plan we are both reducing our workforce in various divisions around the company, as well as adding resources and capabilities to strengthen our core business. While it is extremely difficult to lose valued employees, we are confident that our actions – along with our previously-announced process to explore the sale...
In March, Univision laid off 20 employees. In April, the media company cut 150 staffers. We knew more was coming.
Here is Univision’s statement on this latest round of layoffs:
We have concluded a company-wide strategic review aimed at reorienting our operations to ensure we are positioned to most effectively compete in an evolving media marketplace. We are implementing a plan to rejuvenate and reenergize the company with a rededication to our core mission of serving the Us Hispanic community. As part of this plan we are both reducing our workforce in various divisions around the company, as well as adding resources and capabilities to strengthen our core business. While it is extremely difficult to lose valued employees, we are confident that our actions – along with our previously-announced process to explore the sale...
- 7/25/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Univision is announcing layoffs this morning, the next major step in the Hispanic media giant’s complete makeover. Numbers are not specified in the company-wide memo, but a source close to the company tells Deadline 6% of jobs will be eliminated. Before the reductions, the company had a workforce of about 4,000 people, meaning the ranks of the departed will number about 250.
Vince Sadusky, who succeeded Randy Falco as CEO in June, said in a memo to employees (read it below) that he is implementing a return to basics after the company pursued “many experiments” during the Falco regime. “One of the benefits of coming into a company with fresh eyes is that it is easier to have a clear look at these efforts without emotion and history,” he said. “In doing so, it became clear to me that many of these new ideas had eaten up a disproportionate part of our resources,...
Vince Sadusky, who succeeded Randy Falco as CEO in June, said in a memo to employees (read it below) that he is implementing a return to basics after the company pursued “many experiments” during the Falco regime. “One of the benefits of coming into a company with fresh eyes is that it is easier to have a clear look at these efforts without emotion and history,” he said. “In doing so, it became clear to me that many of these new ideas had eaten up a disproportionate part of our resources,...
- 7/25/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: As the top-to-bottom overhaul of Univision continues apace, the latest executive headed for the exits is Chief Revenue Officer Tonia O’Connor, Deadline has learned.
O’Connor was promoted in 2017 to the revenue role, which was a newly created position for the company. She had previously served as Chief Commercial Officer and President of Content Distribution. In a 10-year career at the company, O’Connor helped oversee the launches of several new networks including Univision Deportes, now a top-three sports operation capable of beating ESPN on a given day.
“Univision is a uniquely positioned company, unlike any other brand,” O’Connor said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of helping transform Univision into a media powerhouse – with the most loyal audience and billions in enterprise value. I will always treasure my experience and colleagues from Univision, which I will carry with me as I take on new challenges...
O’Connor was promoted in 2017 to the revenue role, which was a newly created position for the company. She had previously served as Chief Commercial Officer and President of Content Distribution. In a 10-year career at the company, O’Connor helped oversee the launches of several new networks including Univision Deportes, now a top-three sports operation capable of beating ESPN on a given day.
“Univision is a uniquely positioned company, unlike any other brand,” O’Connor said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of helping transform Univision into a media powerhouse – with the most loyal audience and billions in enterprise value. I will always treasure my experience and colleagues from Univision, which I will carry with me as I take on new challenges...
- 7/23/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
In the latest jolt to Hispanic media giant Univision, Chief Content Officer Isaac Lee is exiting the company.
After nearly eight years at Univision, Lee plans to start an independent production company. Patricio Wills, an exec with Univision’s Mexican partner, Televisa, will take over Lee’s content duties.
The move is another dose of corporate drama at Univision, which has hit some turbulence in recent months. After board members opted to pull a planned Ipo and engage a consultant to help guide strategic decisions, they installed Vincent Sadusky as CEO in the spring helm of the privately held company, replacing Randy Falco. Entertainment president Lourdes Diaz recently departed for Stuart Ford’s Agc Studios TV division.
Once a distant runner-up in the ratings, archrival Telemundo has narrowed the gap considerably, consistently winning some time periods. The NBC-owned network has pulled big ratings in recent weeks with its exclusive...
After nearly eight years at Univision, Lee plans to start an independent production company. Patricio Wills, an exec with Univision’s Mexican partner, Televisa, will take over Lee’s content duties.
The move is another dose of corporate drama at Univision, which has hit some turbulence in recent months. After board members opted to pull a planned Ipo and engage a consultant to help guide strategic decisions, they installed Vincent Sadusky as CEO in the spring helm of the privately held company, replacing Randy Falco. Entertainment president Lourdes Diaz recently departed for Stuart Ford’s Agc Studios TV division.
Once a distant runner-up in the ratings, archrival Telemundo has narrowed the gap considerably, consistently winning some time periods. The NBC-owned network has pulled big ratings in recent weeks with its exclusive...
- 7/17/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Gawker.com, the once mighty flagship of Gawker Media, was sold Thursday to Bustle Media chief Bryan Goldberg in a bankruptcy court auction, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to TheWrap.
The auction was held behind closed doors at the New York offices of the firm Ropes & Gray. Reuters reported that Goldberg paid $1.35 million for the site. The opening bids began at $1.3 million. A rep for Goldberg did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Goldberg, a millennial media entrepreneur, is also the founder of Bleacher Report and has been mocked by the company he now owns. Reporter Hamilton Nolan — who publicly warned any future owner of Gawker to tread lightly — called Goldberg “not a smart man” and someone who “mocks himself far better than his critics ever could” back in 2013.
Also Read: 'Hunger Games' Director, 'Big Short' Writer Join Gawker Lawsuit Biopic
One of the biggest early...
The auction was held behind closed doors at the New York offices of the firm Ropes & Gray. Reuters reported that Goldberg paid $1.35 million for the site. The opening bids began at $1.3 million. A rep for Goldberg did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Goldberg, a millennial media entrepreneur, is also the founder of Bleacher Report and has been mocked by the company he now owns. Reporter Hamilton Nolan — who publicly warned any future owner of Gawker to tread lightly — called Goldberg “not a smart man” and someone who “mocks himself far better than his critics ever could” back in 2013.
Also Read: 'Hunger Games' Director, 'Big Short' Writer Join Gawker Lawsuit Biopic
One of the biggest early...
- 7/12/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Following reports in recent days, Univision confirmed it is formally exploring a potential sale of Gizmodo Media Group and The Onion, two English-language digital portfolios it acquired under a previous management regime.
In a brief press release, Univision said it “determined that pursuing a sale of Gmg and The Onion collectively will allow Uci to focus on its core assets and further strengthen Uci’s position as the No. 1 media company serving U.S. Hispanics.” A sale could also offer the benefit of “enabling both Gmg and The Onion even greater opportunities to grow under new ownership,” it added.
Univision said it has brought in Morgan Stanley as financial adviser in the process, issuing the caveat that the exercise may not necessarily result in a sale or shift in strategy.
Gmg, which was known as Gawker Media until flagship website Gawker went up in flames due to a ruinous libel verdict,...
In a brief press release, Univision said it “determined that pursuing a sale of Gmg and The Onion collectively will allow Uci to focus on its core assets and further strengthen Uci’s position as the No. 1 media company serving U.S. Hispanics.” A sale could also offer the benefit of “enabling both Gmg and The Onion even greater opportunities to grow under new ownership,” it added.
Univision said it has brought in Morgan Stanley as financial adviser in the process, issuing the caveat that the exercise may not necessarily result in a sale or shift in strategy.
Gmg, which was known as Gawker Media until flagship website Gawker went up in flames due to a ruinous libel verdict,...
- 7/10/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision Communications is officially looking to unload the Gizmodo Media Group — which mostly comprises the sites it acquired in the bankruptcy auction of Gawker Media — and its stake in comedy and entertainment publisher The Onion.
The Hispanic media company said Tuesday that it has initiated a formal process to explore the sale of the Gizmodo Media Group (Gmg) and The Onion, in which Univision owns a controlling stake.
“The company determined that pursuing a sale of Gmg and The Onion collectively will allow Uci to focus on its core assets and further strengthen Uci’s position as the No. 1 media company serving U.S. Hispanics, while enabling both Gmg and The Onion even greater opportunities to grow under new ownership,” Univision said in a statement.
The Gmg digital portfolio includes Gizmodo, Jezebel, Deadspin, Lifehacker, Splinter, The Root, Kotaku, Earther and Jalopnik and The Onion portfolio includes, The Onion, Clickhole, The A.
The Hispanic media company said Tuesday that it has initiated a formal process to explore the sale of the Gizmodo Media Group (Gmg) and The Onion, in which Univision owns a controlling stake.
“The company determined that pursuing a sale of Gmg and The Onion collectively will allow Uci to focus on its core assets and further strengthen Uci’s position as the No. 1 media company serving U.S. Hispanics, while enabling both Gmg and The Onion even greater opportunities to grow under new ownership,” Univision said in a statement.
The Gmg digital portfolio includes Gizmodo, Jezebel, Deadspin, Lifehacker, Splinter, The Root, Kotaku, Earther and Jalopnik and The Onion portfolio includes, The Onion, Clickhole, The A.
- 7/10/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Univision Communications Inc. is considering selling its Fusion Media Group, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Fusion’s properties include websites Gizmodo, Deadspin and The Root, among others, and it has a stake in the parent company of The Onion.
Univision’s exploration of the sale comes amidst a companywide restructuring following a change in leadership. The WSJ report cites people familiar with the matter.
Deadline reported yesterday that Univision is looking to reduce the staff at The Onion by around 15% as it implements cuts across the company, multiple sources confirmed. The privately held company is about a month into the tenure of new CEO Vince Sadusky, who took the role after an eventful period during which Univision pulled plans for an Ipo and retained a consultant to help it reassess its operations.
Univision was courting a younger demographic when it began assembling its digital assets under former CEO Randy Falco.
Univision’s exploration of the sale comes amidst a companywide restructuring following a change in leadership. The WSJ report cites people familiar with the matter.
Deadline reported yesterday that Univision is looking to reduce the staff at The Onion by around 15% as it implements cuts across the company, multiple sources confirmed. The privately held company is about a month into the tenure of new CEO Vince Sadusky, who took the role after an eventful period during which Univision pulled plans for an Ipo and retained a consultant to help it reassess its operations.
Univision was courting a younger demographic when it began assembling its digital assets under former CEO Randy Falco.
- 7/7/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision Communications now wants to unload Fusion Media Group — coming two years after it bought a half-dozen websites from Gawker Media in a bid to boost its reach among younger audiences.
The Hispanic media giant is exploring a sale of Fusion Media Group, the Wall Street Journal reported. (Univision declined to comment.) The strategic about-face comes after Univision cancelled its initial public offering plans earlier this year and has seen broad turnover among its senior executive ranks.
Univision last year had tried to sell a 20% stake in Fusion Media Group for $200 million, but failed to find any investors willing to go in on the deal, the Journal reported. According to the WSJ, potential partners were “skittish” about working with the Univision ownership group, which includes Haim Saban’s Saban Capital Group, Televisa, and private-equity firms Providence Equity Partners, Madison Dearborn Partners, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Tpg.
In March, Univision...
The Hispanic media giant is exploring a sale of Fusion Media Group, the Wall Street Journal reported. (Univision declined to comment.) The strategic about-face comes after Univision cancelled its initial public offering plans earlier this year and has seen broad turnover among its senior executive ranks.
Univision last year had tried to sell a 20% stake in Fusion Media Group for $200 million, but failed to find any investors willing to go in on the deal, the Journal reported. According to the WSJ, potential partners were “skittish” about working with the Univision ownership group, which includes Haim Saban’s Saban Capital Group, Televisa, and private-equity firms Providence Equity Partners, Madison Dearborn Partners, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Tpg.
In March, Univision...
- 7/7/2018
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Satirical website The Onion looks to be the latest digital media upstart to undergo layoffs.
Corporate parent Univision Communications is looking to reduce the staff by around 15%, as the Spanish-language media giant implements cuts across the company, multiple sources confirm. The privately held company is barely a month into the tenure of new CEO Vince Sadusky, who took the role after an eventful period during which it pulled plans for an Ipo and retained a consultant to help it reassess its operations.
The job losses would hit The Onion’s network of digital properties, which include its namesake website, the satiric Clickhole, the pop-culture-focused The A.V. Club and the food site The Takeout.
Univision has yet to begin negotiations with the editorial union, though it hopes to accomplish the reductions through voluntary buyouts instead of through layoffs, sources say.
The media company adopted the same approach with the Gizmodo Media Group sites,...
Corporate parent Univision Communications is looking to reduce the staff by around 15%, as the Spanish-language media giant implements cuts across the company, multiple sources confirm. The privately held company is barely a month into the tenure of new CEO Vince Sadusky, who took the role after an eventful period during which it pulled plans for an Ipo and retained a consultant to help it reassess its operations.
The job losses would hit The Onion’s network of digital properties, which include its namesake website, the satiric Clickhole, the pop-culture-focused The A.V. Club and the food site The Takeout.
Univision has yet to begin negotiations with the editorial union, though it hopes to accomplish the reductions through voluntary buyouts instead of through layoffs, sources say.
The media company adopted the same approach with the Gizmodo Media Group sites,...
- 7/6/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Univision stations are facing a potential blackout on Dish’s satellite platform as a June 30 contract expiration deadline looms.
Univision began warning viewers of the possible shutdown on Saturday. Dish said it was still “actively working” with Univision to reach a contract agreement. The deal covers Univision stations in top markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago given Dish’s national platform. The satcaster has about 13.1 million subscribers across its Dish and Sling platforms. Univision owns about 60 TV stations in sizable markets across the country.
“Dish has left us no choice but to alert our viewers that they could face yet another Dish service interruption,” Univision said in a statement. “Dish has dismissed multiple good-faith carriage offers from Uci, including one to extend our current agreement to avoid a disruption of service. While Dish’s own lead negotiator recently compared programming disputes to ‘having a heart attack,’ Dish...
Univision began warning viewers of the possible shutdown on Saturday. Dish said it was still “actively working” with Univision to reach a contract agreement. The deal covers Univision stations in top markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago given Dish’s national platform. The satcaster has about 13.1 million subscribers across its Dish and Sling platforms. Univision owns about 60 TV stations in sizable markets across the country.
“Dish has left us no choice but to alert our viewers that they could face yet another Dish service interruption,” Univision said in a statement. “Dish has dismissed multiple good-faith carriage offers from Uci, including one to extend our current agreement to avoid a disruption of service. While Dish’s own lead negotiator recently compared programming disputes to ‘having a heart attack,’ Dish...
- 6/24/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Updated May 30 at 1:44 p.m. Pt: Univision has officially announced Vincent Sadusky as Randy Falco’s CEO replacement, effective June 1, 2018.
We expected this exact transition to occur. Below are the requisite quotes about the outgoing and incoming chief executive officers, and underneath those our story from last week about Univision’s imminent naming of Sadusky as Falco’s successor.
Haim Saban, chairman of the Board of Directors of Uci, said the following: “Over the last eight years, Randy has led the transformation of Uci into a modern media organization with a diverse portfolio of assets, sterling brands and content that audiences and marketers want, backed by strong earnings growth, a significantly improved balance sheet and a team of motivated and purpose-driven employees. Randy has always recognized and embraced Univision as an incredibly unique company with a mission and vision that goes well beyond traditional media. On behalf of the entire Board,...
We expected this exact transition to occur. Below are the requisite quotes about the outgoing and incoming chief executive officers, and underneath those our story from last week about Univision’s imminent naming of Sadusky as Falco’s successor.
Haim Saban, chairman of the Board of Directors of Uci, said the following: “Over the last eight years, Randy has led the transformation of Uci into a modern media organization with a diverse portfolio of assets, sterling brands and content that audiences and marketers want, backed by strong earnings growth, a significantly improved balance sheet and a team of motivated and purpose-driven employees. Randy has always recognized and embraced Univision as an incredibly unique company with a mission and vision that goes well beyond traditional media. On behalf of the entire Board,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
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