Continuing its 2012 distribution roll, Univision Communications has reached a comprehensive deal with Verizon FiOS covering the U.S. Spanish-language media leader's linear services, its trio of new cable networks and authentication rights across an array of services.
The multiyear agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, encompasses continued carriage of, and on-demand programming for, Univision's and TeleFutura's owned-and-operated broadcast stations; the network feeds of Univision and TeleFutura; the distribution of the cable network Galavisión; and launches for Univision's new cable service, sports network Univision Deportes, telenovelas network Univision tlnovelas and FOROtv, a Spanish-language news network.
The FiOS pact is Univision's third far-reaching affiliate agreement in 2012. Dish Network and AT&T U-verse reached deals with the media giant in January and May, respectively, for continued carriage and launches of new services. Under their agreements, both the No. 2 DBS company and the second-ranked video telco provider have rolled out or committed to launch Univision Deportes (Dish has an exclusive agreement for Deportes Dos this year), Univision tlnovelas and news service FOROtv.
The FiOS agreement also includes plans for multiplatform authentication rights for UVideos, Univision's upcoming digital video platform where viewers can interact with the best in Hispanic programming, including current shows from Univision's portfolio, as well as all of the existing networks and the new channels joining the FiOS TV lineup.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with Verizon as they recognize the growth potential with the exploding Hispanic demographic in this country," said Deanna Andaverde, senior vice president , distribution sales and marketing at Univision Communications, in announcing the affiliate agreement. "This deal speaks to Univision and Verizon's commitment to continue to deliver compelling and relevant content offerings to U.S. Hispanics."
Noted Ben Grad, director of content strategy and acquisition for Verizon: "As the country's leading provider of Spanish-language programming, we are committed to giving our customers the most robust package of such programming available today. We look forward to working with Univision Communications to ensure FiOS TV features the Spanish-language channels that are important to our customers."
