Univision Communications has unveiled its plans for what it calls “a comprehensive global streaming service” that includes both free ad-supported and premium subscription-based options.
This service would launch in the U.S. and Latin America in 2022.
The two-tier streaming service will offer “a differentiated product proposition, vast content scope, expansive library and more Spanish-language originals than any other streaming service,’ Miami-based Univision boasts.
And, what is poised to become Univision-Televisa, following the completion of Univision’s blockbuster merger with the iconic Mexican media operation, will be fueled by full access to the Televisa content library.
It will incorporate content found on its PrendeTV platform, and on its VIX and Univision NOW services, with each of those unique entities “transitioned and unified into one global service and brand.”
But, brand and pricing information are forthcoming. Furthermore, a specific launch date for the service will be announced following the close of the Televisa-Univision merger later this year.
The ad-supported tier (AVOD) will be anchored by PrendeTV, the free Spanish-language streaming service that’s gained considerable attention since Univision snagged it in early 2021. “This free tier will feature an upgraded, broadcast quality content proposition, including select originals, major studio films, premium Spanish-language titles, an expanded live sports offering and a unique 24/7 news service,” Univision said.
The 24/7 news service could see a particularly fervent battle for viewers, as Estrella Media — the former LBI Media now led by CEO Peter Markham — has invested heavily in a 24/7 news operation for Spanish-speaking U.S.-based audiences.
For the Univision AVOD service, the no-cost tier will feature more than 100 linear channels and wholly owned and acquired content that will also be offered in VOD form.
The new premium subscription tier (SVOD) will feature more than 6,000 hours of Spanish-language content and more than 30 original productions exclusively on the service within its first year, Univision says.
“The original productions for the service are being developed by some of the most notable established and up-and-coming creators in Spanish-language content today,” Univision notes.
With that, Univision is announcing projects with Maria Dueñas, Santiago Limon and Mario Vargas Llosa, “with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.”
Univision adds that the vision for the premium SVOD offering “is to bring audiences more originally produced Spanish-language content than any other streaming service globally.”
To execute on this vision, Rodrigo Mazon has joined as EVP & GM of SVOD, reporting directly to Pierluigi Gazzolo, President and Chief Transformation Officer at Univision.
With more than 10 years experience in streaming, Mazon joins Univision from Netflix, where he most recently served as VP of Content. Mazon will be responsible for all elements of the SVOD service, including content and programming strategy, original content production, talent relations, content acquisitions from third-party producers and subscriber growth and retention.
Mazon’s appointment follows the recent addition of Michael Cerdá as Univision’s EVP of Product and Engineering/Streaming.
Rafael Urbina, Univision’s EVP & GM, AVOD Streaming, continues to lead PrendeTV, and will lead the future free ad-supported tier both in the U.S. and internationally.
The SVOD tier will launch with more than 30 original productions throughout 2022, Univision says.
BEHIND THE PRODUCTIONS
Dueñas is the author of “El tiempo entre costuras” (The Time in Between) and “La templanza” (The Vineyard). She signed a first-look deal with Univision for her future content and novels and will develop her first-ever series exclusively for Univision’s SVOD streaming service.
Peruvian author and Nobel Prize winner Vargas Llosa will have his 2006 novel “Travesuras de la niña mala” adapted into a television series, which will be executive produced by Patricio Wills from Televisa’s W Studios. The novel is a love story set in the 1960s across various cities in Europe.
Limon is the creator and co-writer of the film “Hasta que la boda nos separe” and director and executive producer of the reboot of teen band-focused telenovela “Rebelde.”
Univision CEO Wade Davis, in prepared comments, said, “With today’s announcement we are giving an early view into the scale and scope of our streaming ambitions. My partners and I closed on our acquisition of Univision less than six months ago, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made to date … Pierlugi has brought together some of the best streaming executives in the industry. Michael has built, scaled and globalized one of the most successful streaming products in the world. Rafael has extensive experience scaling large, ad-supported video audiences, and Rodrigo is a pioneer in premium Spanish-language streaming and content. With this team and the resources we are allocating, we will launch a service that is differentiated, high quality and best in class.”
