There’s no need to fear any blackout of Univision Communications-owned networks by Time Warner Cable over retransmission fees, thanks to a wide-ranging multi-year and multiplatform agreement reached Oct. 9.
The accord, terms of which were not disclosed, comes far ahead of the expiration date of the existing agreement between Univision and TWC, which also handles carriage deals for Bright House Networks. The deal also solidifies all-important lineup placements for the recently launched sports-focused Univision Deportes and all-telenovela Univision tlNovelas, both of which are already available to subscribers. Mexico-based news and information network FOROtv is also a part of the deal and will soon earn a slot on TWC systems.
Additionally, Time Warner Cable has agreed to distribute the widely anticipated English-language, millennial-targeted El Rey Network. Created and programmed by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, El Rey is set to make its debut at the end of Q4.
The wide-ranging deal also involves the launch of a local news partnership between TWC and the Univision Television Group in such markets as Los Angeles and New York, where 10-year-old NY1 Noticias serves Hispanic TWC subscribers throughout the Big Apple and Hudson Valley. Univision did not elaborate on the essence of this partnership, or when it would start.
“Our comprehensive agreement expands the number of ways our Hispanic subscribers can enjoy their favorite entertainment, news, sports and telenovelas, Time Warner Cable executive vice president and chief video and content officer Melinda Witmer said in a statement. “We also look forward to the launch of El Rey. After talking with Robert and his creative team for more than a year, we’re convinced that this new network will provide our customers with a unique experience.”
The partnership between Time Warner Cable and Univision also secures the continued availability of the Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson, Telehit and Distrito Comedia networks. Authenticated access to Univision’s UVideos online platform, Univision Deportes digital properties, and “TV Everywhere” content for TWC’s out-of-home platforms is also included in the accord.
“This agreement further demonstrates Time Warner Cable’s strong commitment to providing Hispanic audiences with the content they love most,” Univision Communications president of content distribution and corporate business development Tonia O’Connor said. “Hispanics represent a significant growth opportunity for distributors and our goal in this highly competitive environment is to build long-term partnerships that tap into the power of our brand, deliver top-quality programming and leverage our exhaustive range of multiplatform offerings.”
