NBC
UNIVERSAL'S TELEMUNDO AND GRUPO TELEVISA SIGN
STRATEGIC
ALLIANCE AGREEMENT FOR MEXICO
Televisa
and Telemundo sign an exclusive programming license agreement
to
distribute Telemundo content in Mexico across multiple platforms
New York and Mexico City, Mexico -
March 17, 2008 - NBC Universal's Telemundo, a United States-based
producer of innovative Spanish-language content for Hispanics in the U.S. and
around the world, and Grupo Televisa, S.A.B ("Televisa"; NYSE:TV; BMV:TLEVISA
CPO), entered into a strategic alliance agreement to distribute Telemundo
content in Mexico across multiple platforms including broadcast TV, PayTV and
emerging digital platforms. The deal was announced by Jeff Zucker, President and
Chief Executive Officer, NBC Universal; Don Browne, President, Telemundo
Communications Group; and Alfonso de Angoitia, Executive Vice President, Grupo
Televisa. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Beginning
in April, Televisa's Channel 9 will broadcast more than 1,000 hours a year of
Telemundo's original programming. This agreement will allow Televisa's Channel 9
to broaden its viewership in Mexico as it redefines its offerings to include
first-run high-quality programming, anchored by Telemundo content.
In
addition to the broadcast platform, Televisa will distribute a new PayTV channel
to be launched later this year by Telemundo featuring Telemundo branded
entertainment and news content. Televisa will provide distribution for the PayTV
channel in Mexico, including its DBS platform Sky and cable system Cablevision,
reaching over 2 million households at launch. The license agreements for
Televisa's Channel 9 and the new PayTV channel will have an initial term of 10
years, respectively.
Televisa
and Telemundo also expect to sign agreements to distribute Telemundo’s content
in Mexico through emerging platforms including Internet, mobile phones, home
video and VOD.
Mr. de
Angoitia said: "This agreement enhances our ability to offer a compelling value
proposition by enabling us to bring together exciting content with extensive
distribution options. By using Telemundo's high-quality, popular
programming, Televisa's Channel 9 will have the opportunity to achieve
substantially enhanced revenues and profitability over the long term in a highly
cost efficient manner. Telemundo’s new PayTV channel will be a great addition to
Televisa’s current PayTV channel offering. We look forward to building a solid
relationship with NBC Universal and Telemundo and are excited about the
opportunities our companies can realize in Mexico working
together.”
Mr.
Zucker added: "This is an important agreement between two global leaders in
Spanish-language media. Together, Telemundo's content and Televisa's
distribution strength in Mexico will give viewers exciting new options for
entertainment content. Telemundo remains an important part of our international
strategy, and this is just the latest step in its dynamic growth. "
"This
deal is a great affirmation of Telemundo's success in producing high quality
original content," said Mr. Browne. "This landmark agreement is another
milestone in our long-term objective to reach Hispanic audiences all over the
world with our high-quality original productions. With this new
distribution platform in Mexico, we will also benefit from cross-border
dynamics, with families and friends coming together around their shared interest
in popular programs which will now reach both Mexican and U.S. Hispanic
audiences."
About
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B
Grupo
Televisa, S.A.B., is the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world and
a major participant in the international entertainment business. It has
interests in television production and broadcasting, production of
pay-television networks, international distribution of television programming,
direct-to-home satellite services, cable television and telecommunication
services, magazine publishing and publishing distribution, radio production and
broadcasting, professional sports and live entertainment, feature-film
production and distribution, the operation of a horizontal internet portal, and
gaming. Grupo Televisa also owns an unconsolidated equity stake in La Sexta, a
free-to-air television venture in Spain.
About
Telemundo
Telemundo,
a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is the essential entertainment,
news, and sports source for Hispanics and a leading international player in the
entertainment industry with presence in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Broadcasting unique national and local programming for the fastest-growing
segment of the U.S. population, Telemundo reaches 93% of U.S. Hispanic viewers
in 210 markets through its 16 owned-and-operated stations, 45 broadcast
affiliates, and 800 cable affiliates. Telemundo is wholly owned by
NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment
companies.
About
NBC Universal
NBC
Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the
development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information
to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and
Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable
portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company,
significant television production operations, a leading television stations
group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General
Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
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Media
Contacts:
Grupo
Televisa S.A.B.
Michel
Boyance Manuel
Compeán
María
José
Cevallos Media
Relations
Investor
Relations (5255)
5728-3815
(5255)
5261-2445 mcompean@televisa.com.mx
ir@televisa.com.mx
NBC
Universal
Cory
Shields
Corporate
Communications
(212)
664-6999
Telemundo
Communication Group
Alfredo
Richard
Corporate
Communications
(305)
889-7599
arichard@telemundo.com