Univision owns 100% of Fusion and launches Fusion Media Group

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) announced it will be forming the Fusion Media Group (FMG). FMG will serve as the multi-platform destination for the new, rising American mainstream, delivering content that embodies the audience’s shared values and passion points across all platforms.

Building on the foundation created by Fusion, UCI’s first English-language effort, the company has established a collection of brands that speak with an authentic voice and a convention-breaking, youthful perspective. The Fusion Media Group will include UCI’s interests in FUSION and El Rey as well as The Root, The Onion, A.V. Club, Clickhole, Starwipe, Flama, Univision Digital and Univision Music.

In a related step, UCI has reached an agreement with ABC to become the sole owner of FUSION, the joint venture the two companies launched in October 2013. Effective immediately, UCI will take over ABC’s role in handling distribution and ad sales functions for Fusion’s multi-platform network and will have editorial control. The transition of ownership will happen once the transaction is completed, which is expected to be as soon as reasonably practical. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

“This is an important time for UCI as we continue to evolve as a company to meet and exceed the demands of the cross-cultural influencers that we serve. Fully integrating FUSION into our portfolio closely aligns with our desire to engage with our growing audience wherever they are, whenever they want and in their language of preference,” said Randy Falco, president and CEO, Univision Communications Inc. “FMG is extremely well positioned to reach this young, diverse audience at scale and with passion, irreverence and authenticity. It will define and lead the zeitgeist of American youth.”