Univision buys Disney’s Fusion stake

The Walt Disney Company has sold its stake in Fusion, giving full control of the Miami-based network to US Hispanic media group Univision Communications.

Randy Falco

Both firms have been trying to find a way for Disney to exit since late last year and the Mouse House’s departure was confirmed yesterday.

This comes two-and-a-half years after Fusion launched as a joint venture between Disney-owned US broadcast network ABC and Univision to target English-speaking and Hispanic audiences aged 18 to 34 with a mixture of 24/7 news, comedy and lifestyle shows.

Univision will now launch Fusion Media Group, which will include Fusion as well as satirical news source The Onion, Univision Digital, Univision Music and El Rey, its US channel founded by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.

Univision will also take over ABC’s role in handling distribution and ad sales functions for Fusion’s multiplatform 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, Univision said. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“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 of Univision Communications.

“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.”