Univision Revenue Up 2.1% in Q4

Univision Communications announced fourth quarter revenue of $515.9 million, a 2.1% gain from the same quarter the year before. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) decreased 1.4% to $210.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The Spanish-language media company's overall net revenue was down 2.9% for the full 2009.

"Univision made significant strides in many areas in 2009, even while navigating through a very challenging economic environment," said President/CEO Joe Uva. "We diversified our revenue streams through new retransmission consent agreements and key strategic partnerships; enhanced our future content offerings and production capabilities through the launch of Univision Studios; delivered strong, competitive ratings and maintained our strong leadership positions across all platforms; and effectively managed our balance sheet and strengthened our capital structure for the long-term."

Univision's television revenue was $420.1 million in the fourth quarter, up from $392.8 million in the same quarter a year before. Radio revenue was $83.7 million, down from $99.4 million, and Interactive Media was $12.1 million, down a bit from $13 million in the previous fourth quarter.

Univision owns 64 television stations and owns and/or operates 68 radio outlets, along with the Univision, Galavision and TeleFutura networks.

Michael Malone

Michael Malone, senior content producer at B+C/Multichannel News, covers network programming, including entertainment, news and sports on broadcast, cable and streaming; and local broadcast television. He hosts the podcasts Busted Pilot, about what’s new in television, and Series Business, a chat with the creator of a new program, and writes the column “The Watchman.” He joined B+C in 2005. His journalism has also appeared in The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Playboy and New York magazine.