Univision Fined $24 Million as FCC Approves Sale

By Spencer D. Chin

TMCnet Web Editor

 

The $12 billion sale of Univision to Broadcasting Media Partners Inc. was approved by the Federal Communications Commission Tuesday, but carried the stipulation that the Spanish-language TV network enter a $24 million Consent Decree to resolve allegations the station failed to comply with FCC (News - Alert) requirements on children’s programming.

 

According to a statement by FCC chairman Kevin Martin, Univision agreed to make a $24 million contribution to the U.S Treasury, and commit to a compliance plan to ensure the needs of children and families are better served in the future.

 

The action came as a result of several groups petitioning the FCC, charging several Univision stations failed to comply with children’s programming requirements set forth in the Children’s Television Act of 1990 and Section 73.617 of the Commission’s rules. These rules require broadcasters to show at least three hours of children-oriented programming weekly.

 

Instead, the petitioners—including the United Church of Christ and the National Hispanic Media Coalition--complained Univision instead showed adult soap operas called telenovelas.

 

According to an online New York Times report, the group purchasing Univision comprises Thomas H. Lee Partners, the Texas Pacific Group, Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, and investor Haim Saban.  Univision’s shareholders had approved the transaction last September.