Television network Univision is expressing strong discontent as Google’s YouTube TV plans to transition Univision from its main bundle to an additional paid subscription by the end of the month. Univision claims this shift could have discriminatory and political ramifications, particularly as it occurs close to critical midterm and gubernatorial elections. TelevisaUnivision CEO Daniel Alegre emphasized the timing of this move as potentially curbing the influence of Hispanic voters, who he describes as issue-driven rather than party-driven, during a crucial electoral period.
Despite ongoing negotiations with Google, both parties have yet to reach an agreement, prompting Univision to launch a national advertisement campaign that urges Google to reconsider. Univision’s open letter, titled “Do the Right Thing Google,” highlights the potential negative consequences of restricting information access for Hispanic viewers, a demographic that Univision reaches more effectively than any other network in the United States.
Google, on its part, argues that TelevisaUnivision’s positioning is not supported by their performance on YouTube TV over the past four years. If no agreement is reached by the end of September, Univision’s programming will become unavailable on YouTube TV’s main service unless viewers opt to pay an additional $14.99 monthly fee.
Alegre, relatively new in his role as CEO, notes that YouTube is the sole partner creating such complications, while other distributors like Hulu and Comcast recognize the value in Univision’s content. The upcoming removal of Univision from YouTube TV’s main bundle would require subscribers to add the channel separately, a move Alegre describes as a “Hispanic tax.” This situation unfolds as political dynamics are shifting among Hispanic voters, with historical improvements noted in Republican support in recent elections.
Shares of Google’s parent company have risen 32% this year, surpassing the Nasdaq’s gains, as these negotiations continue to unfold. As both companies stand by their interests, the eventual impact on Hispanic viewers and their access to critical information during election season remains to be seen.