Univision's Online Video Shortcomings

Two sins of omission cloud the coverage of Univision's expanded online video offerings (here, here and here). No one mentioned what's missing - namely, telenovelas. And no one mentioned Univision is outgunned in terms of online video by competing Spanish-language network Telemundo. (In fairness, you'd have to follow Hispanic media pretty closely to be aware of these two issues.)

Univision cannot post clips online of its popular primetime novelas, which are produced by Mexican broadcaster Televisa. The two networks are embroiled in a legal dispute scheduled to begin trial this Halloween. One of the key issues is whether or not Televisa can transmit its telenovelas online for an audience in the United States. In 1993, the two networks signed a 25 year long program licensing agreement providing Univision with exclusive access to Televisa programming for the U.S. Hispanic audience. Not surprisingly, the agreement doesn't spell out online transmission rights. Unless a settlement is reached beforehand, a federal jury will be deciding who gets to put novelas online in what country later this year.

Televisa also provides a host of other programming to Univision and sister broadcast network Telefutura as well as cable network Galavision. None of that programming is available online at Univision.com. In contrast, Telemundo faces no such restrictions. Telemundo produces the vast majority of its own programming (see here for a notable exception) and puts highlights of its novelas online. Telemundo remains a distant second in terms of broadcast ratings and revenue. But, its online video offerings trump Univision.

Unless, that is, you are looking for bikini-clad Latinas. In that case, the nod goes to Univision.