Univision reports strong Q1 results

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Despite not having quite the easy comps that mainstream media has, Hispanic broadcaster Univision managed to post double-digit gains in net revenue and OIBDA. On the PPM front, CEO Joe Uva said the company was pleased with Arbitron talks, has been encoding its stations since the beginning of April and is in negotiation to become an Arbitron subscriber.


Univision execs said they will sign with Arbitron as soon as it is clear that the ratings company will do what it promised, and that the new measures are working. The company says its ratings have been strong in markets where the diary method is in use, and in Houston, where PPM is MRC-accredited.

Univision reported that net revenue was up 10.6% to $453.7 million and adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization1, or OIBDA, was up 17.2% to $180.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

Uva commented, “We have continued to see a recovery in the advertising market in the first quarter and are expecting to benefit from the upswing due to a heightened interest in reaching our target demographic. Our first quarter results continue to prove that Univision’s leading television, radio and interactive platforms are the undisputed first choice in reaching the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic consumer group – a group which currently represents purchasing power equivalent to the 14th largest consumer economy globally.”

The access that Univision provides to the nation’s fastest-growing population was touted by Uva, who noted, “As we approach the Upfront later this month, we look forward to continuing to showcase for our clients how reaching this consumer group is a vital imperative for their growth, and why Univision is uniquely positioned to provide both the most comprehensive, multi-platform access to the Hispanic community, as well as insights from our deep understanding of and connections with this influential demographic.”

The company is looking forward to benefitting from its strong presence in the state of Florida as a three-way contest for governor is in progress.