As they come together to launch a new network, ABC and Univision have decided on a name for their news and lifestyle channel geared toward Hispanics: Fusion. Fusión, with the same meaning and spelling, but different pronunciation, in Spanish and English, will be based in Miami. The English pronunciation is the one taking hold internally.
TVNewser first reported that “Fusion” was one of the final names being considered back in mid December. Other names under consideration included “Una,” “Powr,” “Vzta” and “Accent.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Univision to launch Fusion,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC TV. “Our collaboration will bring unmatched reporting capabilities and understanding of issues and entertainment that resonate with the Hispanic community”
The English-language network will be available at launch in millions of households, including on five of the nation’s biggest distributors: Cablevision, Charter, Cox, AT&T U-verse and Google Fiber.
“Fusion will be the indispensable meeting place for English-speaking Latinos,” added ABC News president Ben Sherwood in an announcement of the name. “Our goal is for this young, vibrant, and media hungry audience to come to Fusion to be informed, entertained and empowered. It will be fresh, fun and optimistic and of great interest to Latinos and non-Latinos alike.”
“Fusion will bring together diverse cultures, voices and viewpoints,” said Isaac Lee, president, Univision News. “We will explore the realities shaping the world, give Latinos a voice in the American conversation and deliver personally relevant local, national and global perspectives.”
The network has hired a CFO and other staffers as it eyes a September launch.