On Thursday, the state announced that Miami-Dade County had been chosen as the location for a new Univision/ABC television network, headquartered at the Univision studios in Doral.
The office of Gov. Rick Scott announced it would create new 346 jobs, and the network would lead to $274.52 million in capital investment.
“Univision’s decision to grow here is a testament to Florida’s status as one of the most business-friendly states in the country,” the governor said, adding that the announcement was “more proof that Florida is well-positioned to lead the country’s economic growth in the next generation, as we compete and succeed in a global marketplace.”
Univision is a Spanish-language television network, with the largest audience of Spanish-language television viewers, according to Nielsen ratings. Univision is headquartered in New York, and has its major studios, production facilities, and operations in Doral, a suburb of Miami.
The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership, estimated that the Univision joint venture will bring an additional 208 indirect jobs — ones through suppliers or services — and an additional $8 million in yearly wages to Miami-Dade County within three years.
“This is a huge win for our entire community and it illustrates the growth potential of the creative industries, one of the seven target industries of the One Community One Goal Strategic Plan,” said Frank R. Nero, president and CEO of The Beacon Council. “The impact of the high paying direct and indirect jobs will be felt throughout our community as the new network will attract a multitude of suppliers, vendors and talent to Miami-Dade.”
Cesar Conde, president of Univision Networks, said the new ABC-Univision network would be “headquartered in a state-of-the art facility and will retain and attract the very best talent in the industry, creating a thriving and dynamic production hub that will undoubtedly benefit Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida.”
Conde added, “We’re very happy that through this historic venture we will be able to continue contributing to the job growth and progress of Florida.”
Scott noted that Univision “already has nearly 3,000 employees in the Sunshine State. It is great news to hear that they will hire more Floridians from our talented workforce.”
Univision’s decision to continue to expand in Florida, he said, “is further proof that we are doing the right things to attract and retain business. The creation of nearly 350 new jobs will further elevate Florida’s position as a leader in job creation. More importantly, it ensures 350 more families in Florida will be able to pursue their dreams right here in our state. In addition to the new jobs, Univision is investing $274 million in a facility that will house the network. This will make a substantial impact in Miami and its surrounding areas.”
Univision is available on cable and satellite in most of the nation, with local stations in more than 50 markets with large Hispanic and Latino populations. It also has a national cable network feed distributed in markets without either the availability or the demand for a locally-based station, in major markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
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