Mexican based Grupo Televisa SA is using an “end around” method to acquire US based Spanish-language media company Univision. Federal law prevents foreign companies from owning over 25% of US media companies. Wouldn’t be good for entities outside of the USA to control what is being sent into US homes. (A shame we don’t do better with some other things.) This is why Rupert Murdock obtained US citizenship.

So given the rules, Televisa is working with some US based equity firms in order to make a bid for Univision. These firms agree to sell their stake to Televisa, if they purchase Univision and federal media ownership laws change in Televisa’s favor.

Here’s another article about the deal. It does not cover some things mentioned in the WSJ.com article.

Now why do I feel this deal is not a good thing and everyone should question it? Because a Mexican owned Spanish-language media company in the USA is going to pump more Mexican biased information into US homes. As I mentioned in a previous post, Univision’s current news arm knows how to give an honest report. But will that continue under a company based in Mexico? Univision already carries plenty of Televisa’s programs, but if Televisa has full control I think the message being sent especially by their news arm will change. A Mexican company has little reason to send messages favorable to the USA into the homes of Spanish speaking people in America.

I feel this is a cause for concern and more people should be asking questions about this deal. US based companies won’t make a bid for Univision, although they showed initial interest. They are not sure how much the Spanish media market will grow. Since people coming to the USA have shown a preference for English programming. However, people like myself who live in or near towns with a high Hispanic population see less legal and illegal immigrants using English on a daily basis. This is an interesting deal, that Americans should have some level of concern about. Especially given the latest efforts by socialists, to encourage Hispanics to carry out protests across the country.