Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Sources say Around The Block not on the block - might entertain offers




AROUND THE BLOCK

News with a Twist

Univision to buy The Onion

Are other satirical digital media in play?


The New York Times reported today that the Spanish-language media giant Univision Communications announced that it had acquired a large stake in The Onion, the comedy and satirical digital media group, as part of the company’s efforts to extend its digital reach and strengthen its portfolio of comedy outlets.

When asked if Univision intended to change the name of The Onion to La Cebolla*Univision spokesperson Gabriela Gonzalez-Ginsberg,“No lo sé.”**

For their part, spokespeople for The Onion were busy trying to convince readers that Univision's purchase of The Onion was real, and not simply another Onion satirical piece. "We're always being asked what's real and what's made up, but never as much as when this story broke," said Onion spokesman Ollie O. Oxen.

It is expected that Univision’s major Spanish-language competitor, Telemundo, in desperate catch-up mode, will attempt to buy its own satirical digital media outlet. Media industry insiders say that Telemundo has its sights on the closely-held Around The Block – News with a Twist, which, according to sources, is not on the block but might entertain the right offer. 

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an Around The Block spokesperson said, regarding Telemundo, "Mi casa es su casa y su dinero puede ser mi dinero."***

*The Onion
**I don't know.
***My house is their house and their money can be my money. 

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