ABC, Univision News Channel Named ‘Fusion’; Network Signed with 5 Largest Distributors for Late 2013 Launch

The ABC and Univision news network that has been underdevelopment for several months finally has a name - Fusion.

Set to officially launch in the late half of 2013, Fusion has so far signed distribution deals with five major U.S. operators: Cablevision, Charter, Cox, AT&T U-verse, and Google Fiber.

"Fusion will be the indispensable meeting place for English-speaking Latinos, bringing together diverse cultures, voices and viewpoints," said ABC News President Ben Sherwood. "Fusion will deliver informative and entertaining programming in the great story-telling traditions of ABC and Univision.  And Fusion will give Latinos and audiences from all backgrounds a fresh, fun and optimistic voice in the American conversation."

The Latino-based news network has already made a soft-launch online, attracting a few hundred thousand hits every month.

"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."

Fusion, which will be based in a new facility in Miami, will be English-based.

"Fusion will bring together diverse cultures, voices and viewpoints," said Univision News President Isaac Lee. "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 launch of Fusion will be a major milestone in Univision's 50 year history of service to the Hispanic community," said Univision Networks President Cesar Conde, in a statement. "We're thrilled to partner with ABC News in this exciting new network that will extend Univision's unequaled coverage of Hispanic issues and lifestyle to English-dominant audiences for the first time."

The news channel is aimed at reaching 50 million Hispanics in the U.S.