Univision acquires The Root

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) announced that it has acquired The Root, the leading online news, opinion and culture destination for African-Americans. In joining UCI, The Root will leverage UCI’s extensive digital production facilities and publishing infrastructure, while its editorial team will retain its voice and stay true to its mission.
 
“This bold new partnership between Univision and The Root underscores the ties that have long bound people of color together throughout the Western Hemisphere and is a sign of even greater levels of communication, collaboration and exchange between these culturally vital groups of people,” said Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University and chairman of The Root, who co-founded The Root along with Donald Graham, CEO and chairman of Graham Holdings Company, in January of 2008.
 
“Like Univision, The Root aims to serve a significant segment of America’s diverse population. Our diverse communities are continuing to define the fabric of the country, from buying power, to social influence, to elections,” said Isaac Lee, president of News and Digital for UCI and CEO of Fusion. “This game-changing union strengthens our ability to fulfill our shared missions of informing and empowering our communities.”
 
Donna Byrd, VP, Digital and Publisher of The Root, is joining the leadership team of Univision Digital, which recently added seasoned executives Mark Lopez (EVP, General Manager) and Joe Simon (Chief Technology Officer, Digital) in the past two months. Lyne Pitts will continue in her role as the managing editor of The Root.
 
“We are excited about our new relationship with Univision. The combination of our two companies strengthens our collective ability to engage the changing American population,” said Byrd. “In addition, it will provide The Root access to greater resources, as well as an opportunity to expand our reach and scale our business.”

 

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