Univsion plans original programming push

US Hispanic broadcaster Univision is ramping up original programming this year as it faces the possible axing of its lucrative content pipeline from Mexican programmer Televisa.

Univision is set to face Televisa in court in March, a move which could see the channel lose its exclusive output deal.

Joe Uva, chief executive officer of Univision, said that it was looking to expand on original series following the success of recent productions such as its local version of Disney ABC’s Desperate Housewives (Amadas de Casas Desesperadas) and Jennifer Lopez fronted series Como Ama Una Mujer.

"We’re constantly looking at all sources of content acquistion and I think giving that we’ve done we’ll continue," he said. "Original programming is something that we’re very commited to, both from entertainment and news and current affairs."

The channel is also launching a kids programming block on Saturday and Sunday mornings after it recently acquired five kids series.