by Sarah Vogel

On May 7, Univision and ABC News announced that the networks would be joining forces to launch an English-language cable news network targeted at Hispanics. The network, described as a “24/7 news, information and lifestyle network,” is set to launch in 2013 with journalists from both Univision and ABC at the helm. A network website as well as mobile and social media content will debut this summer.

While broadcast and online media outlets targeted at Hispanics aren’t a new phenomenon, this announcement is a key example of the media catering to a growing demographic:  English-speaking people of Hispanic heritage.

For them, this network could be the media equivalent of “home base”—a channel where Hispanics could catch Super Bowl highlights as well as the scores from South American fútbol matches, and a website where they could see red carpet photos from the Oscars and from Los Arieles.

On a more serious note, this network also has the potential to be the “go-to” resource for the Hispanic perspective on current events like immigration, the economy and health care.

Another event of interest to Hispanics is the 2012 presidential election. It is predicted that more than 12 million Hispanic voters will head to the polls in November, many of them in key battleground states. ABC News and Univision’s new venture will capitalize on the power of the Hispanic vote by providing election coverage through mobile devices and social networks.

Speaking of the networks, there’s no question they will benefit from the partnership. For ABC, the partnership offers a new entry point  into the growing Hispanic market and reinforces its commitment to providing news that meets viewers’ diverse backgrounds. For Univision, already a Hispanic media powerhouse, the partnership will expand its presence as well as its offerings to Hispanics looking for news in English.

Only time will tell how Hispanics respond to the new network. Until then, we’re left to consider another question: What does America’s growing diversity mean for mainstream network news? Univision and ABC realized the power of working together. So did NBC and NuvoTV and Fox and RCN. Is it only a matter of time until these major networks completely transform their business models to meet Americans’ diverse needs?