UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

Date of event requiring this shell company report

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                       TO                        

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-12610

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None.

The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital
or common stock as of December 31, 2020 was:

113,019,216,542 Series “A” Shares
50,928,412,611 Series “B” Shares
81,022,416,386 Series “L” Shares
81,022,416,386 Series “D” Shares

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

x Yes ¨ No

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

¨ Yes x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

¨ Item 17 ¨ Item 18

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

¨ Yes x No

We publish our financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, which differ in some significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP, and accounting procedures adopted in other countries.

Unless otherwise indicated, (i) information included in this annual report is as of December 31, 2020 and (ii) references to “Ps.” or “Pesos” in this annual report are to Mexican Pesos and references to “Dollars,” “U.S. Dollars,” “U.S. dollars,” “$” or “U.S.$” are to United States dollars.

In this annual report, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” “Grupo Televisa” or “Televisa” refer to Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and, where the context requires, its consolidated entities. “Group” refers to Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. and its consolidated entities.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors Summary

This annual report and the documents incorporated by reference into this annual report contain forward-looking statements. In addition, we may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports to the SEC, on Form 6-K, in annual reports to stockholders, in prospectuses, press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees to analysts, institutional investors, representatives of the media and others. Words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “seek”, “potential”, “target”, “estimate”, “project”, “predict”, “forecast”, “guideline”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. Examples of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. We caution you that a number of important risks and uncertainties including those discussed under “— Risk Factors”, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risks, uncertainties and other factors:

We are not obliged to update these statements or publicly release the result of any revisions to them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in these forward-looking statements.

We caution you that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and that other risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. You should evaluate any statements made by us in light of these important factors and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or other factors.

Part I

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Selected Financial Data

The following tables present our selected consolidated financial information as of and for each of the periods indicated. This information is qualified in its entirety by reference to, and should be read together with, our audited consolidated year-end financial statements. The following data for each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 has been derived from our audited consolidated year-end financial statements, including the consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report.

The selected consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, was prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB.

The exchange rate used in translating Pesos into U.S. Dollars for calculating the convenience translations included in the following tables, except capital expenditures, is determined by reference to the interbank free market exchange rate, or the Interbank Rate, as reported by Banco Nacional de México, S.A., or CitiBanamex, as of December 31, 2020, which was Ps.19.9493 per U.S. Dollar. This annual report contains translations of certain Peso amounts into U.S. Dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. The exchange rate translations contained in this annual report should not be construed as representations that the Peso amounts actually represent the U.S. Dollar amounts presented or that they could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the rate indicated. The interbank free market rate, or the Interbank Rate, as reported by Banco Nacional de Mexico, S.A., or CitiBanamex, as of March 31, 2021, was Ps.20.4692 per U.S. Dollar.

Notes to Selected Consolidated Financial Information:

Dividends

Decisions regarding the payment and amount of dividends are subject to approval by holders of a majority of the Series “A” Shares and Series “B” Shares voting together, generally, but not necessarily, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, as well as a majority of the Series “A” Shares voting separately. Emilio Azcárraga Jean indirectly controls the voting of the majority of the Series “A” Shares and, as a result of such control, both the amount and the payment of dividends require his affirmative vote. See “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions — The Major Stockholders”. On March 25, 2004, our Board of Directors approved a dividend policy under which we currently intend to pay an annual ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO. On April 28, 2017, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,084.2 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. On April 27, 2018, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,073.4 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. On April 29, 2019, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,068.9 million, which represents the payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps.0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps.0.002991452991 per share. To further maximize liquidity and as a precautionary measure, the Company's Board of Directors did not propose the payment of a 2020 dividend for approval of the Company's general stockholders’ meeting held on April 28, 2020. On April 28, 2021, at our general stockholders’ meeting, our stockholders approved a cash distribution to stockholders of up to Ps.1,053.4 million, which represents payment of our ordinary dividend of Ps0.35 per CPO, equivalent to Ps0.002991452991 per share. All of the recommendations of the Board of Directors related to the payment and amount of dividends were voted on and approved at the applicable general stockholders’ meetings.

Exchange Rate Information

Since 1991, Mexico has had a free market for foreign exchange and, since 1994, the Mexican government has allowed the Peso to float freely against the U.S. Dollar. There can be no assurance that the government will maintain its current policies with regard to the Peso or that the Peso will not depreciate or appreciate significantly in the future.

In the past, the Mexican economy has had balance of payment deficits and decreases in foreign exchange reserves. While the Mexican government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Pesos to U.S. Dollars, we cannot assure that the Mexican government will not institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future, as has occurred from time to time in the past. To the extent that the Mexican government institutes restrictive exchange control policies in the future, our ability to transfer or to convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal of indebtedness, as well as to obtain foreign programming and other goods, would be adversely affected. See “— Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Currency Fluctuations or the Devaluation and Depreciation of the Peso Could Limit the Ability of Our Company and Others to Convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or Other Currencies, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations”.

Risk Factors

The following is a discussion of risks associated with our company and an investment in our securities. Some of the risks of investing in our securities are general risks associated with doing business in Mexico. Other risks are specific to our business. The discussion below contains information, among other things, about the Mexican government and the Mexican economy obtained from official statements of the Mexican government as well as other public sources. We have not independently verified this information. Any of the following risks, if they actually occur, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our securities.

Risk Factors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 Pandemic May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Position and Results of Operations

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our business, financial position and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, and it is currently difficult to predict the degree of the impact in the future.

We cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand of our products across our segments as our clients and customers reduce or defer their spending.

The Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country.

Pursuant to the above mentioned plan, as of the date of this report, some non-essential economic activities are open with some limitations, mainly on capacity and hours of operation. However, a significant part of the population is still implementing social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2020, this has affected, and is still affecting the ability of our employees, suppliers and customers to conduct their functions and businesses in their typical manner.

As of the date of this report, given that they are considered essential economic activities, we have continued operating our media and telecommunications businesses uninterrupted to continue benefiting the country with connectivity, entertainment and information, and, during most of the year ended December 31, 2020, we continued with the production of new content following the requirements and health guidelines imposed by the Mexican Government. We are partially dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce or postpone their advertisement spending on our platforms.

In our Other Businesses segment, sporting and other entertainment events for which we have broadcast rights, or which we organize, promote and/or are located in venues we own, are operating with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date most of our casinos have resumed operations with reduced capacity and hours of operation. When local authorities approve the re-opening of the venues that are still not operating, rules may be enacted, including restrictions on capacity and operating hours, which may affect the results of our Other Businesses segment in the following months.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the authorities may impose further restrictions on essential and non-essential activities, based on then existing circunstances, including, but not limited to, temporary shutdowns or additional guidelines which could be expensive or burdensome to implement, which may affect our operations.

The magnitude of the impact on our business will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and such governmental actions. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of this situation, we are not able to estimate the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may continue affecting our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.

We cannot predict what effects the COVID-19 relief plan announced by the Mexican Federal Government will have in our results of operations and the overall economy

On March 30, 2020, the Mexican General Health Council declared a public health emergency, and on March 31, 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Health announced extraordinary actions to deal with the health emergency caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. The announcement by the Mexican Ministry of Health ordered the suspension of all non-essential economic activities from March 30, 2020 through April 30, 2020 and has been extended several times since then. Media and telecommunications are not included in the suspension as they are considered essential economic activities. Such suspension has already caused negative impacts on the Mexican economy that cannot currently be quantified, and as a result of such, many of our customers’ businesses will be materially and negatively affected and will encounter significant difficulties in terms of maintaining profitability. Although vaccination efforts have started countrywide since January 2021, the Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country.

On April 6, 2020, Mexico’s Federal Government unveiled a plan to provide relief from the COVID-19 crisis. This plan consists mainly of increases in public investment and social spending, providing loans to small businesses and individuals and adopting additional austerity measures. The abovementioned plan suffered a significant number of changes as the pandemic progressed, with the last one announced on January 19, 2021, and there remains substantial uncertainty as to the mechanics and processes necessary to implement some of the measures provided for in this plan. Furthermore, the plan has not included bailouts, tax cuts or increases in public debt. The success of these strategies is uncertain as well as the effect that the pandemic will have on our customers and on our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.

Risk Factors Related to Mexico

Economic and Political Developments in Mexico May Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Most of our operations and assets are located in Mexico. As a result, our financial condition, results of operations and business may be affected by the general condition of the Mexican economy, the depreciation or appreciation of the Peso as compared to the U.S. Dollar and other currencies, Mexican inflation, interest rates, regulation, taxation, social instability and other political, social and economic developments in or affecting Mexico over which we have no control.

Mexico Has Experienced Adverse Economic Conditions, Which Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Mexico has historically experienced uneven periods of economic growth. Mexican gross domestic product, or GDP, increased by 2.0% in 2018, decreased by 0.1% in 2019 and decreased by 8.5% in 2020. Mexican GDP showed a larger contraction than the Mexican government forecasts in 2020 and, according to analysts, Mexican GDP is expected to increase in a range between 4.5% – 4.7% in 2021. We cannot assure that these estimates and forecasts will prove to be accurate.

Any future economic downturn, including downturns in the United States, Europe, Asia or anywhere else in the world, could affect our financial condition and results of operations. For example, demand for advertising may decrease both because consumers may reduce expenditures for our advertisers’ products and because advertisers may reduce advertising expenditures and demand for publications, cable television, direct-to-home, or DTH, satellite services, pay-per-view programming, telecommunications services and other services and products may decrease because consumers may find it difficult to pay for these services and products. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the recent Mexican sovereign debt rating downgrade will not adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or the price of our securities. Finally, the economic recovery is uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Developments and the Perception of Risk in other Countries, Especially in Europe, China, the United States and Emerging Market Countries, May Materially Adversely Affect the Mexican Economy, the Market Value of Our Securities and Our Results of Operations

The market value of securities of Mexican companies, the social, economic and political situation in Mexico and our financial condition and results of operations are, to varying degrees, affected by economic and market conditions in other countries, including the United States, China and other Latin American and emerging market countries. Therefore, investors’ reactions to developments in any of these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value or trading price of securities of Mexican issuers. Crises in the United States, Europe, China or emerging market countries may reduce investor interest in securities issued by Mexican companies, including those issued by us.

Turmoil in other large economies, such as those in Europe, China and the United States, could have the effect of a downturn in the global economy. Further, our operations, including the demand for our products or services, and the price of our securities, have also historically been adversely affected by increases in interest rates in the United States and elsewhere.

Any of these factors, would negatively affect the market value of our securities and make it more difficult for us to access capital markets and finance our operations in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our securities.

Economic conditions in Mexico are significantly correlated with economic conditions in the United States as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and increased economic activity between the two countries. Adverse economic conditions in the United States or other related events could have a significant adverse effect on the Mexican economy, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of talks to renegotiate NAFTA, on November 30, 2018 (and as amended on December 10, 2019), the United States, Canada, and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which has been approved by the Mexican Senate, the U.S. Senate, and Canada. In addition, increased or perceptions of increased economic protectionism in the United States and other countries could potentially lead to lower levels of trade and investment and economic growth, which could have a similarly negative impact on the Mexican economy. These economic and political consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot assure that events in other emerging market countries, in the United States or elsewhere will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our shares. In addition, there may be lingering uncertainty resulting from the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union (“Brexit”). The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020 and the transition period that was in place between them ended on December 31, 2020. On December 24, 2020, the United Kingdom and European Union agreed to a post-Brexit trade and cooperation agreement that contains new rules governing (inter alia) trade, travel and immigration. Brexit is likely to have a significant impact on the macroeconomic conditions of the United Kingdom, the European Union and the rest of the world. The long-term effects of Brexit on capital markets, foreign exchange markets and on the overall political and macroeconomic situation globally remain uncertain and, as a consequence, there will likely continue to be a period of instability and volatility in global financial markets. As a result, Brexit may adversely affect political regulatory, economic and market conditions and contribute to the instability of global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets, negatively impacting our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our profitability is affected by numerous factors including reductions in demand for the services provided in our cable and sky divisions, changes in viewing preferences, priorities of advertisers and reductions in advertisers’ budgets. Historically, advertising in most forms of media has correlated positively with the general condition of the economy and thus, is subject to the risks that arise from adverse changes in domestic and global economic conditions, consumer confidence and spending. The demand for our products and services in Mexico, the U.S. and in the other countries in which we operate may be adversely affected by the tightening of credit markets and economic downturns. As a company that operates in different countries, we depend on the demand from customers in Mexico, the U.S. and the other countries in which we operate, and reduced consumer spending that falls short of our projections could adversely impact our revenues and profitability.

Uncertainty in Global Financial Markets Could Adversely Affect Our Financing Costs and Exposure to Our Customers and Counterparties

The global financial markets continue to be uncertain and it is hard to predict for how long the effects of the global financial stress of recent years will persist and what impact it will have on the global economy in general, or the economies in which we operate, in particular, and whether slowing economic growth in any countries could result in decreased consumer spending affecting our products and services. If access to credit tightens further and borrowing costs rise, our borrowing costs could be adversely affected. Difficulties in financial markets may also adversely affect some of our customers. In addition, we enter into derivative transactions with large financial institutions, including contracts to hedge our exposure to interest rates and foreign exchange, and we could be affected by severe financial difficulties faced by our counterparties.

Currency Fluctuations or the Devaluation and Depreciation of the Peso Could Limit the Ability of Our Company and Others to Convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or Other Currencies, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition or Results of Operations

The Peso has been subject to significant depreciation against the U.S. Dollar in the past and may be subject to significant fluctuations in the future. A significant portion of our indebtedness and a significant amount of our costs are U.S. Dollar-denominated, while our revenues are primarily Peso-denominated. As a result, decreases in the value of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar could cause us to incur foreign exchange losses, which could reduce our net income.

Severe devaluation or depreciation of the Peso may also result in governmental intervention, or disruption of international foreign exchange markets. This may limit our ability to transfer or convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars and other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on our indebtedness and adversely affect our ability to obtain foreign programming and other imported goods. The Mexican economy has suffered current account balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves in the past. While the Mexican government does not currently restrict the right or ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or to transfer other currencies outside of Mexico, there can be no assurance that the Mexican government will not institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future. To the extent that the Mexican government institutes restrictive exchange control policies in the future, our ability to transfer or convert Pesos into U.S. Dollars or other currencies for the purpose of making timely payments of interest and principal on indebtedness, as well as to obtain imported goods would be adversely affected. Devaluation or depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar or other currencies may also adversely affect U.S. Dollar or other currency prices for our debt securities or the cost of imported goods.

The public decisions and announcements of the presidential administration in the United States have had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on the value of the Peso against other currencies, particularly the U.S. Dollar. The decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase applicable interest rates for bank reserves could also affect the exchange rate of the Peso relative to the U.S. Dollar. The economic instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a high volatility of the foreign exchange rate, including a significant devaluation of the Peso with respect to the U.S. Dollar. See “— Risk Factors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic—The COVID-19 Pandemic May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Position and Results of Operations.”

An Increase in Interest Rates in the United States Could Adversely Impact the Mexican Economy and May Have a Negative Effect on Our Financial Condition or Performance

A decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase applicable interest rates for banks’ reserves may lead to a general increase in interest rates in the United States. This, in turn, may redirect the flow of capital from emerging markets into the United States because investors may be able to obtain greater risk-adjusted returns in larger or more developed economies than in Mexico. Thus, companies in emerging market economies such as Mexico could find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt. This may negatively affect our potential for economic growth and our ability to refinance our existing debt and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, prospects and the market price of our shares.

Renegotiation of the Trade Agreements or Other Changes in Foreign Policy by the Presidential Administration in the United States Could Adversely Affect Imports and Exports Between Mexico and the United States and Other Economic and Geopolitical Effects may Adversely Affect Us

During the last few years there has been uncertainty regarding U.S. policies related to trade, tariffs, immigration and foreign affairs, including with respect to Mexico. The new U.S. administration could lead to a number of changes in the relationship between Mexico and the United States.

Additionally, other government policies in the United States could also adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico. The current relationship between the Mexican and U.S. governments, as well as political and economic factors in each country, could lead to changes in international trade and investment policies, including new or higher taxes on products imported from Mexico to the United States. The events described above could affect our activities, financial situation, operating results, cash flows and/or prospects, as well as the market price of our shares. Other economic and geopolitical effects could adversely affect us.

Given that the Mexican economy is heavily influenced by the economy of the United States, the implementation of the USMCA and/or other government policies in the United States that the Federal administration may adopt could adversely affect economic conditions in Mexico. On September 30, 2018, Mexico, Canada and the United States reached an agreement on the terms and conditions of the USMCA, replacing NAFTA. On June 19, 2019, Mexico became the first country to ratify the USMCA, followed by the United States on January 16, 2020 and Canada on March 13, 2020. The USMCA includes a 16-year sunset clause, under which the terms of the agreement expire, or are suspended, after 16 years and is subject to review every six years, at which time the United States, Mexico and Canada may decide whether to extend the USMCA. The implementation of the new terms of the USMCA could have an adverse effect on the Mexican economy, including the level of imports and exports, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Other economic and geopolitical effects, including those related to United States policy on trade, tariffs and immigration, may also adversely affect us.

High Inflation Rates in Mexico May Decrease Demand for Our Services While Increasing Our Costs

In the past, Mexico has experienced high levels of inflation. The annual rate of inflation, as measured by changes in the Mexican National Consumer Price Index, or NCPI, was 4.8% in 2018, 2.8% in 2019, 3.2% in 2020 and is projected to be 4.1% in 2021. An adverse change in the Mexican economy may have a negative impact on price stability and result in higher inflation than its main trading partners, including the United States. High inflation rates can adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in, among others, the following ways:

High Interest Rates in Mexico Could Increase Our Financing Costs

In the past year, Mexican interest rates have decreased in line with global market movements. The interest rates on 28-day Mexican government treasury securities averaged 7.6%, 7.9% and 5.3% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. High interest rates in Mexico could increase our financing costs and thereby impair our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow and we cannot assure that this trend will remain in the future.

Political Events in Mexico Could Affect Mexican Economic Policy and Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The last Mexican presidential and congressional elections took place in July 2018. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, presidential candidate for the National Regeneration Movement Party (Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional) (“Morena”), was elected President of Mexico and took office on December 1, 2018. Additionally, Mexican congressional elections will take place on June 6, 2021. In these elections, it will be determined whether the coalition led by Morena, “Together we will make history” (Juntos Hacemos Historia), together with the Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo), will maintain their current majority.

The Mexican government has reduced public spending since 2019. On July 2, 2019, the new Mexican Republican Austerity Law (Ley de Austeridad Republicana) was approved by the Mexican Senate. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies or regulations involving or affecting our management, operations and tax regime. Tax policy in Mexico, in particular, is subject to continuous change.

We cannot predict the government’s future policies, or whether the coalition which currently has control of an absolute majority of congress could maintain it and, if such coalition or any political force may implement substantial changes in law, policies and regulations in Mexico, which could have a significant effect on our business, activities, financial condition, operating results, cash flows and/or prospects. As happens with any new governmental policies and regulations, we cannot ascertain whether, and to what extent, such policies and regulations may affect our operations, financial condition, results of operations or the legal framework in which we operate.

Mexico has Experienced a Period of Increased Criminal Activity and Such Activities Could Adversely Affect Our Financing Costs and Exposure to Our Customers and Counterparties

During recent years, Mexico has experienced a period of increased criminal activity and violence, primarily due to organized crime. These activities, their escalation and the violence associated with them could have a negative impact on the business environment in which we operate, and therefore on our financial condition and results of operations.

Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other Authorities Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations

A significant portion of our business, activities and investments occur in heavily regulated sectors. The Mexican regulators and other authorities, including tax authorities, have increased their supervision and the frequency and amounts of fines and assessments have increased significantly. Although we intend to defend our positions vigorously when procedures are brought or fines are imposed by authorities, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such defense. Accordingly, we may in the future be required to pay fines and assessments that could be significant in amount, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue

Our business, activities and investments are subject to various Mexican federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, which are subject to change and are affected by the actions of various Mexican federal, state and local government authorities. Such changes could materially adversely affect our operations and our revenue.

Mexico’s Federal Antitrust Law and the Ley Federal de Telecomunicaciones y Radiodifusión, or Telecommunications and Broadcasting Federal Law, or LFTR, including their regulations, may affect some of our activities, including our ability to introduce new products and services, enter into new or complementary businesses or joint ventures and complete acquisitions. In addition, the Federal Antitrust Law and its regulations, as well as the conditions and measures imposed by the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones, or Federal Telecommunications Institute, or IFT, an institute with constitutional autonomy responsible for overseeing the broadcasting (radio and television) and telecommunications industries and their antitrust matters, or by the Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica, or Mexican Antitrust Commission, or COFECE, may adversely affect our ability to determine the rates we charge for our services and products or the manner in which we provide our products or services. Approval of IFT or the COFECE, as applicable, is required to acquire certain businesses or enter into certain joint ventures. There can be no assurance that in the future IFT or the COFECE, as the case may be, will authorize certain acquisitions or joint ventures related to our businesses, the denial of which may adversely affect our business strategy, financial condition and results of operations. IFT or COFECE, as applicable, may also impose conditions, obligations and fines that could adversely affect some of our activities, our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “— Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other Authorities Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

As a result of the amendments to the Mexican Constitution and the LFTR relating to telecommunications, television, radio and antitrust, concessions for the use of spectrum are now only granted through public bid processes.

In March 2015, IFT issued a ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro, S.A.B. de C.V., or Grupo Radio Centro, and Cadena Tres I, S.A. de C.V., or Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage. Imagen Television has completed the process, has received its license and began broadcasting on October 17, 2016. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they did not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas located in 17 States and covering about 45 percent of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V.

Article 15-A of the Ley del Seguro Social, or the Social Security Law, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Article 15-A provides that a company that receives personnel services from a third party, is jointly bound to comply with the obligations related to social security that have to be fulfilled by such personnel services providers for the benefit of their respective employees. Article 15-A also requires the Company to send a list to the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, or the Social Security Mexican Institute, of all agreements entered into with personnel services providers.

In addition to the foregoing, certain provisions of the Ley Federal del Trabajo, or the Federal Labor Law, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Federal Labor Law, as amended in April 2021, provides, among other things, that subcontracting personnel is prohibited and only will be permitted if the personnel services provider performs specialized services or specialized work; however such specialized services or work shall not be contemplated in the company’s corporate purpose or be related with the company’s main activities. Companies that provide outsourcing services will be required to complete a registration before the Mexican Ministry of Labor (Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social). If these requirements are not met, the company that receives the benefit of the outsourced services shall be jointly liable for all the obligations applicable to employers pursuant to the Federal Labor Law in respect of such personnel. Fines and penalties may be imposed on companies that do not comply with all applicable obligations, and the use of simulated schemes of rendering specialized services or execution of specialized work, as well as subcontracting personnel, will be treated as a criminal offense.

The amendment approved in April 2021 brings, as a consequence, changes to the social security, tax and labor laws. The objective of such amendment is to avoid the subcontracting schemes.

This amendment also stated that the amount of profit sharing to be paid to employees will be capped to three months of salary or the average amount received by the employee in the last three years, whichever is more favorable to the employee. A tax implication of this amendment is that invoices issued for disallowed subcontracting of personnel will not have tax effects (i.e., non-deductible expense for income tax purposes and inability to claim a value added tax credit on such expense).

In December 2018, the Mexican Federal Congress approved the economic plan for 2019. The new plan did not include material changes in the tax legislation like tax amnesty or new taxes. The tax reforms revoked the ability to offset overpayments of different type of taxes and granted some incentives for certain taxpayers, as follows:

Limitation to use overpayments of VAT and income tax to offset other taxes: Prior to December 2018, taxpayers were able to offset overpayments of different type of taxes against each other and against taxes withheld. With the tax reform, this ability was eliminated and taxpayers are only allowed to offset tax overpayments that derive from the same type of tax. This limitation may affect some of our subsidiaries that recurrently have VAT or Income Tax overpayments but could offset those overpayments against each other (i.e. VAT against income tax). As of January 2019, taxpayers will only be able to (i) request a refund of the overpayment or (ii) offset tax overpayments against the same type of tax.

Tax incentives for taxpayers operating in the Northern Border Region of Mexico: The objective of these incentives is to promote productivity and create new sources of employment in the Northern Border Region of Mexico. These tax incentives became effective on January 1, 2019 and were expected to remain in force until December 2020. Nevertheless, on December 30, 2020, the decree in which these incentives were granted was amended to extend its validity until December 2024.

Income tax reduction: Mexican individuals and entities, and residents abroad with permanent establishment in Mexico that receive income exclusively in the Northern Border Region of Mexico from their business activities will be able to apply a tax credit equal to one-third of the income tax corresponding to that income. In order to apply this tax incentive, an authorization must be obtained from the corresponding tax authority. Once the authorization is obtained, several rules shall be taken into consideration in order to retain the tax incentive.

VAT rate reduction: Mexican individuals and entities that sell goods, render independent services, or grant the temporary use of goods in establishments located within the Northern Border Region of Mexico, may apply a tax credit equivalent to 50% of the VAT ordinary rate (16% to be reduced to 8%). In order to be able to apply the tax credit, taxpayers must submit an application notice to the corresponding tax authority.

In December 2019, the Mexican Federal Congress approved some additional reforms to the economic plan for 2020. These 2020 tax reforms include amendments to the Income Tax Law, the Value Added Tax Law, the Special Tax on Production and Services Law and the Federal Tax Code, they became effective as of January 2020. Some of the most relevant changes to the Mexican tax legislation incorporated some of the Actions included in the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Final Report (BEPS) published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in February 2013, such as: (i) limitations to the deduction of interests as well as to some other deductions, (ii) update of the Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Rules, (iii) new provisions to tax transparent entities, (iv) modification of the definition of permanent establishment, and (v) incorporation of new rules to tax digital economy. Some other relevant amendments to avoid tax evasion include (i) a new obligation of tax advisors and taxpayers to disclose reportable schemes and (ii) inclusion of general anti-avoidance rule. The following are some of such tax reforms, which some of them impact us:

Limitation of the deductibility of net interest expense. In accordance with the recommendations of Action 4 “Limiting Base Erosion Involving Interest Deductions and Other Financial Payments” of the BEPS Final Project and in addition to the existing thin capitalization rules, the interest deduction is limited to 30% of the adjusted tax profit. The limitation applies to the amount of interests that derive from debt exceeding Ps.20 million considering all interests of all companies that are members of the same corporate group. This limitation applies regardless of whether the debt or loan was acquired before January 2020. The amount of interest not deductible in a given year because of this limitation can be carried forward to the following 10 years, provided that certain requirements are met. There are some exceptions provided in this rule for debt financing public infrastructure work projects, real estate construction, and productive governmental enterprises.

Controlled foreign companies rules. The complete provisions of this regime were changed to apply some of the recommendations included in the Action 3 “Designing Effective Controlled Foreign Company Rules”. The changes include a new definition of effective control and the strengthening of the requirements needed for not considering income subject to a preferential tax regime. In addition, new provisions were added to set new rules for taxing income obtained through foreign transparent entities or figures, and therefore avoid differing the payment of tax derived from this type of vehicle.

New rules to tax digital economy. As part of the measures to increase the efficiency in the collection of VAT and according to the recommendations of Action 1 “Tax Changes Arising from Digitalization” of the BEPS Final Project, a new chapter was included in the Value Added Tax Law to include the VAT treatment applicable to certain digital services provided in Mexico from non-Mexican residents with no permanent establishment. Beginning June 2020, non-Mexican residents providing digital services in Mexico will have to collect the VAT derived from such services and will have several obligations, among others, registering in the Federal Taxpayers Registry, filling periodical VAT returns and issuing invoices.

Reportable schemes. Taxpayers and their tax advisors will be required to disclose to tax authorities certain reportable schemes that are listed in the Federal Tax Code. Tax advisors will be required to register and to disclose any reportable scheme in case they participate in its design, organization, implementation, or management. Taxpayers will be required to disclose a reportable scheme if the scheme is designed, organized, managed, or implemented by themselves and if the tax advisor does not report the scheme.

General anti-avoidance rule. A general anti-avoidance rule was enacted to identify transactions that lack a business reason and that generate a tax benefit, once it identifies the transactions, the authority could consider them as non-existent or characterize them as a different transaction for tax purposes only. A transaction is considered lacking a business reason when (i) the expected quantifiable economic benefit is lower than the tax benefit received and (ii) when the expected quantifiable economic benefit could have been obtained through fewer transactions and the tax effect may result in a higher tax burden. A tax benefit includes any reduction, deferral, or elimination of a contribution.

In December 2020, the Mexican Federal Congress approved amendments to the Income Tax Law, Value Added Tax and Federal Tax Code as part of the economic plan for 2021.

Regarding the Income Tax Law, several changes were made to the general regime applicable to tax-exempt organizations that aimed to control and restrict the application of such regime to ensure that only the companies that perform non-profit activities benefit from the dispositions of such regime. Another important amendment was the decrease of the rate of annual withholding tax applicable to the capital that produces interest paid by the financial system, which changed from 1.45% to 0.97%.

In terms of value added tax, derived from the entry into force of the tax digital economy dispositions, some more dispositions were included to specify the way to comply with those obligations, as well as penalties to ensure such compliance. 

The Amendments to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising Could Materially Affect Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On February 14, 2014, the Mexican Ministry of Health published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising, pursuant to which advertisers of certain high-caloric foods and non-alcoholic beverages are required to obtain prior permission from the health authorities in order to advertise their products on radio, broadcast television, pay-TV and in movie theaters (the “Health Law Amendment”). The Health Law Amendment became effective on April 16, 2014 and comprehensive guidelines entitled “Guidelines with nutritional and advertising criteria for advertisers of food and non-alcoholic beverages for obtaining permission for the advertising of their products with respect to the provisions of Articles 22 bis and 79 of the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising” (the “Health Law Guidelines”) were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on April 15, 2014 and became effective on July 7, 2014 for the advertisement of the following products: snacks, flavored drinks, candies, chocolates, or foods similar to chocolates and became effective for the remaining products on January 1, 2015.

The Health Law Guidelines restrict the hours that certain high-caloric foods and non-alcoholic drinks can be advertised. These restrictions do not apply when the advertisement is aired during certain programs such as sports, dramas, news programs, series officially rated as unsuitable for children, films with ratings of B, B15, C and D, and programs where the advertiser certifies through audience research that people between the ages of 4 and 12 represent no more than 35% of the audience and receives the prior consent from the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks.

On March 27, 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Economy published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 (General labeling specifications for pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages – commercial and health information) (the “NOM-051 Amendment”), which incorporates new prohibitions and guidelines in the front design of food and non-alcoholic beverage labels. The NOM-051 Amendment establishes a five-year transition period, coming into force in three phases. As of April 1, 2021, the use of characters, drawings, celebrities, athletes or pets in labels of pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverages to promote their consumption is prohibited, and the use of warning labels for pre-packaged products with saturated fats, high sugars or sweeteners that have one or more warning labels of saturated fats, high sugars or the legend of sweeteners is mandatory.

We cannot predict the impact or effect the NOM-051 Amendment and/or the Health Law Amendment might have or continue to have on our results of operations in the future.

The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments

Any regulations related to the LFTR that could be issued by the President of Mexico and IFT, as applicable, or amendments to the LFTR and certain actions recently taken by IFT, or to be taken by IFT from time to time, affect or could significantly and adversely affect the business, results of operations and financial condition of certain of our subsidiaries that provide services in the areas of broadcasting, cable and telecommunications.

The LFTR provides that measures taken or decisions issued by IFT are not subject to judicial stay. Therefore, subject to limited exceptions, until a decision, action or omission by IFT is declared void or unconstitutional by a competent court through a binding and final judgment, IFT’s decision, action or omission will be valid and will have full legal effect.

As a result of the reforms to the Mexican Constitution and the must-offer and must-carry regulations issued by IFT, starting on September 10, 2013, our concessionaries of broadcast services have been required to permit pay-TV concessionaries to retransmit broadcast signals, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, within the same geographic coverage area simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal, except in certain specific cases provided in the transitory Articles of the June 2013 Telecom Reform (the “Telecom Reform”). Also, since September 10, 2013, our pay-TV concessionaires are required to retransmit broadcast signals of free television concessionaires, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements provided for in the Telecom Reform.

Certain pay-TV concessionaries benefit from the free use of broadcast for retransmission to their subscribers. Consequently, the business that licenses to pay-TV concessionaires our television signals and our subsidiary that is the owner and/or licensor of the audiovisual works that we have produced or distributed, jointly or separately by us and some of our subsidiaries, have ceased receiving significant income from licensing retransmission rights, which has affected and will continue to affect their results of operations.

On February 27, 2014, the “General Guidelines Regarding the Provisions of Section 1 of the Eighth Article of the Transitory Decree Amending and Supplementing a Number of Provisions of Articles 6, 7, 27, 28, 73, 78, 94 and 105 of the Mexican Constitution in Telecommunications,” or the Guidelines, were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, which include, among other obligations, the obligation of concessionaires of broadcast television licenses to permit the retransmission of their broadcast signals and the obligation of pay-TV concessionaires to perform such retransmission (without requiring the prior consent of the broadcast television concessionaires) in the same geographic coverage zone for free (subject to certain exceptions) and in a non-discriminatory manner in its entirety, simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal without requiring consent from the broadcast television concessionaires.

On March 6, 2014, IFT issued a decision (the “Preponderance Decision”) whereby it determined that we, together with other entities with concessions to provide broadcast television, including some of our subsidiaries, are preponderant economic agents in the broadcasting sector in Mexico (together, the “Preponderant Economic Agent”). The Preponderance Decision imposes on the Preponderant Economic Agent various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations, some of which are described below, that may significantly and adversely affect the activities and businesses of our broadcasting businesses, as well as the results of operations and financial condition:

On February 27, 2017, as part of the biannual review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules, IFT amended various measures, terms, conditions and restrictive obligations (the “New Preponderance Measures”) as follows:

On March 28, 2014, we, together with our subsidiaries determined to be the Preponderant Economic Agent in the broadcasting sector, filed an amparo proceeding challenging the constitutionality of the Preponderance Decision. On November 21, 2019, the Supreme Court resolved the amparo proceeding. The Court declared the constitutionality of the Preponderance Decision, which, therefore, remains in force.

Additionally, on March 31, 2017, we, together with our subsidiaries, filed an amparo proceeding challenging the constitutionality of the New Preponderance Measures. On November 21, 2019, the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice granted the amparo and revoked the New Preponderance Measures. As a result, the applicable and valid measures that are in force are those issued under the Preponderance Decision.

The most recent biannual review of the broadcasting sector preponderance rules that began in 2019 was concluded due to the resolution of the amparo.

The Telecom Reform provided for a public bid or auction to grant licenses to establish the National Digital Networks. The “Auction Program for Digital Television Broadcast Frequencies” took place in 2014 and the first part of 2015. See “— Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”.

Imagen Television’s National Digital Networks and the new 148 channels of Digital Terrestrial Television compete and will compete with our broadcasting subsidiaries for advertising revenues, which together with the measures previously described, can affect revenues and operating results and our ability to have access to competitive content or content of interest to advertisers and audiences. As a result, these advertisers and audiences may move to other broadcast television stations or other technological platforms, and our audience share may be reduced. Likewise, we may incur additional costs in order to meet other obligations of IFT as previously described and which may be imposed on us as a result of the LFTR and the secondary regulations issued by the executive power and IFT, as applicable.

In addition to competition from the National Digital Networks, we could also be subject to additional competition from new competitors in the broadcast, cable and telecommunications markets in which we participate, including pay-TV, broadband, telephone services, cable providers, DTH television, telephone operators and other participants as a result of the elimination on the restrictions on foreign investment in telecommunications services and satellite communication, the increase in the maximum permitted foreign-ownership in broadcasting (television and radio) to 49%, as well as from online video distributors (“OVDs”), as a result of the advancement of technology.

The LFTR provides that integrated sole concessions will be renewed for terms equal to the maximum terms for which they could be granted, namely, up to 30 years. To request the renewal of a concession, a concession holder must: (i) file its request with IFT one year prior to the beginning of the fifth period of the term of the concession; (ii) comply with its obligations established in the applicable laws and in the concession title; and (iii) accept the new conditions that IFT may impose. In such cases, IFT will issue its ruling within 180 days following the date the concession holder files the renewal request. If IFT does not issue its ruling within 180 days the renewal will be automatically granted.

In the case of concessions for the use of radio-electric spectrum, the maximum term of renewal is 20 years. Renewal of concessions for the use of spectrum require, among others: (i) to request such renewal to IFT in the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; (iii) a declaration by IFT that there is no public interest in recovering the spectrum granted under the related concession; and (iv) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT, including the payment of a related fee. To our knowledge, no spectrum granted for broadcasting services in Mexico has been recovered by the Mexican government in the past several years for public interest reasons; however, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of any action by IFT in this regard.

IFT has approved the renewal of the concession titles for the use of spectrum for the broadcast television signals known as Las Estrellas, Canal 5, NU9VE, Foro TV and other local television stations, for a term of 20 years after the existing expiration dates, as well as the issuance of concessions that grant the authorization to provide digital broadcasting television services.

As part of our expansion of our cable business, on December 17, 2018, we acquired FTTH under the provisions set forth in transitory Article 9 of LFTR. On May 8, 2019, the IFT launched an investigation to analyze if, as a result of the transaction, the Company acquired substantial power in the market of telecommunications networks providing voice, data or video services. On September 4, 2019, the IFT Investigative Authority issued a preliminary opinion, whereby it assessed that there were elements to determine that the Company had substantial power in 35 relevant markets of the telecommunications networks that provide restricted television and audio services. Those relevant markets comprise 35 municipalities in the following States: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad de México, Estado de México, Jalisco, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí. As a response to the preliminary opinion, the Company presented its position and provided evidence to prove that the Company does not hold substantial power in the relevant markets established in the preliminary opinion. On November 26, 2020, the IFT notified the Company of the final resolution confirming the existence of substantial power in the 35 relevant markets of restricted television and audio services. Consequently, on December 17, 2020, the Company filed three amparos challenging the constitutionality of the resolution, which are now under review by the competent court. However, we are unable to predict the outcome of these procedures. Some of the consequences derived from the determination of substantial market power, are applicable as a matter of law and others may be imposed by IFT in a new procedure in accordance with the LFTR; these may consist of: (i) the obligation to obtain IFT’s approval and to register the rates for our services; (ii) to inform the IFT in case of the adoption of new technology or modifications to the network; (iii) the agent with substantial power may not be entitled to the benefits of some rules of the “must carry” and “must offer” provisions; and (iv) the implementation of accounting separation.

Overall, the Telecom Reform, the LFTR and secondary regulations already issued and to be issued by the executive power or IFT, as applicable, as well as any actions taken by IFT, may increase our operating costs and interfere with our ability to provide, or prevent us from offering, some of our current or future services. Moreover, the entry of new market participants (including OVDs) and the introduction of new products (including over-the-top (“OTT”) services) could result in an impairment to the prices of some of our products and/or costs and adversely affect our results in some business segments in future periods.

The resolutions issued by IFT under the Telecom Reform significantly and adversely affect certain areas related to some of our activities, including broadcasting, cable and telecommunications, as well as our ability to introduce new products, infrastructure and services, to enter into new businesses or complementary businesses, to consummate acquisitions or joint ventures, to determine the rates we charge for our products, services and use of our infrastructure, to acquire broadcast rights to exclusive content, and to charge market rates for the licensing of copyrights we hold.

See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Regulation — Telecom Reform and Broadcasting Regulations”.

Risk Factors Related to Our Major Stockholders

Emilio Azcárraga Jean Has and Will Have Substantial Influence Over Our Management and the Interests of Mr. Azcárraga Jean may Differ from Those of Other Stockholders

We have four classes of common stock: Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “D” Shares, and Series “L” Shares. A trust for the benefit of Emilio Azcárraga Jean, or the Azcárraga Trust, currently holds 43.8% of the outstanding Series “A” shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “B” shares, 0.1% of the outstanding Series “D” shares and 0.1% of the outstanding Series “L” shares of the Company. As a result, Emilio Azcárraga Jean controls the vote of most of the shares held through the Azcárraga Trust. The Series “A” Shares held through the Azcárraga Trust constitute a majority of the Series “A” Shares whose holders are entitled to vote because non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs are not permitted to vote the underlying Series “A” Shares in accordance with the trust agreement governing the CPOs and the Company’s bylaws. Accordingly, and so long as non-Mexicans own more than a minimal number of Series “A” Shares, Emilio Azcárraga Jean will have the ability to direct the election of 11 out of 20 members of our Board of Directors, as well as prevent certain actions by the stockholders, including dividend payments, mergers, spin-offs, changes in corporate purpose, changes of nationality and amendments to the anti-takeover provisions of our bylaws. See “Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions — The Major Stockholders”.

As Controlling Stockholder, Emilio Azcárraga Jean Has the Ability to Limit Our Ability to Raise Capital, Which Would Require Us to Seek Other Financing Arrangements

Emilio Azcárraga Jean has the voting power to prevent us from raising money through equity offerings. Mr. Azcárraga Jean has informed us that if we conduct a primary sale of our equity, he would consider exercising his pre-emptive rights to purchase a sufficient number of additional Series “A” Shares in order to maintain such power. In the event that Mr. Azcárraga Jean is unwilling to subscribe for additional shares and/or prevents us from raising money through equity offerings, we would need to raise money through a combination of debt or other forms of financing, which we may not obtain, or if so, possibly not on favorable terms.

Risk Factors Related to Our Business

The Operation of Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions

In June 2013, the Mexican Federal Congress passed the Telecom Reform which, among other things, created IFT. IFT has the authority to grant concessions for radio and television stations as well as for telecommunications services.

Under Mexican law, we need concessions from IFT (previously from SCT) to broadcast our programming over our television stations, and to provide telecommunication services. In November 2018, all of our digital broadcast television concessions were renewed and, as a consequence, IFT delivered to the Company concessions (i) for the use of spectrum until 2042 and (ii) that grant the authorization to provide digital broadcasting television services until 2052. See “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”. The expiration dates of our Cable and Telecommunications concessions range from 2022 to 2048 and our DTH concessions expire between 2021 and 2027. Cablevisión obtained a telecommunications concession that expires in 2029, which changed to an integrated sole concession in 2019, but keeping its original term. Before the Telecom Reform in 2013, the SCT typically renewed the concessions of those concessionaires that complied with the applicable renewal procedures under Mexican law and with their obligations under the concession. In July 2014, the Mexican Federal Congress enacted the LFTR, which provides that integrated sole concessions will be renewed for terms equal to the maximum terms for which they could be granted, namely, up to 30 years, except for spectrum which will be renewed for terms of 20 years, and in case of concessions for the use of radio-spectrum, the maximum term for renewal is 20 years.

Under Mexican law, we need a permit, or Gaming Permit, from the Secretaría de Gobernación, or Mexican Ministry of the Interior, to operate our gaming business. The operation of our gaming business may be terminated or interrupted if the Mexican Government does not renew or revokes our Gaming Permit. The Gaming Permit was granted to us on May 25, 2005 and its expiration date is May 24, 2030. We are unable to predict if we will obtain a renewal of the Gaming Permit.

See “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue” and “— Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.

We Face Competition in Each of Our Markets That We Expect Will Intensify

We face competition in all of our businesses, including broadcasting, advertising sales, cable, pay-TV, telecommunications and all other businesses. The entities in which we have strategic investments and the joint ventures in which we participate also face competition. We expect that competition in our different businesses will intensify.

This competition arises in part from the growth of the convergent market, pursuant to which certain concessionaries of telecommunication services are allowed to provide other services not included in their original concessions.

In television broadcasting, we face substantial competition from TV Azteca and other broadcasters such as Imagen Television and Multimedios, among others. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Content — Television Industry in Mexico” and “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Programming — Television Networks”.

Over-the-air broadcasting television also faces increased competition from other audiovisual platforms, including a great variety of pay-television channels distributed in Mexico, OTT providers, and audiovisual content distributed over the internet and videogame systems.

At the end of 2017, IFT completed the auction process for several local over-the-air television licenses in Mexico. As a result, 13 groups and/or individuals have a license (concession) to operate in different cities throughout Mexico. This has resulted in additional competition for our local channels.

With respect to advertising, our television stations compete with other television stations as well as with other advertising media, such as pay-TV, newspapers, magazines, internet (including AVOD services) and outdoor advertising.

Our DTH satellite business faces competition from various competitors, including Dish Mexico, a DTH satellite pay-TV platform which launched its services in Mexico at the end of 2008, Star TV, a Dish Satellite pay-TV platform, Mega Cable Comunicaciones, S.A. de C.V., or Megacable, Total Play, cable television companies which are subsidiaries of the Company, as well as from Digital TV and OTT and AVOD platforms. In addition, the DTH market competes with other media with respect to advertising and sales, including Pay-TV, outdoor advertising and publishing, among others.

In addition, the entertainment and telecommunications industries in which we operate are changing rapidly because of new participants and evolving distribution technologies, including the internet.

The cable industry in Mexico has become highly competitive and we face significant competition. Most cable operators are authorized to provide pay-TV, internet broadband services and voice services, including Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, which poses a risk to us. We also face competition from the Preponderant Economic Agent in telecommunications, particularly in the provision of data and fixed telephony services. The cable business is also capital intensive.

Our pay-TV companies face competition from IPTV, AVOD or OTT providers such as Netflix, Disney+, Claro Video and Prime Video (Amazon), as well as from other pay-TV operators such as Dish Mexico, Total Play, Megacable and other cable television companies. Additionally, our cable television companies face competition from Sky.

We also face competition in our publishing business, where each of our magazine publications competes for readership and advertising revenues with other magazines of a general character and with other forms of print and non-print media.

The production and distribution of feature films is a highly competitive and complex business in Mexico. The various producers compete for the services of recognized talent and for film rights to scripts and other literary property. We compete with other feature film producers, Mexican and non-Mexican, and global distributors such as Amazon, Disney and Netflix in the distribution of films in Mexico, the U.S. and in Latin America. We also face competition in our other businesses. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Competition”.

Our principal competitors in the gaming industry are Codere S.A., or Codere, Grupo Caliente S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Caliente, Grupo Cirsa, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Cirsa, Atracciones y Emociones Vallarta, S.A. de C.V., or Grupo Logrand and Palacio de los Números, S.A. de C.V., or Palacio de los Números.

Our future success will be affected by changes in the broadcasting, advertising sales, cable, telecommunications, entertainment, gaming and other industries where we participate, which we cannot predict, and consolidation in such industries could further intensify competitive pressures. We expect to face competition from an increasing number of sources in Mexico, including emerging technologies that provide new services to pay-TV customers and new entrants in the public and pay-TV industries, which will require us to make significant capital expenditures in new technologies and will result in higher costs in the acquisition of content or may impair our ability to renew rights to special events, including sporting and entertainment events. Our business may require substantial capital to pursue additional acquisitions and capital expenditures, which may result in additional incurrence of leverage, issuance of additional capital or a combination thereof.

The Seasonal Nature of Our Business Affects Our Revenue and a Significant Reduction in Fourth Quarter Net Sales Could Impact Our Results of Operations

Our business reflects seasonal patterns of advertising expenditures, which is common in the television broadcast industry, as well as cyclical patterns in periodic events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. We typically recognize a disproportionately large percentage of our Content advertising net sales in the fourth quarter in connection with the holiday shopping season. For example, in 2018, 2019 and 2020 we recognized 31.0%, 34.0% and 40.5%, respectively, of our net sales in the fourth quarter of the year. Accordingly, a significant reduction in fourth quarter advertising revenue could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

DIRECTV Has Certain Governance and Veto Rights Over Some Operations of Innova

We own a 58.7% interest in Innova, our DTH venture in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic. The remaining balance of Innova’s equity is indirectly owned by The DIRECTV Group, Inc., or DIRECTV, through its subsidiaries DTH (Mexico) Investment, LTD, DIRECTV Latin America Holdings LLC and DIRECTV MPR Holdings, LLC. Although we hold a majority of Innova’s equity and designate a majority of the members of Innova’s Board of Directors, DIRECTV has certain governance and veto rights in Innova, including the right to block certain transactions between us and Innova. DIRECTV was acquired by AT&T Inc. in July 2015.

Loss of Transmission or Loss of the Use of Satellite Transponders Could Cause a Business Interruption in Innova, Which Would Adversely Affect Our Net Income

Media and telecom companies, including Innova, rely on satellite transmissions to conduct their day-to-day business. Any unforeseen and sudden loss of transmission or non-performance of the satellite for Innova can cause huge losses to Innova’s business. The unforeseen loss of transmission may be caused due to the satellite’s loss of the orbital slot or the reduction in the satellite’s functional life.

The size of the business interruption impact for Innova in the case of a satellite loss exceeds the insurance we have acquired to cover this risk. In order to reduce the possibility of financial consequences resulting from an unforeseen loss of transmission, Innova entered into an agreement to launch a backup satellite jointly with Sky Brasil Servicos Ltda., or Sky Brasil, which was launched in the first quarter of 2010. In the third quarter of 2013, Sky entered into an agreement with DirecTV for the acquisition and launch of a satellite named SM-1, which started operations in June 2015. In the future, we may have to invest in additional satellite capacity. We cannot predict the extent of losses to Innova in the case of current or new satellite loss or the effectiveness of any alternative strategy.

Any Incidents Affecting Our Network and Information Systems or Other Technologies Could Have an Adverse Impact on Our Business, Reputation and Results of Operations

Our business operations rely heavily on network and information systems and other technology systems, including cloud computing. Incidents affecting these systems, including cyber-attacks, viruses, other destructive or disruptive software or activities, process breakdowns, outages, or accidental release of information could result in a disruption of our operations, improper disclosure of personal data of clients, subscribers, or employees, or other privileged or confidential information, or unauthorized access to our digital content or any other type of intellectual property. It is common for a company such as ours to be subjected to continuous attempted cyber-attacks and other malicious efforts that could cause cybersecurity incidents, and we have in the past experienced, and expect to continue to experience cybersecurity incidents, although we have not identified any such incidents that we have determined to be material to our operations as of the date of this report. Any such incident could damage our reputation and may require us to expend substantial resources on litigation, regulatory investigation, and remediation costs, and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We continue to work closely with our outside advisors to prevent cybersecurity incidents, and to invest in maintaining and improving cybersecurity resilience. The company’s cybersecurity risks and mitigation actions are monitored by our Audit Committee and reported to our Board of Directors. Nevertheless, because of the nature of the threats and the cloud computing environment, there can be no assurance that our preventative efforts can fully prevent or mitigate all such incidents or be successful in avoiding harm to our business in the future.

The Results of Operations of Univision Holdings, Inc. May Affect Our Results of Operations and the Value of Our Investment in that Company; Key Members of Our Management Team Will Participate in the Management of the Mexican Content Business of Televisa-Univision after the Closing of the 2021 Transaction

We have a substantial investment in Univision Holdings, Inc., or UHI (formerly known as Broadcasting Media Partners, Inc., or BMP), the parent company of Univision Communications Inc., or Univision. As previously announced, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement (the “2021 Transaction Agreement”) with UHI and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, affiliates of Searchlight Capital Partners, LP (“Searchlight”), ForgeLight LLC (“ForgeLight”) and Liberty Global plc, through its venture investment vehicle (“Liberty Global”), pursuant to which, among other things, we will contribute our content business (other than certain assets relating to our news business, real estate and Mexican over-the-air broadcast concessions) to UHI. In consideration for the contribution of such business, we will receive U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI. In addition, we have entered into commercial arrangements with UHI pursuant to which we will receive additional consideration valued at approximately U.S.$300 million in the aggregate (all such transactions collectively, the “2021 Transaction”). Our investment in UHI would increase as a result of the 2021 Transaction. However, we do not, and would not following the 2021 Transaction, control and do not, and would not following the 2021 Transaction, consolidate the results of UHI. Our investment in UHI is currently held in the form of common stock and, if the 2021 Transaction is completed, will include additional shares of common stock and shares of a new series of convertible preferred stock. The value of the common stock and preferred stock of UHI, neither of which are or at the closing of the 2021 Transaction will be publicly traded, will fluctuate and could materially increase or decrease the value of our investment in UHI.

The value of those shares, and thus the value of our investment in UHI and our reported results of operations, will be affected by the results of operations of UHI and Univision. The business, financial condition and results of operations of Univision could be materially and adversely affected by risks including, but not limited to: (i) inability or failure to service debt; (ii) cancellation, reductions or postponements of advertising; (iii) adverse global economic conditions; (iv) an increase in the preference among Hispanics for English-language programming on platforms other than those of Univision; (v) an increase in the cost of, and/or decrease in the supply, quality of and/or demand for, Univision’s content; (vi) changes in the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC, as well as other federal, state and local regulations; (vii) competitive pressures from other broadcasters, media distributors and other entertainment and news media; (viii) failure to retain the rights to popular programming, including sports programming; (ix) failure to renew existing carriage agreements or reach new carriage agreements with MVPDs; (x) possible strikes or other union job actions; (xi) the impact of new technologies; and (xii) failure to develop, produce or acquire content for, attract customers for and/or profitably commercialize a Spanish-language streaming platform.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, an adverse impact on Univision, due to, among other things, the negative impact on advertising trends and advertising revenue, suspension of sporting events and curtailment or suspension of other programming production to which Univision has broadcast rights, reductions or delays in the production of programming by Univision’s partners, including the Company, and general COVID-19 related disruptions to business and operations. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot estimate the impact on Univision’s business, financial condition or near or longer-term financial or operational results with certainty.

In addition, following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, as described below under “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”, pursuant to which and subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, UHI may not be able to successfully integrate our content business with its existing content business or realize the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction. If the integration process takes longer than expected or is more costly than expected, existing business and operational relationships with customers, employees and other counterparties are not maintained, required change in control or anti-assignment consents and waivers are not obtained, or unforeseen expenses or liabilities arise, the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our investment in UHI may decline.

There can be no assurance that the results of operations of UHI and its respective subsidiaries will be sufficient to maintain or increase the value of our investment in UHI, or that such results will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, no public market exists for UHI’s shares, and such shares are subject to transfer restrictions, so there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize value from our investment in UHI at a time when it may be beneficial for us to do so, or at all. For a discussion of our investment in UHI, see “Information on the Company— Business Overview — Univision”.

In addition, in order to facilitate the orderly integration of our content business and UHI’s existing business, Messrs. Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martínez and Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega will participate in the management team of the Mexican content business of Televisa-Univision from and after the closing of the 2021 Transaction. These individuals will also continue in their current roles at the Company. As a result of these and other relationships between us and UHI, certain of our directors and officers will assume additional responsibilities and may have interests in the 2021 Transaction that are different from those of our shareholders and/or conflicts of interest between us and UHI may arise following the completion of the 2021 Transaction.

The Pendency of the 2021 Transaction, Including Any Delays In Completing or Failure to Complete the 2021 Transaction, May Affect Our Results of Operations

The closing of the 2021 Transaction is subject to closing conditions, as described below under “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”. The failure to obtain any required approvals or satisfy other conditions to closing at all or in a timely manner could result in a delay or uncertainty as to when or whether the 2021 Transaction will occur, which could lead to greater uncertainty for us and our employees, commercial counterparties and other stakeholders, could significantly reduce or delay achievement of the expected benefits of the 2021 Transaction and could have other negative effects. In addition, UHI will need to obtain debt and equity financing to complete the 2021 Transaction, for which it has obtained financing commitments, but which has not been obtained as of the date of this filing. We cannot provide assurance that all conditions to the 2021 Transaction will be satisfied or waived, or that UHI will be able to obtain the financing required to complete the 2021 Transaction, and therefore there can be no assurance that the 2021 Transaction will be consummated.

If the 2021 Transaction is not consummated, we would not realize the anticipated benefits of the 2021 Transaction and may be subject to additional risks, including that (i) the price of our CPOs and/or ADRs may decline, (ii) time and resources, financial or otherwise, committed by our management to the 2021 Transaction could otherwise have been devoted to pursuing other beneficial opportunities, and (iii) we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets or other commercial counterparties or employees.

We expect to incur certain nonrecurring costs in connection with the consummation of the 2021 Transaction, including separation, advisory, legal and other transaction costs. Many of these costs have already been incurred or will be incurred regardless of whether the 2021 Transaction is completed. Moreover, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in connection with the 2021 Transaction. Although we expect that the realization of benefits related to the 2021 Transaction will offset such costs and expenses over time, no assurances can be made that this net benefit will be achieved in the near term, or at all.

In connection with the pendency of the 2021 Transaction, it is possible that some of our customers, suppliers, partners and other persons with whom we have a business relationship may delay or defer certain business decisions. In addition, completion of the 2021 Transaction may trigger change in control, anti-assignment or other provisions in certain agreements to which the Company is a party. These risks could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our share price, regardless of whether or when the 2021 Transaction is completed.

Under the terms of the 2021 Transaction Agreement, we are subject to certain restrictions, customary to these types of transactions, on the conduct of our content business prior to completing the 2021 Transaction, which restrictions may adversely affect our ability to execute certain of business strategies, including the ability in certain cases to acquire or dispose of assets, incur indebtedness or settle claims, in each case with respect to our content business. Such limitations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, whether or not the 2021 Transaction is completed.

In addition, the amount of the cash consideration and the number of shares of UHI common and preferred stock that we will receive in the 2021 Transaction will not be adjusted to reflect developments after the date of the 2021 Transaction Agreement (other than customary adjustments relating to working capital and net indebtedness), and as a result, we will not receive additional consideration in the event that the value of content business increases, or the value of UHI’s equity declines, during the pendency of the transaction. Each of these risks may be exacerbated by delays or other adverse developments with respect to the completion of the 2021 Transaction. For a discussion of the 2021 Transaction, see “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Univision—2021 Transaction Agreement”.

Following the 2021 Transaction, We Will Be A Less Diversified Company that is Focused On Our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, which in Turn Will Have Significant Contractual Arrangements With UHI to Provide Content For Our Operations

Upon completion of the 2021 Transaction, we will have less diversified revenue sources as a result of the combination of our content business with UHI, as a result of which our results of operations will be more reliant on our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, which will increase our exposure to the risks of such businesses.

In addition, following the 2021 Transaction, our remaining businesses will have significant contractual arrangements with UHI to provide content for our Sky and Cable platforms. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us control over such content. For example, UHI could pursue a content development and production strategy that is different from the strategy we would have pursued or could breach its contractual arrangements with us or otherwise take actions that are detrimental to our interests. In addition, if any dispute relating to our contractual arrangements with UHI remain unresolved, we may have to enforce our rights under these contracts through litigation or other legal proceedings, which would be subject to uncertainties inherent in the legal system. As the composition of the businesses of Grupo Televisa will be different following the 2021 Transaction, the business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as the market price of Grupo Televisa’s CPOs and or ADRs will be affected by factors different from those affecting Grupo Televisa prior to the completion of the 2021 Transaction.

We May Identify Material Weaknesses in Our Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting in the Future, and Any Future Material Weaknesses or Failure to Achieve an Effective System of Internal Controls, May Cause Us Not To Be Able to Report Our Financial Results Accurately. In Addition, the Trading Price of Our Securities May Be Adversely Affected by a Related Negative Market Reaction

In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we may identify material weaknesses (as defined under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) in our internal controls over financial reporting in the future. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

If any future material weaknesses occur, it could affect the accuracy of our reporting on the future results of operations and our ability to make our required filings with government authorities, including the SEC. Furthermore, our business and operating results and the price of our securities may be adversely affected by related negative market reactions. While we have no reason to believe there will be any future material weaknesses identified, we cannot be certain that in the future additional material weaknesses will not exist or otherwise be discovered.

Changes in U.S. Tax Law Might Adversely Affect the Results of Operations of Our U.S. Subsidiaries and Joint Venture Entities

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted into law Public Law No. 115-97 (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act introduced significant changes to U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture entities including the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum rate of 35% to a flat rate of 21%, limitation of the tax deduction for interest expense, limitation of the tax deduction for net operating losses, enactment of an immediate deduction for certain new investments, repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, and modification or elimination of many business deductions and credits.

The Tax Act also imposes a new minimum tax called the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (the “BEAT”) on certain U.S. corporations. The BEAT is imposed on certain deductible amounts paid by a U.S. corporation that (i) has aggregate gross receipts of at least $1.5 billion over its three prior taxable years and (ii) is at least 25%-owned by a non-U.S. person (or otherwise related to a non-U.S. person in specified circumstances). The BEAT taxes “modified taxable income” of a U.S. corporation described above at a rate of 5% beginning in 2018, increasing to 10% in 2019 and 12.5% in 2026. In general, modified taxable income is calculated by adding back to the U.S. corporation’s regular taxable income the amount of certain “base erosion tax benefits” with respect to payments to foreign affiliates, as well as the “base erosion percentage” of any net operating loss deductions. The BEAT applies only to the extent it exceeds the U.S. corporation’s regular corporate income tax liability (determined without regard to certain tax credits). At present, we do not expect the BEAT to apply to our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures, however, it is possible that the BEAT could apply in future years.

There is significant uncertainty regarding how these and other provisions of the Tax Act will be interpreted, and guidance in certain areas may not be forthcoming. Any changes to, clarifications of, or guidance under the Tax Act could add significant expense and have an adverse effect on the results of operations of our U.S. subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture entities. Further, it is unclear how foreign governments and U.S. state and local jurisdictions will incorporate the U.S. federal income tax law changes and such jurisdictions may enact tax laws in response to the Tax Act that could result in further changes to global taxation and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risk Factors Related to Our Securities

Any Actions Stockholders May Wish to Bring Concerning Our Bylaws or the CPO Trust Must Be Brought in a Mexican Court

Our bylaws provide that a stockholder must bring any legal actions concerning our bylaws in courts located in Mexico City. All parties to the trust agreement governing the CPOs, including the holders of CPOs, have agreed to submit any legal actions concerning the trust agreement only to Mexican courts.

Non-Mexicans May Not Hold Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares Directly and Must Have Them Held in a Trust at All Times

Although, as a result of the Telecom Reform, the regulatory framework for foreign direct investment allows foreign investors to hold up to 100% of the equity interest of Mexican companies doing business in telecommunications and satellite communications, and up to 49% in the broadcasting sector, subject to reciprocity from the country of the ultimate investor. The trust governing the CPOs and our bylaws nevertheless restrict non-Mexicans from directly owning Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares. Non-Mexicans may hold Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares or Series “D” Shares indirectly through the CPO Trust, which will control the voting of such shares. Under the terms of the CPO Trust, a non-Mexican holder of CPOs or GDSs may instruct the CPO Trustee to request that we issue and deliver certificates representing each of the shares underlying its CPOs so that the CPO Trustee may sell, to a third party entitled to hold the shares, all of these shares and deliver to the holder any proceeds derived from the sale.

Non-Mexican Holders of Our Securities Forfeit Their Securities if They Invoke the Protection of Their Government

Pursuant to Mexican law, our bylaws provide that non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs may not ask their government to interpose a claim against the Mexican government regarding their rights as stockholders. If non-Mexican holders of CPOs and GDSs violate this provision of our bylaws, they will automatically forfeit the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares, Series “L” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying their CPOs and GDSs to the Mexican government.

Non-Mexican Holders of Our Securities Have Limited Voting Rights

In accordance with the bylaws and trust governing the CPOs of the Company, non-Mexican holders of CPOs or GDSs are not entitled to vote the Series “A” Shares, Series “B” Shares and Series “D” Shares underlying their securities. The Series “L” Shares underlying CPOs or GDSs, the only series of our Shares that can be voted by non-Mexican holders of CPOs or GDSs, have limited voting rights. These limited voting rights include the right to elect two directors and limited rights to vote on extraordinary corporate actions, including the delisting of the Series “L” Shares and other actions which are adverse to the holders of the Series “L” Shares. For a brief description of the circumstances under which holders of Series “L” Shares are entitled to vote, see “Additional Information — Bylaws — Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings”.

Our Antitakeover Protections May Deter Potential Acquirers and May Depress Our Stock Price

Certain provisions of our bylaws could make it substantially more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. These provisions in our bylaws may discourage certain types of transactions involving the acquisition of our securities. These provisions may also limit our stockholders’ ability to approve transactions that may be in their best interests and discourage transactions in which our stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their Shares over the then current market price and could possibly adversely affect the trading volume in our equity securities. As a result, these provisions may adversely affect the market price of our securities. Holders of our securities who acquire Shares in violation of these provisions will not be able to vote, or receive dividends, distributions or other rights in respect of these securities and would be obligated to pay us a penalty. For a description of these provisions, see “Additional Information — Bylaws — Antitakeover Protections”.

GDS Holders May Face Disadvantages When Attempting to Exercise Voting Rights as Compared to Other Holders of Our Securities

In situations where we request that The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary for the securities underlying the GDSs, ask GDS holders for voting instructions, the holders may instruct the depositary to exercise their voting rights, if any, pertaining to the deposited securities. The depositary will attempt, to the extent practical, to arrange to deliver voting materials to these holders. We cannot assure holders of GDSs that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary how to vote the deposited securities underlying their GDSs, or that the depositary will be able to forward those instructions and the appropriate proxy request to the CPO Trustee in a timely manner. For stockholders’ meetings, if the depositary does not receive voting instructions from holders of GDSs or does not forward such instructions and appropriate proxy request in a timely manner, if requested in writing from us, it will provide a proxy to a representative designated by us to exercise these voting rights. If no such written request is made by us, the depositary will not represent or vote, attempt to represent or vote any right that attaches to, or instruct the CPO Trustee to represent or vote, the shares underlying the CPOs in the relevant meeting and, as a result, the underlying shares will be voted in the manner described under “Additional Information — Bylaws — Voting Rights and Stockholders’ Meetings — Holders of CPOs”. For CPO Holders’ meetings, if the depositary does not timely receive instructions from a Mexican or non-Mexican holder of GDSs as to the exercise of voting rights relating to the underlying CPOs in the relevant CPO holders’ meeting, the depositary and the custodian will take such actions as are necessary to cause such CPOs to be counted for purposes of satisfying applicable quorum requirements and, unless we in our sole discretion have given prior written notice to the depositary and the custodian to the contrary, vote them in the same manner as the majority of the CPOs are voted at the relevant CPOs holders’ meeting.

This means that holders of GDSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote and there may be nothing they can do if the deposited securities underlying their GDSs are not voted as they request.

The Interests of Our GDS Holders Will Be Diluted if We Issue New Shares and These Holders Are Unable to Exercise Preemptive Rights for Cash

Under Mexican law and our bylaws, our stockholders have preemptive rights with respect to capital increases. This means that in the event that we issue new Shares for cash, our stockholders will have a right to subscribe and pay the number of Shares of the same series necessary to maintain their existing ownership percentage in that series. U.S. holders of our GDSs cannot exercise their preemptive rights unless we register any newly issued Shares under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or qualify for an exemption from registration. If U.S. holders of GDSs cannot exercise their preemptive rights, the interests of these holders will be diluted in the event that we issue new Shares for cash. We intend to evaluate at the time of any offering of preemptive rights the costs and potential liabilities associated with registering any additional Shares. We cannot assure that we will register under the Securities Act any new Shares that we issue for cash. In addition, although the Deposit Agreement provides that the depositary may, after consultation with us, sell preemptive rights in Mexico or elsewhere outside the U.S. and distribute the proceeds to holders of GDSs, under current Mexican law these sales are not possible. See “Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Stock Purchase Plan and Long-Term Retention Plan” and “Additional Information — Bylaws — Preemptive Rights”.

The Protections Afforded to Minority Stockholders in Mexico Are Different from Those in the U.S.

Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority stockholders are different from those in the U.S. In particular, the law concerning fiduciary duties of directors is not well developed, there is no procedure for class actions or stockholder derivative actions and there are different procedural requirements for bringing stockholder lawsuits. As a result, in practice, it may be more difficult for our minority stockholders to enforce their rights against us or our directors or major stockholders than it would be for stockholders of a U.S. company.

The Ley del Mercado de Valores, or the Mexican Securities Market Law, provides additional protection to minority stockholders, such as (i) providing stockholders of a public company representing 5% or more of the capital stock of the public company, an action for liability against the members and secretary of the Board and relevant management of the public company, and (ii) establishing additional responsibilities on the audit committee in all issues that have or may have an effect on minority stockholders and their interests in an issuer or its operations.

It May Be Difficult to Enforce Civil Liabilities Against Us or Our Directors, Executive Officers and Controlling Persons

We are organized under the laws of Mexico. Substantially all of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons reside outside the U.S., all or a significant portion of the assets of our directors, executive officers and controlling persons, and substantially all of our assets, are located outside of the U.S., and some of the parties named in this annual report also reside outside of the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or to enforce against them or us in U.S. courts judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the U.S. We have been advised by our Mexican counsel, Mijares, Angoitia, Cortés y Fuentes, S.C., that there is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Mexican courts, of liabilities predicated solely on U.S. federal securities laws and as to the enforceability in Mexican courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws.

History and Development of the Company

Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. was originally incorporated as a sociedad anónima, or limited liability corporation under the laws of Mexico in accordance with the Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles, or Mexican Companies Law and later adopted the form of sociedad anónima bursátil, or limited liability stock corporation in accordance with the Ley del Mercado de Valores, or the Mexican Securities Market Law. It was incorporated under Public Deed Number 30,200, dated December 19, 1990, granted before Notary Public Number 73 of Mexico City, and registered with the Public Registry of Commerce in Mexico City on Commercial Page (folio mercantil) Number 142,164. Pursuant to the terms of our estatutos sociales, or bylaws, our corporate existence continues through 2106. Our principal executive offices are located in Mexico City at Avenida Vasco de Quiroga, No. 2000, Colonia Santa Fe, 01210 Ciudad de México, México. Our telephone number at that address is (52) (55) 5261-2000.

Capital Expenditures

The table below sets forth our expected capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our actual capital expenditures, investments in joint ventures and associates, and acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

In 2020, 2019 and 2018, we relied on a combination of operating revenues, borrowings and net proceeds from dispositions to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions and investments. We expect to fund our capital expenditures in 2021 and potential capital expenditures, investments and/or acquisitions going forward, which could be substantial in size, through a combination of cash from operations, cash on hand, equity securities, and/or the incurrence of debt, or a combination thereof.

For a more detailed description of our capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions in prior years, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Liquidity” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Investments, Distributions and Other Sources of Liquidity”.

Business Overview

The Company is a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, an important cable operator, an operator of a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and a broadband provider in Mexico.

The Company distributes the content it produces through several broadcast channels in Mexico and in over 70 countries through 27 pay-tv-brands, television networks, cable operators and over-the-top or “OTT” services.

In the United States, the Company’s audiovisual content is distributed through Univision Communications Inc. (“Univision”) a leading media company serving the Hispanic market. Univision broadcasts the Company’s audiovisual content through multiple platforms in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, the Company has equity representing approximately 36% on a fully-diluted basis of the equity capital in Univision Holdings, Inc., the controlling company of Univision.

The Company’s cable business offers integrated services, including video, high-speed data and voice and mobile services to residential and commercial customers as well as managed services to domestic and international carriers.

The Company owns a majority interest in Sky, a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and broadband provider in Mexico, operating also in the Dominican Republic and Central America.

The Company also has interests in magazine publishing and distribution, professional sports and live entertainment, feature-film production and distribution, and gaming.

Business Strategy

We are a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, and we intend to continue expanding our business while maintaining profitability and financial discipline. We currently have a leading position in the Mexican television market and produce high quality programming.

We also have a DTH platform, Sky, and a Cable business, and we intend to strengthen our position in these businesses by continuing to make additional investments, which could be substantial in size.

In addition, we intend to continue to expand our business by developing new business initiatives and/or through business acquisitions and investments. However, we also continue to evaluate our portfolio of assets. In connection with the foregoing, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement pursuant to which, subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, creating a premier global Spanish-language media company to be called “Televisa-Univision.” See “Information on the Company—Business Overview —Univision — 2021 Transaction Agreement” for a summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.  The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in 2021.  Following the completion of the transaction, subject to certain exceptions, we will no longer own our content business and will own an additional equity interest in UHI.

Maintaining Our Leading Position in the Mexican Television Market

Continuing to Produce High Quality Programming. We aim to continue producing the type of high quality television programming that in the past has propelled many of our programs to be among the most watched in Mexico. We have launched a number of initiatives in creative development, program scheduling and on-air promotion. These initiatives include improved production of our highly rated dramas, new comedy and game show formats and the development of reality shows and new series. We have improved our scheduling to be better aligned with viewer habits by demographic segment while improving viewer retention through more dynamic on-air graphics and pacing. We have enhanced tune-in promotion both in terms of creative content and strategic placement. We also plan to continue expanding and leveraging our Spanish-language video library, rights to soccer games and other events, as well as cultural, musical and show business productions. In addition, our strategic alliance with Telemundo allows us to broadcast more than 1,170 hours per year of Telemundo’s original programming on Channel 9 and distribute Telemundo content in Mexico on an exclusive basis across multiple platforms including broadcast television, pay television and our emerging digital platforms.

Maintaining High Operating Segment Income Margins. Our Content operating segment income margins for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were 37.9%, 36.1% and 37.9%, respectively. We aim to continue maintaining high operating segment income margins in our Content businesses by increasing revenues and controlling costs and expenses to the extent that we can without impacting the quality and appeal of our content.

Continue Building Our Cable and DTH Platforms

Cable. We are a shareholder of several Mexican cable companies. For example:

With a consolidated 6.3 million subscriber base and 15.8 million homes passed as of December 31, 2020, these companies are important service providers in Mexico. “Homes passed” refers to any residential homes or businesses that are connected to telecommunications systems, or those prepared to be connected to telecommunications systems but are not currently connected or require some type of investment in order to be connected. For instance, each apartment located in a building that is prepared to be connected to telecommunications systems represents one home passed. It is generally understood that a home or business counts as a home passed when it can be connected to a telecommunications network without additional extensions to the main transmission lines. Our cable strategy aims to increase our subscriber base, average monthly revenues per subscriber and penetration rate by:

Our cable companies have introduced a variety of new services over the past years, such as interactive television and other enhanced program services, including high-speed internet access through cable modem and fiber-to-the-home, as well as IP telephony. In November 2014, we launched a unified commercial offer under the izzi brand for residential customers. Currently, izzi offers telecommunication services packages including unlimited telephony services, high-speed data access and pay-TV programming for residential customers and micro and small-sized enterprises. In June 2016, we launched “izzi TV”, a new entertainment platform, which among other services, provides customers live channels, SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), as well as access to all of the Company’s content. Recently the bundle packages include access to Netflix and blim. izzi TV is available through the “izzi TV” set-top-box and through “izzi go”, which is a TV Everywhere application for authenticated subscribers that enables users to access TV channels, movies and series on demand, compatible with iOS and Android platforms. izzi go also features remote control functions compatible with our izzi TV set-top-boxes, and allows subscribers to rent additional content through the application, all for a fixed price. For an additional cost, subscribers can choose from different add-ons to the “izzi TV” service, such as TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) titles, HBO and Fox Premium, among others. In addition to the izzi brand, our cable companies also provide telecommunication services under the wizz and wizzplus brands in certain municipalities. In July 2018, our cable companies launched “afizzionados”, our first proprietary sports channel dedicated to soccer, broadcasting selected sport content and exclusive matches. In November 2018, we launched “izzi flex” (wireless internet for homes) and “izzi pocket” (mobile internet), which offer speeds of 5 Mbps and up to 20 Mbps. In 2018 and 2019, we renewed our triple play product with packaging benefits of voice, broadband and video. In June 2020, we launched our mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service, “izzi móvil”, providing a mobile service for broadband subscribers, which offers calls, SMS and Gigabytes for a competitive price through a reseller agreement with Altan Redes, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“Altan Redes”). We also provide mobile services through “Bestel móvil”, which offers calls, SMS and Gigabytes according to the coverage area for enterprise, corporate, and government customers through a reseller agreement with Altan Redes and Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A. de C.V. Likewise, we recently launched our new STB “izzi smart” that allow us to become one of the largest OTT aggregators in Mexico. It allows us to include in our offerings access to the main OTT platforms in the market and the possibility to bundle our pay-TV service with Netflix, Blim and Disney+, among others.

As of December 31, 2020, our cable companies had 4.3 million cable television, or video RGUs, 5.4 million broadband RGUs and 4.3 million IP telephone lines in service, or voice RGUs. In addition, we currently have 76,000 mobile service RGUs. The growth in our subscriber base has been driven primarily by the upgrade of our networks and the launch of competitive broadband offerings.

DTH. We believe that Ku-band DTH satellite services offer an enhanced opportunity for expansion of pay television services into households seeking to upgrade reception of broadcasting signals and in areas not currently serviced by operators of cable or multi-channel, multi-point distribution services. We own a 58.7% interest in Innova, or Sky, our venture with DIRECTV. Innova is a DTH company with services in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic with more than 7.4 million video subscribers, of which 3% were commercial subscribers as of December 31, 2020.

The key components of our DTH strategy include:

Continue Expanding the Portfolio of Channel Offerings in Mexico and Abroad

Network Subscription. Through our 27 pay-TV brands and 65 national and international feeds, we reached more than 42 million subscribers throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia in 2020. Our pay-TV channels include, among others, three music channels, five movie channels, eight variety and entertainment channels, two sports channels and one news channel. All of our sports channels offer 24 hour a day programming 365 days a year. Popular channels include, among others, Distrito Comedia, TLNovelas, De Película and Golden.

Transforming Our Publishing Business

Despite the continuing challenges facing the industry, including the COVID-related global economic crisis, we continue to be among the leaders of the publishing business in Mexico and maintained a total approximate circulation of 11.7 million magazines during 2020. Editorial Televisa publishes 32 titles, with five wholly owned trademarks and 12 licensed trademarks from world renowned publishing houses, including Spanish language editions of some of the most prestigious brands in the world. During 2020, we rightsized our publishing business to focus our efforts on a multiplatform content generation model (print & digital) for our profitable brands.

Increasing Our International Programming Sales Worldwide and Strengthening Our Position in the Growing U.S.-Hispanic Market

We license our programs to television broadcasters and pay-TV providers in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Excluding the United States, in 2020, we licensed 74,209 hours of programming in over 70 countries throughout the world. We intend to continue exploring ways of expanding our international programming sales.

According to the “Annual Estimates of the Resident Population by Sex, Age, Race, and Hispanic Origin for the United States” issued by the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, the U.S.-Hispanic population is estimated to be 60.5 million, or approximately 18.4% of the U.S. population, and is currently one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. population, with the growth among Hispanics responsible for over half of the U.S. population gains between 2010 and 2019. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the Hispanic population will be approximately 21% of the U.S. population by the year 2030.

We intend to leverage our unique and exclusive content, media assets and long-term associations with others to benefit from the growing demand for entertainment among the U.S.-Hispanic population.

We supply television programming for the U.S.-Hispanic market through Univision, the leading Spanish-language content and media company in the United States. In exchange for this programming, during 2018, 2019 and 2020, Univision paid us U.S.$383.6 million, U.S.$389.1 million and U.S.$379.6 million respectively, in royalties. For a description of our arrangements with Univision, see “— Univision”.

On April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement with UHI, among others, in which, subject to certain exceptions, our content business will be combined with UHI, creating a premier global Spanish-language media company to be called “Televisa-Univision.” See “Information on the Company—Business Overview —Univision” for a summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.

Developing New Businesses and Expanding through Acquisitions

We plan to continue leveraging our strengths and capabilities to develop new business opportunities and expand through acquisitions. We are constantly seeking investment opportunities that complement our business strategy. We may identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, technologies or companies. We may also consider joint ventures, minority investments and other collaborative projects and investments. Any such acquisition or investment could be funded using cash on hand, our equity securities and/or the incurrence of debt, or a combination thereof.

Our recent acquisitions and investments include our acquisition on December 17, 2018 of the residential fiber-to-the-home business and related assets from Axtel in Mexico City, Zapopan, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi and Ciudad Juarez, through the acquisition of 100% of the equity interests of FTTH.

For a further discussion of some of our recent investments, see “— Investments”.

We have grown our gaming business, which consists of casinos and an online gaming site. As of December 31, 2020, we had 18 casinos in operation, under the brand name “PlayCity”. Due to the global pandemic, the casinos have opened and closed intermittently, following guidance from the relevant authorities. In accordance with our permit, we may open more casinos until May 2021. We plan to seek an extension of such period. In 2017, we launched our online sports betting site. The casinos and the online sports betting site are operated under the Gaming Permit obtained from the Mexican Ministry of the Interior, to establish, among other things, up to 45 casinos and number draws throughout Mexico.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company continues to evaluate its portfolio of assets in order to determine if it should dispose select non-core operations.

Expanding Our Business in the Mexican Telecommunications Markets by Taking Advantage of the Telecom Reform and Implementing Legislation

Pursuant to the Telecom Reform (see “— Regulation — Telecom Reform and Broadcasting Regulations”), a “preponderant economic agent” (agente económico preponderante) in the telecommunications market means an economic agent that has, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the national market share in telecommunications services, calculated based on the number of users, subscribers, network traffic or used capacity according to the data available to IFT. We are aware from the public records that, on March 7, 2014, IFT notified América Móvil, S.A.B. de C.V., or América Móvil, of a resolution which determined that América Móvil and its operating subsidiaries Radiomóvil Dipsa, S.A de C.V., or Telcel, and Teléfonos de México, S.A.B. de C.V., or Telmex, Teléfonos del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. or Telnor, as well as Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V. and Grupo Financiero Inbursa, S.A.B. de C.V., are a preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications market, and imposed on them certain specific asymmetrical regulations which América Móvil reported publicly in the following areas:

On March 8, 2017, IFT issued a resolution to the preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications market that modifies the asymmetrical regulations described above. The most relevant modifications are the following:

The wholesale division within the existing companies will provide the other wholesale services subject to the aforementioned measures that are not provided by the newly created legal entity;

According to public records, América Móvil and its operating subsidiaries, Telcel, Inbursa, Telmex and Telnor, filed amparo proceedings against IFT’s original resolution. The courts issued a ruling confirming the constitutionality of IFT’s resolution, with the exception of Telcel’s proceeding that is pending before the Supreme Court.

In March 2018, América Móvil received a resolution from IFT determining the terms under which Telmex and Telnor shall, legally and functionally, separate the provision of wholesale regulated fixed services by incorporating new legal entities with their own corporate governance, independent from those of América Móvil’s subsidiaries holding a concession, and by creating a wholesale business unit within Telmex and Telnor. Telmex and Telnor had two years to implement the separation ordered by the IFT. The resolution established a calendar for implementation and obligations to deliver periodic information to the IFT. In March 2020, the two-year period granted to the preponderant economic agent to implement the functional separation of Telmex and Telnor ended.

On December 2, 2020, IFT issued a resolution on its evaluation of the asymmetrical regulations imposed on Telmex, as preponderant economic agent in March 2014. Some of the most relevant modifications are: (i) the use of a long-run average incremental costs model to determine the local loop indirect access services rates, and that IFT may determine competitive geographic zones where such rates will be determined by Telmex; (ii) for dedicated-link leasing services, the IFT may determine competitive geographic zones where rates will be determined pursuant to a price cap methodology; and (iii) certain operative and informational modifications to the electronic management system. The resolution may be challenged by América Móvil.

The measures imposed on the preponderant economic agent, if properly implemented, will represent an opportunity for us to increase our coverage and product diversity, while reducing our costs and capital expenditures requirements as a result of the access to the network of the preponderant economic agent and the regulation of the terms and conditions, on competitive terms, of such access. Moreover, asymmetric regulations may create a beneficial economic and regulatory environment in the telephony and broadband markets and may further enhance our ability to compete in the telecommunications industry.

All of these measures, if properly implemented, could create a beneficial economic and regulatory environment, level the playing field for all participants in the telecommunications market and foster competition, representing an opportunity for the growth of our Sky and cable businesses; nevertheless, in the Company’s view, the preponderant economic agent is not complying with its obligations under such measures and the Company has filed several complaints before IFT.

In August 2017, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) determined that the interconnection rate regime relating to mobile termination by the Preponderant Economic Agent in Telecommunications Network, which contained a limitation on the Preponderant Economic Agent’s ability to charge for traffic termination in its mobile network, was unconstitutional. As a result, the SCJN ordered that the IFT issue a tariff. In November 2017, IFT resolved that the tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent would be Ps.0.028562 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. In November 2018, the IFT determined that the tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent would be Ps.0.028313 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For 2020 and 2021, the IFT determined a lower tariff for traffic termination in the mobile network of the Preponderant Economic Agent being Ps.0.028313 and Ps.0.018489 per minute of interconnection, respectively.

In April 2018, the SCJN determined that the interconnection rate regime relating to fixed termination by the Preponderant Economic Agent in Telecommunications Network, which contained a limitation on the Preponderant Economic Agent’s ability to charge for traffic termination in its fixed network, was unconstitutional. As a result, the SCJN ordered the IFT to issue a tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent applicable from January 1 to December 31, 2019. In November 2018, the IFT determined that the tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent will be Ps.0.003151 per minute of interconnection from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. For 2020 and 2021, the tariff for traffic termination in the fixed network of the Preponderant Economic Agent will be Ps.0.003331 and Ps.0.002842 per minute of interconnection, respectively.

In January 2020, IFT imposed a fine on Telnor in the amount of Ps.1,311.8 million for a breach of the availability of information of certain passive infrastructure (post, duct) in the electronic management system (Sistema Electrónico de Gestión, or “SEG”), used to request wholesale services from Telnor.

Additionally, the Telecom Reform (1) permits 100% foreign ownership in satellite and telecommunications services and increases to up to 49% the level of permitted foreign ownership in television and radio services, subject to reciprocity of the originating foreign investment country, and (2) provides that the Mexican government will build a national network to facilitate effective access for the Mexican population to broadband and other telecommunications services. These amendments may provide opportunities for us to enter into joint ventures with foreign investors with proven international experience in these markets and also to work with the Mexican government in the development of this new network.

Commitment to Sustainability

As we strive to produce some of the best Spanish-language content globally and broadcast it through the most relevant platforms, and leverage on our extensive telecommunications infrastructure to provide entertainment and connect people, we focus on managing our environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance. We aim to develop a consistent, transparent, and comparable ESG reporting framework to inform our stakeholders. As part of that effort, we annually publish a comprehensive sustainability report pursuant to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and also look to integrate incrementally other external standards, including the provisions of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).

We acknowledge the importance of targeting climate change-related issues. For that reason, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions through specific programs, training, and monitoring and reporting of emissions. We have also set ecological targets such as clean energy generation, energy consumption reduction, water consumption reduction, and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions reduction. Our commitment to conserving natural capital is reflected in our Environmental Management Policy and Statement on Biodiversity and Environment, which acknowledges the importance of preserving and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity and reducing our environmental impact. To help protect Mexico’s vast natural wealth and biodiversity, we (along with certain other Mexican companies and NGOs) established the Mexican Alliance for Biodiversity and Business to implement projects to promote conservation, sustainable use, and restoration. These targets align with public sector efforts, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, we focus on our social performance. Growth of our employees is an important topic for us. We further enhance careers with training programs (ethics, anti-corruption, human rights, information security, and data protection), performance evaluations, and additional benefits. To help maintain the physical wellbeing of our employees, we manage, monitor and enhance key performance indicators, maintain policies, and conduct regular training and periodic audits on health and safety at work under the guidance of our Committee on Safety and Civil Protection and the Health and Safety Commission. We apply fair labor practices in our operations and adhere to best practices. We are committed to offering stable labor conditions to our employees by respecting their human and collective rights and providing a working environment that enables them to improve their performance and increase their engagement.

Additionally, we focus on achieving local community engagement through assessment and planning, to understand their potential, expectations, and needs. We create opportunities in education, culture, entrepreneurship, health, and environmental protection to improve communities and help build better and more sustainable societies through our social programs.

Sustainability and ESG-related risks are evaluated by our management on a regular basis. We embed sustainability at multiple levels of our business, with our Sustainability Coordination and Analysis Unit being responsible for ESG-related issues under the supervision of the Vice President of Investor Relations (who is responsible for advancing our ESG initiatives). Our Sustainability Committee (which is comprised of senior executives from different areas, such as Legal, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Risk Management and others) reviews and approves our sustainability strategy, monitors ESG initiatives, evaluates annual results and sets objectives aligned with our business strategy, programs for our growth, and sustainable development.

Our sustainability achievements result from a regular enhancement of policies and programs to improve corporate performance. During 2020, the Company's many sustainability efforts continued to be recognized globally. For example, the Company was selected for the 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability MILA Pacific Alliance Index and was one of only five Mexican companies selected for the DJS Emerging Markets Index. Also, the Company was included in three 2020 FTSE4Good Index Series: FTSE4Good Emerging Markets, FTSE4Good Emerging Latin America, and FTSE4Good BIVA.

Besides, the Company was selected as one of only five Mexican companies to be included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. Also, the Company was selected as a constituent of the ESG index, launched by S&P, Dow Jones and the Mexican Stock Exchange. Finally, the Company was confirmed as a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.

In summary, we understand our sustainability strategy as a commitment to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve, and we believe by doing so, we will also contribute to our growth and success.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

In a challenging 2020, Fundación Televisa (or “Fundación”) was committed to helping those most in need. We continued our existing programs, while we also developed new programs to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, in 2020, we were able to impact the lives of 924,900 children and adults in both Mexico and the United States, investing (together with our allies) more than Ps.368.5 million.

Our innovative programs in education, culture, entrepreneurship, and environmental protection provide an empowering platform for hundreds of thousands of people to improve their lives, transform their communities, and build better and more sustainable societies. Our approach combines an effective leveraging of the Company’s communication channels with state of the art digital tools, financial support and on-the-ground multidisciplinary teams.

We directly contributed to 11 of 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2020, we managed to have more than 2.4 million of media impacts, reaching more than 51 million people with our messages. Some of those impacts related to safety measures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, like staying at home and wearing safety masks campaigns, among others. At the same time, we helped more than 64 institutions and organizations through communication campaigns with television spaces.

We generated more than 1.5 million followers on social networks and more than 4 million people to our digital platforms.

Fundación programs work along different life stages. Empieza Temprano focuses on early childhood development by providing parents and families information and practical tips. To enhance the skills of K-12 students, Fundación has a civic values program called Valores. Cuantrix teaches computer science and coding. Technolochicas empowers young women through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and Bécalos works to increase high-school and college completion while improving the student’s employability. POSiBLE helps to expand high impact innovation-driven entrepreneurship through training, networking, resources, visibility and acceleration for high potential startups. In addition, Fundación’s cultural and environmental programs cut across ages serving the general public in specific locations and more broadly through the digital and media space. Since 2020 was an atypical year, we adapted our programs and actions to the “new normal”, using media and digital assets to be closer to our programs’ recipients. Also, through our disaster relief program, we supported actions tailored to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our numbers and recognitions include the following:

By responsibly leveraging media, talent, partnerships and financial assets, the efforts led by Fundación reflect the commitment of the Company to this particularly complex year and make a strategic contribution to building a more empowered, prosperous and democratic society where all people have a platform to succeed.

Our Operations

As of December 31, 2020, we classified our operations into four business segments: Cable, Sky, Content and Other Businesses. Through the third quarter of 2019, our recently disposed Radio Business was classified as part of the Other Businesses segment, and beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019, it was classified as held-for-sale operations in the business segment information until it was disposed in July 2020. In the third quarter of 2020, our former Radio business operations were classified as disposed operations in our business segment information.

Cable

The Cable Television Industry in Mexico. Cable television offers multiple channels of entertainment, news and informational programs to subscribers who pay a monthly fee. These fees are based on the package of channels the subscribers receive. According to IFT, there were approximately 964 pay-TV concessions in Mexico, including 511 integrated sole concessions, as of the date of their report, serving approximately 18.4 million subscribers (including cable and DTH).

Digital Cable Television Services. Our cable companies offer on-screen interactive programming guide with direct access to blim and Netflix through the “izzi TV” platform, video on demand, high definition channels as well as other services throughout Mexico. Along with their digital pay-TV service, our cable companies offer high speed internet and a competitive digital telephone service. Through their network, they are able to distribute high quality video content, new services, interactivity with video on demand, 1080i high definition, impulse and order pay-per-view, a-la-carte programming, among other products and services, with added value features and premium solutions for consumers, and telephony and internet. Likewise, our cable companies offer mobile applications such as “izzi go”, which is a TV Everywhere application for authenticated subscribers through compatible PCs, iOS and Android platforms, that enables subscribers to access channels, movies and series on demand. “izzi go” also features remote control functionalities compatible with our “izzi TV” set-top-boxes, and allows subscribers to watch additional content through the application. In November 2020, izzi partnered with Disney+ to distribute the service both a la-carte and as a bundle in select triple play packages and with payment integration services for izzi customers.

Revenues. Our cable companies generate revenues from their pay-TV, broadband and telephony services, from additional services such as video on demand, and from sales of advertising to local and national advertisers. Subscriber revenues come from monthly service and rental fees and, to a lesser extent, one-time installation fees.

Cable Initiatives. Our cable companies plan to continue offering the following services to their subscribers:

Cablevisión. We own a 51% controlling stake in Cablevisión, one of the most important cable television operators in Mexico, which operates in Mexico City and its metropolitan area, where it offers cable television, high speed internet access and IP telephony services.

TVI. In March 2016, we acquired the remaining 50% of the equity interest of TVI and its subsidiaries and as a result, TVI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The transaction amounted to Ps.6,750 million, including the assumption of long-term liabilities in the aggregate amount of Ps.4,750.0 million, with maturities between 2017 and 2020, and a cash payment of Ps.2,000.0 million. TVI offers cable television, internet access, telephony services and bidirectional data transmission in the metropolitan area of Monterrey and other areas of northern Mexico.

Cablemás. We own Cablemás, which operates in approximately 105 cities in Mexico where it offers cable television, high speed internet access and telephony services.

Cablecom. On July 31, 2013, we invested Ps.7,000 million in convertible debt instruments, which in August 2014 we converted into 95% of the equity interest in Ares, the owner of 51% of the equity interest in Cablecom, a cable company that offers cable television, internet access and telephony services in Mexico. As part of the 2013 transaction, we also invested U.S.$195 million in a debt instrument issued by Ares. In August 2014, we acquired, pursuant to applicable regulations, the remaining 5% of the equity interest in Ares and the remaining 49% of the equity interest of Cablecom for an additional consideration of Ps.8,550 million, which consisted of the capitalization of the U.S. dollar debt instrument issued by Ares in the amount of Ps.2,642 million, and cash in the amount of Ps.5,908 million.

Telecable. On January 8, 2015, through a series of transactions, we acquired 100% of the equity interest of Telecable for an aggregate consideration of Ps.10,002 million. Telecable is a cable company that provides cable television, internet access and telephony services in Mexico, primarily in the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Queretaro, Tamaulipas, and Colima, among others.

Bestel. Currently, the Company indirectly holds 66.1% of the equity of Bestel (35.3% through Cablevisión and 30.8% through CVQ), which provides voice, data, and managed services to domestic and international carriers and to the enterprise, corporate, and government segments, cloud and other services in Mexico. Through Bestel (USA), Inc., Bestel provides cross-border services to U.S. carriers including internet protocol, or IP, transit, collocation, international private lines, virtual private networks, or VPNs, and voice services, as well as access to the Internet backbone via companies or carriers classified as “TIER 1” which are networks that can reach every other network on the internet without purchasing internet protocol address transit or paying settlements and “TIER 2” which are networks that peer with some networks, but purchase internet protocol address transit or pay settlements to reach at least some portion of the internet. Bestel operates approximately 32,000 kilometers of a fiber-optic network, including the fiber-optic network it owns. This fiber-optic network covers several important cities and economic regions in Mexico and has direct crossing of its network into San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen, El Paso and Dallas in Texas, Nogales in Arizona, Miami in Florida and San Diego and Los Angeles in California in the United States. This enables the Company to provide high capacity connectivity between the United States and Mexico.

FTTH. On December 17, 2018, we acquired from Axtel its residential fiber-to-the-home business and related assets in Mexico City, Zapopan, Monterrey, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi and Ciudad Juarez, through our FTTH subsidiary. The acquired assets comprised 553,226 RGUs, consisting of 97,622 video, 227,802 broadband and 227,802 voice RGUs. The total value of the transaction amounts to Ps.4,713 million.

Sky

Background. We operate “Sky”, our DTH satellite venture in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic, through Innova. We indirectly own 58.7% of this venture. The remaining 41.3% of Innova is owned by DIRECTV. For a description of capital contributions and loans we have made to Innova, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Liquidity, Foreign Exchange and Capital Resources — Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions and Investments, Distributions and Other Sources of Liquidity”.

Innova’s Social Part Holders Agreement provides that neither we nor News Corp. nor DIRECTV may directly or indirectly operate or acquire an interest in any business that operates a DTH satellite system in Mexico, Central America and the Dominican Republic (subject to limited exceptions).

As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Innova’s DTH satellite pay-TV service had 7,637,040, 7,429,351 and 7,477,294 gross active video subscribers, respectively. Innova primarily attributes its success to its superior programming content, its exclusive transmission of the largest coverage sporting events such as soccer tournaments and special events, its high quality customer service and its nationwide distribution network with approximately 763 points of sale. In addition to the above, Innova also attributes its success to VeTV, our low-end package in Mexico. Sky continues to offer the highest quality and exclusive content in the Mexican pay-TV industry. Its programming packages combine our over-the-air channels with other exclusive content.

During 2020, Sky offered exclusive content, which included certain Mexican Soccer League matches and the Spanish Soccer League, La Liga and La Copa del Rey, the Premier League, the Carabao Cup, the NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB Extra Innings, the NHL, several ice skating championships, marathons, Liga Arco Mexicana del Pacífico and Caribbean Series, UEFA Nations League and Bundesliga in Central America and some exclusive matches in Mexico, qualifying and friendly matches of the Brazilian national team, as well as special coverage of several women’s soccer leagues, such as the FA Women’s Super League, the Frauen Bundesliga, the Women’s Swedish Football League and Copa de la Reina. In addition to new programming contracts, Sky continues to operate under arrangements with a number of third party programming providers to provide additional channels to its subscribers. Sky also has arrangements with the major programming studios and sports federations.

In 2020, the Sky HD Package comprised 161 channels, as well as ten additional channels for pay-per-view. We expect to continue broadening our HD offering in the coming years for which we may need additional transponder capacity.

As of December 31, 2020, the standard definition programming packages monthly fees for residential subscribers, net of a prompt payment discount if the subscriber pays within 12 days of the billing date, are the following: Basic Ps.159, Fun Ps.319, Fox+ Ps.494, HBO Ps.489, Universe Ps.724 and monthly fees for high definition programming packages are: Gold Ps.219, Platinum Ps.309 and Black Ps.704. Monthly fees for each programming package do not reflect a monthly rental fee in the amount of Ps.184 for standard definition, Ps.184 for Gold and Ps.214 for Platinum and Black packages for the decoder necessary to receive the service (or Ps.170 for standard definition, Ps.160 for Gold and Ps.200 for Platinum and Black packages if the subscriber pays within 12 days of the billing date) and a one-time activation fee which depends on the number of decoders and payment method. The monthly fees with respect to our prepaid programming package are the following: VeTV Ps.104, VeTV PLUS Ps.154 and the monthly rental fee for the decoder necessary to receive the service is Ps.120.

Sky devotes 10 pay-per-view channels to family entertainment and movies and four channels are devoted to adult entertainment. In addition, Sky assigns 15 extra channels exclusively for special events, known as Sky Events, which include concerts and sports. Sky provides some Sky Events at no additional cost while it sells others on a pay-per-view basis.

The installation fee is based on the number of set up boxes and the method of payment chosen by the subscriber. The monthly cost consists of a programming fee plus a rental fee for each additional box.

In 2018, Sky launched Fixed Wireless Broadband services under the brand name Blue Telecomm. Sky offers five, 10 or 20 mega single-play broadband services and five or 10 for video-broadband bundles. These services are limited to certain areas in Mexico. At the end of fiscal year 2020, Sky had 665,907 broadband customers.

Programming. We are a major source of programming content for our DTH venture and have granted our DTH venture DTH satellite service broadcast rights to most of our existing and future program services (including pay-per-view services on DTH), subject to some pre-existing third party agreements and other exceptions and conditions. Through its relationships with us and DIRECTV, we expect that the DTH satellite service in Mexico will be able to continue to negotiate favorable terms for programming both with third parties in Mexico and with international suppliers from the United States, Europe and Latin America.

Content

Television Industry in Mexico

General. There are 18 television stations operating in Mexico City and approximately 599 other television stations elsewhere in Mexico. Most of the stations outside of Mexico City rebroadcast programming originating from the Mexico City stations. We own and operate four of the 18 television stations in Mexico City, Channels 2, 4, 5 and 9. Some of these stations are affiliated with 207 repeater stations and 16 local stations outside of Mexico City. See “— Programming — Television Networks”. Our major competitor, TV Azteca, owns and operates Channels 7 and 1 (formerly 13) in Mexico City, which we believe are affiliated with 177 stations outside of Mexico City. Likewise, TV Azteca owns the concession for Channel 40, or ADN 40, an ultra-high radioelectric frequency, or UHF, channel that broadcasts throughout the Mexico City metropolitan area, Grupo Imagen owns the concession for Channel 27 or Excelsior and Channel 29 or Cadena 3 or Imagen Television, Multimedios owns the concession for virtual Channel 6.1 and La Octava owns the concession for Channel 28 in Mexico City. The Mexican government currently operates seven stations in Mexico City, Channel 11 (IPN), which has 16 repeater stations, Channel 21, Channel 22, Channel 20 (TVUNAM), Channel 34, Channel 45 (Congress), Channel 30, an anchor station of Sistema Público de Radiodifusión del Estado Mexicano, which, we believe, has 25 repeater stations outside Mexico City, 25 stations (State Governments), and nine other university stations. There are 47 local television stations affiliated with Imagen Television, outside of Mexico City. There are also 41 independent stations which are unaffiliated with any other stations, 17 stations of Multimedios, 17 stations of Telsusa and two stations of La Octava outside of Mexico City. See “— Programming — Television Networks”.

We estimate that approximately 31.8 million Mexican households have television sets, representing approximately 93.1% of all households in Mexico as of December 31, 2020. We believe that approximately 97.6 % of all households in Mexico City and the surrounding area have television sets.

Programming

Programming We Produce. We produce a significant part of the Spanish-language television programming in the world. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we produced approximately 83,712 hours, 88,370 hours and 86,891 respectively, of programming for broadcast on our network stations; including programming produced by our local stations, which represented 64.1%, 66.3% and 65.8% of our total hours produced in the same years, respectively. Programming and videos for broadcast on our pay-TV channels, through our cable operations and DTH satellite ventures, represented 22.1%, 20.6% and 21.5% of our total hours produced in 2018 and 2019 and 2020, respectively.

We produce a variety of programs, including dramas, newscasts, situation comedies, game shows, reality shows, children’s programs, comedy and variety programs, musical and cultural events, movies and educational programming. Our dramas are broadcast either dubbed or subtitled in a variety of languages throughout the world.

Our programming also includes broadcasts of special events and sports events in Mexico promoted by us and others. Among the sports events that we broadcast are soccer games and professional wrestling matches. See “— Other Businesses — Sports and Show Business Promotions”. In 2018, we broadcast the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Under 20 France 2018 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Under 17 Uruguay 2018. In 2019, we broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019, the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019, the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019 Draw, FIFA The Best Football Awards 2019, the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2019, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2019, the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2019, the CONMEBOL Copa America 2019 and the XVIII Pan American Games Lima 2019. In 2020, we broadcast the CONCACAF 2020 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, the 2020 Lausanne Olympic Youth Games, and friendly matches disputed by the Mexican National Soccer Team. We have secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Canada, Mexico and USA 2026 World Cup and 2030 FIFA World Cup for Mexico and other territories in Latin America.

For 2020, we had secured the broadcasting rights of some CONCACAF minor events, but due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, CONCACAF decided to reschedule the events for 2021.

In October 2019, we secured from the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) the broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo originally scheduled for July 2020. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, the IOC decided to postpone the games to a later date, tentatively July 2021.

Our programming is produced primarily at our 32 studios in Mexico City. We also operate 23 fully equipped remote control units (OB Vans). Some of our local television stations also produce their own programming. These local stations operate 46 studios and 34 fully equipped remote control units. See “ — Local Affiliates”.

Foreign-Produced Programming. We license and broadcast television programs produced by third parties outside Mexico. Most of this foreign programming is from the United States and includes television series, movies and sports events, including coverage of Major League Baseball games and National Football League games. Foreign-produced programming represented approximately 28.7%, 30.9% and 29.4% of the programming broadcast on our four television networks in 2018 2019 and 2020, respectively. A substantial majority of the foreign-produced programming aired on our networks was dubbed into Spanish and was aired on Channel 5, with the remaining aired on Channel 9.

Talent Promotion. We operate Centro de Educación Artística, a school in Mexico City, to develop and train actors. We provide instruction free of charge, and a substantial number of the actors appearing on our programs have attended the school. We also promote writers and directors through a writers’ school as well as various contests and scholarships.

Television Networks. We operate three television networks that can be viewed throughout parts of Mexico depending on the schedules and programming on our affiliated television stations through Channels 2, 5 and 9 in Mexico City. The following table indicates the total number of operating television stations in Mexico affiliated with each of our three networks, as well as the total number of local affiliates, as of December 31, 2020.

Channel 2 Network. Channel 2, which is known as “Las Estrellas”, or “The Stars”, together with its affiliated stations, is the leading television network in Mexico and the leading Spanish-language television network in the world, as measured by the size of the audience capable of receiving its signal. Channel 2’s programming is broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 128 television stations located throughout parts of Mexico. The affiliate stations generally retransmit the programming and advertising transmitted to them by Channel 2 without interruption. Such stations are referred to as “repeater” stations. We estimate that the Channel 2 Network reaches approximately 31.1 million households, representing 98 % of the households with television sets in Mexico. The Channel 2 Network accounted for a majority of our national television advertising sales in each of 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The Channel 2 Network targets the average Spanish-speaking family as its audience. Its programs include dramas, news, entertainment, comedy and variety programs, movies, game shows, reality shows and sports. The dramas make up the bulk of the prime time lineup and consist of romantic dramas that unfold over the course of 70 to 120 half-hour episodes. Substantially all of Channel 2’s programming is aired on a first-run basis and much of it is produced by us.

Channel 5 Network. In addition to its anchor station, Channel 5 is affiliated with 63 repeater stations located throughout parts of Mexico. We estimate that the Channel 5 Network reaches approximately 28 million households, representing approximately 88.1% of households with television sets in Mexico. We believe that Channel 5 offers the best option to reach the 18-34 year old demographic, and we have extended its reach into this key group by offering new content. Channel 5 offers a combination of reality shows, national and international soccer, sitcoms, dramas, movies, cartoons and other children’s programming. The majority of Channel 5’s programs are produced outside of Mexico, primarily in the United States. Most of these programs are produced in English.

Channel 9 Network. In addition to its anchor station, Channel 9 is affiliated with 17 repeater stations, approximately 50 % of which are located in central Mexico. We estimate that Channel 9 reaches approximately 17.9 million households, representing approximately 56.3% of households with television sets in Mexico.

The Channel 9 Network targets viewers 30 years and older. Its programs include movies, sports, sitcoms, game shows, dramas produced by third parties, news, an entertainment newscast and re-runs of popular programs from Channel 2.

Channel 4. Channel 4 broadcasts in the Mexico City metropolitan area and to some other areas of the country through a network of repeater stations, and according to our estimates, reached over 23.4 million households in Mexico in 2020. As described above, as part of our plan to attract medium-sized and local Mexico City advertisers and some of the areas covered by the repeater stations, we focused the reach of this network throughout Mexico and revised the format of Channel 4 to create ForoTV in an effort to target viewers in those areas. We currently sell local advertising time on ForoTV to medium-sized and local advertisers at rates comparable to those charged for advertising on local, non-television media, such as radio, newspapers and billboards. However, by purchasing local advertising time on ForoTV, medium-sized and local advertisers are able to reach a wider audience than they would reach through local, non-television media.

ForoTV targets young adults between 30 and 40 years old, and adults more than 55 years old. Its programs consist primarily of journalist content, news, and round table programs in which the participants analyze the national and international news.

Local Affiliates. There are currently 16 local television stations that we wholly own. These stations receive part of their programming from Channels 4 and 9. See “— Channel 4”. The remaining programs aired consist primarily of programs licensed from our program library and locally produced programs. The locally produced programs include news, game shows, musicals and other cultural programs and programs offering professional advice. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the local television stations owned by us produced 53,600 hours, 58,600 hours and 57,138 hours, respectively, of programming. Each of the local affiliates maintains its own sales department and sells advertising time during broadcasts of programs that it produces and/or licenses.

Network Subscription. We produce or license a suite of Spanish and English-language television channels for pay-TV systems in Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the United States, Canada, Africa and Australia. These channels include programming such as general entertainment, dramas, movies, news and music-related shows, interviews and videos. Some of the programming included in these channels is produced by us while other programming is acquired or commissioned from third parties. We commercialize 27 pay-TV brands through over 65 domestic and international feeds, which reach over 42 million subscribers worldwide, averaging seven networks per subscriber.

In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we produced approximately 18,500 hours, 18,100 hours and 18,179 hours, respectively, of programming and videos, for broadcast on our pay-TV channels. The names and brands of our channels include: Telehit, Telehit Música (formerly Telehit Urbano), Bandamax, De Película, Golden, Golden Edge, Golden Latinoamérica, Unicable TLNovelas, TLnovelas Inglés, TLN (Portugues), BitMe, Estrellas Latinoamérica, Estrellas Delay-2hrs, Estrellas Delay-1hr, Distrito Comedia, Adrenalina Sports Network, TUDN, and Unicable Latinoamérica (formerly Unicable Internacional).

Licensing and Syndication. We license our programs and our rights to programs produced by other television broadcasters and pay-TV providers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa. We collect licensing fees based on the size of the market for which the license is granted or on a percentage of the advertising sales generated from the programming. In addition to the programming licensed to Univision, we licensed 83,563 hours, 84,565 hours and 74,209 hours of programming in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. See “Business Overview — Univision” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Total Segment Results — Content”. As of December 31, 2020, we had 278,422 half-hours of television programming in our library available for licensing.

Expansion of Programming Reach. Our programs can be seen in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. We intend to continue to expand our sales of Spanish-language programming internationally through pay-TV services.

Televisa Digital. Televisa Digital is Mexico’s leading creator of premium video content. The digital division consists of a collection of world-class online properties that deliver compelling content to diverse audiences across a network of websites, applications, OTT services, and third-party platforms. With our flagship site, Televisa.com, and the digital extensions of household brands such as Las Estrellas, Televisa News, Televisa Sports, Canal 5 and Televisa Networks, Televisa Digital is the hub for Mexico’s most popular TV shows, live coverage, and premium original content. With unparalleled insights into audience behaviors and preferences across platforms, Televisa Digital is uniquely positioned to offer brand advertisers a premium advertising experience with content they trust.

In addition to its suite of owned and operated properties, the Company has a massive following on social media with 415 social accounts, combined followers of more than 280 million, and double-digit growth in video views. The Company has cultivated strong alliances with Facebook, Google, and most recently Amazon with the development of premium content series and innovative product partnerships that reach new and niche audiences. With the ability to tailor ads based on a user’s demographics, interests and/or viewing behavior, the Company offers a brand-safe environment where advertisers can reach their target audience at scale.

We have license agreements to distribute Telemundo’s original content on digital platforms in Mexico. As part of the agreements, Telemundo provides us with original content, including its highly popular dramas currently broadcast on our Channel 9 and on all of our digital platforms. The agreements complement and are part of the strategic alliance to distribute Telemundo’s original content in Mexico across multiple platforms, including broadcast television, pay-TV and emerging digital platforms.

Televisa Digital has emerged as a top player in the advertising industry by offering its clients a curated slate of products ranging from traditional digital inventory to advanced programmatic solutions, targeted audience buying, TV extension video strategies, social media amplification and custom branded content development.

OTT Platform. In January 2014, we launched an over-the-top platform under the brand “VEO”, which in February 2016 was relaunched as “blim” and recently renamed “blim tv”. Blim tv is fully operated by Televisa, S.A. de C.V. and it provides a Subscription Video-On-Demand (“SVOD”) service and TV Everywhere in Mexico, with an extensive catalogue of domestic and foreign entertainment (including a library of original productions, movies, series, documentaries, programs, dramas and children’s content; and recently carrying 35 linear channels) and has been positioned as an important Spanish-language premium content provider in Mexico. Blim tv is accessible through a growing number of internet connected electronic devices. Blim tv service can be purchased on a monthly and weekly basis through recurring payment with credit card, debit card, prepaid gift cards and codes, payment aggregators, packaged subscriptions through carrier, IPSs and MSO billing and direct billing with other third parties’ app stores. Blim tv is currently the fourth largest SVOD service provider in Mexico.

Advertising Sales Plan. Our sales force is organized into separate teams, each of which focuses on groups of clients, in order to provide multi-platform offers that include free-to-air television, pay television, local stations and digital services. In 2018, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-rating-point basis rather than on a fixed pricing scheme. Most of our sales were made through “Modular 2.0” or “packages” that have a pre-determined allocation through national channels and dayparts through which we optimize the use of our inventory while committing to deliver certain amounts of gross rating points. The majority of our sales were made through these mechanisms.

This strategy remained largely unchanged in 2019.

In 2020, we began billing our clients on a cost-per-thousand-basis, rather than a cost-per-rating-point basis, while keeping the Modular 2.0 Strategy. In addition to this change, we also aligned prices and reduced the number of target audiences that could be requested by clients. In order to have additional time to explain these changes to advertisers, we also changed the closing period for the upfront option to the first quarter of 2020, instead of the end of 2019, as in previous years. As a result, it took us a longer time to close the up front negotiations and the advertising revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were also negatively impacted.

We sell commercial time in two ways: upfront and on a scatter basis. Advertisers that elected the upfront option locked in prices on a cost-per-rating-point basis in 2019 and in 2020 on a cost-per-thousand, or CPM, basis for most of our commercial inventory for the upcoming year, regardless of future price changes. Advertisers that choose the upfront option make annual prepayments, with cash or short-term notes, and are charged lower rates than those charged on a scatter basis for their commercial time, given the highest priority in schedule placement, and given a first option in advertising during special programs. Scatter advertisers, or advertisers who choose not to make upfront payments but rather advertise from time to time, risk both higher prices and limited access to choose commercial time slots. For a description of our advertising sales plan, see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Total Segment Results — Content — Advertising Rates and Sales”.

We currently sell a significant portion of our available television advertising time. We use the remaining portion of our television advertising time primarily to satisfy our legal obligation to the Mexican government to provide up to 18 minutes per day of our broadcast time between 6:00 a.m. and midnight for public service announcements and 30 minutes per day for public programming (referred to in this annual report as Official Television Broadcast Time), and our remaining available television advertising time to promote, among other things, our products. See “Regulation — Television — Mexican Television Regulations — Government Broadcast Time”. We sold approximately 46%, 55% and 42% of total available national advertising time on our networks during prime time broadcasts in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, and approximately 38%, 49% and 40% of total available national advertising time during all time periods in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. See “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Total Segment Results — Content”.

Other Businesses

Publishing. Notwithstanding the challenges facing the publishing industry, we believe we have maintained our position as the most important publisher and distributor of magazines in Mexico, as measured by circulation.

With a total circulation of approximately 11.7 million copies in 2020, we publish 32 titles that are distributed in México. See “— Publishing Distribution”. Our main publications in Mexico include TV y Novelas, a weekly entertainment and dramas magazine; Vanidades, a popular bi-weekly magazine for women; and Caras, a monthly leading lifestyle and socialite magazine.

We publish the Spanish-language edition of several magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire through a joint venture with Hearst Communications, Inc.; and Muy Interesante pursuant to a license agreement with Zinet Media Global, S.L. We also publish a Spanish-language edition of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler through a licensing agreement with National Geographic Partners, LLC. In addition, we publish several comics pursuant to license agreements with Marvel Brands LLC. and DC Comics. 

Our digital advertising revenue increased from 18% of the total advertising revenue of the publishing business in 2019 to 26% in 2020. 

Publishing Distribution. We estimate that we distribute more than 50%, in terms of volume, of the magazines circulated in Mexico through our subsidiary, Distribuidora Intermex, S.A. de C.V., or Intermex. We believe that our distribution network, including independent distributors, reaches over 126 million Spanish-speaking people in Mexico. We also estimate that such distribution network reaches more than 7,705 points of sale in Mexico. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, 62%, 66% and 51% respectively, of the publications distributed by our company were published by our Publishing division. In addition, our distribution network sells a number of publications published by joint ventures and independent publishers, as well as sticker albums, books, novelties and other consumer products.

Sports and Show Business Promotions. We actively promote a wide variety of sports events and cultural, musical and other entertainment productions in Mexico. Most of these events and productions are broadcast on our television stations, cable television system and DTH satellite services. See “ Our Operations — Programming” “Our Operations — Cable — Digital Cable Television Services”, and “Our Operations — Sky”.

Soccer. We own Club de Fútbol América S.A. de C.V., or Club América, which currently plays in the Mexican First Division and is one of the most popular and successful soccer teams in Mexico. In the Mexican First Division, each team plays two tournaments of 17 games per regular annual season. The best teams of each regular season engage in post-season championship play.

We own the Azteca Stadium, which has hosted two World Cup Inaugurations and Final Games (1970 and 1986). In 2016, the Azteca Stadium underwent major renovations, adding new premier zones (suites and club seats). The stadium currently has a total seating capacity of approximately 84,500 fans. The Azteca Stadium hosts the home games of Club América as well as the qualifying matches of the Mexican National Team. Also since the second half of 2018, the Azteca Stadium became host for the home games of the soccer team known as Cruz Azul, which also participates in the first division of the Professional Mexican Soccer League. In addition, the Azteca Stadium has been confirmed by FIFA to host soccer matches during the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.

National Football League. The Company entered into a contract with the National Football League, or the NFL, to host one regular season game each year beginning in 2016 through 2018. Due to field conditions, the 2018 NFL game was relocated to Los Angeles and postponed. It took place in 2019. The parties agreed for the stadium to host two regular season games in Mexico City during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, subject to certain conditions being met. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the game to take place in 2020 was postponed.

Promotions. We promote a wide variety of concerts and other shows, including beauty pageants, song festivals and shows of popular Mexican and international artists. These are mostly done in relation to our content production and distribution businesses to promote our audiovisual properties.

Feature Film Production and Distribution. We produce and co-produce first-run Spanish- and English-language feature films, some of which are among Mexico’s top films based on box office receipts.

We distribute our films to movie theaters in Mexico, the United States and Latin America, and later release them for broadcast on video on demand, cable and network television; some of those films have been partially financed by us and are among the highest grossing Mexican films in Mexico, such as No Manches Frida, Hazlo Como Hombre, 3 Idiotas, La Boda De Valentina, No Manches Frida 2, Mirreyes vs Godinez, Cindy la Regia and the Spanish language film that broke audience and box office records in Mexico and the United States during its release year, Instructions Not Included, which became the second highest film in Mexico in terms of number of viewers. We distribute feature films produced by non-Mexican producers in Mexico. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, we distributed 22, 13 and nine feature films, respectively, including several U.S. box office hits.

At December 31, 2020, we owned or had rights to 474 Spanish-language theatrical films, 169 theatrical films in other languages, 25 Spanish-language video titles and 27 video titles in other languages. Many of these films and titles have been shown on our television networks, cable system, DTH and subscription video on demand services.

Gaming Business. In 2006, we launched our gaming business, which consists of casinos and an online gaming site. As of December 31, 2020, we had 18 casinos in operation, under the brand name “PlayCity”. Due to the global pandemic, the casinos have opened and closed intermittently, following guidance from the relevant authorities. In accordance with our permit, we may open new casinos until May 2021. We plan to seek an extension of such period. In 2017, we launched our online sports betting site. The casinos and our online sports betting site are operated under the Gaming Permit obtained from the Mexican Ministry of the Interior, to establish, among other things, up to 45 casinos and number draws throughout Mexico. During 2017, our management decided to begin an internal process to close Multijuegos, our lottery business, and in December 2017, we obtained an authorization from the Mexican Ministry of Interior, to suspend such business operations.

Held-for-Sale Operations

Radio Stations. On July 2, 2020, we concluded the sale of our 50% equity participation in Sistema Radiópolis, S.A. de C.V., or Radiópolis. Such business was classified as a held-for-sale operation for accounting purposes until its disposal. Our participation in Radiópolis was operated under a joint venture with Promotora de Informaciones, S.A., or Grupo Prisa, a leading Spanish communications group.

Investments

OCEN. We own a 40% stake in OCEN, a subsidiary of CIE, which owns all of the assets related to CIE’s live entertainment business unit in Mexico. OCEN’s business includes the production and promotion of a wide variety of live entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical, family and cultural events, as well as the operation of entertainment venues, the sale of entrance tickets (under an agreement with Ticketmaster Corporation), food, beverages and merchandising, and the booking and management of Latin artists. OCEN is ranked among the top five live show promoters in the world, according to Pollstar Magazine.

During 2018, 2019 and 2020, OCEN promoted 3,109, 3,490 and 565 events, respectively, and during 2020, it managed 12 entertainment venues in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, providing an entertainment platform that established OCEN as one of the principal live entertainment companies in Mexico.

During 2020, 3.9 million entrance tickets were issued by OCEN’s subsidiary Ticketmaster, compared to 19.6 million in 2019.

The significant drop in number of events and tickets issued during 2020 was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 24, 2019, we announced that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (“Live Nation”) had agreed to purchase our unconsolidated 40% equity participation in OCEN. In consideration for the sale, we expected to receive Ps.5,206 million. Live Nation and the Company have an open dispute in connection with a purported unilateral termination of the stock purchase agreement by Live Nation, which was communicated to the Company in May 2020.

Imagina. We owned equity participations equivalent to 19.05% of the capital stock of Imagina Media Audiovisual S.L., or Imagina, one of the main providers of content and audiovisual services for the media and entertainment industry in Spain. On June 26, 2018, we closed on the sale of our 19.05% stake in Imagina. From the total proceeds paid to us of approximately U.S.$341.0 million, 11% was retained in escrow. In December 2018, approximately U.S.$18.2 million (approximately 43% of the relevant amount) was released from escrow, plus an additional U.S.$1.7 million that were paid to Imagina’s controlling shareholders as part of the agreement. In 2019, an additional U.S.$12.1 million was released. In 2020, an additional U.S.$2.9 million was released. By December 2020, approximately U.S.$2.6 million remained in escrow. The amount remaining in escrow will be released over time subject to customary terms and conditions under such escrow agreements.

Grupo de Telecomunicaciones de Alta Capacidad, S.A.P.I. de C.V. In March 2010, Telefónica, Editora Factum, S.A. de C.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company which was merged into CVQ in May 2015, and Megacable agreed to jointly participate, through a consortium known as Grupo de Telecomunicaciones de Alta Capacidad, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“GTAC”), in the public bid for a pair of dark fiber wires held by the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). In June 2010, the SCT granted GTAC a favorable award in the bidding process for a 20 year contract for the lease of up to 19,457 kilometers of dark fiber-optic capacity, along with a corresponding concession, granted in July 2010, to operate a public telecommunications network using DWDM technology. In June 2010, one of our subsidiaries entered into a long-term credit facility agreement to provide financing to GTAC in an amount up to Ps.688.2 million. Under the terms of this agreement, principal and interest are payable at dates agreed by the parties, between 2013 and 2021. In addition, a subsidiary of the Company entered into supplementary long-term loans to provide additional financing to GTAC for an aggregate principal amount of Ps.946.1 million. By the end of 2020, GTAC had in operation 180 links and 158 nationwide nodes, and the services for customers grew to 2,959, of which 91% have a capacity of 10 Gbps. The overall capacity per link is approximately 3.2 Tbps (80 optical channels x 10, 40 and 100 Gbps each channel). In addition, GTAC maintains four of its own routes (1,873 kilometers), three third-party dark fiber IRU (2,764 kilometers) and local loops (559 kilometers). This fiber-optic network represents for us an alternative to access data transportation services, increasing competition in the Mexican telecommunications market and therefore improving the quality of the services offered. The fiber-optic network aims to increase broadband internet access for businesses as well as households in Mexico.

We have investments in several other businesses. See Notes 3 and 10 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.

Univision

We have a number of arrangements with Univision, the leading Spanish-language content and media company in the United States that owns and operates the following: Univision Network, which is among the most-watched Spanish-language television networks in the United States; UniMás Network; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión and TUDN; 61 local television stations and 58 radio stations in major Hispanic markets across the United States, free AVOD streaming service PrendeTV; Univision Now; Univision.com; and Uforia, a music application featuring multimedia music content.

On December 20, 2010, Univision, we, UHI and other parties affiliated with the other investor groups that at the time owned a majority of the shares of UHI (the “Univision Sponsor Group”) entered into various agreements and completed certain transactions as a result of which, among other things, we made a cash investment of U.S.$1,255 million in UHI (formerly known as BMP), in exchange for an initial 5% equity stake in UHI, and U.S.$1,125 million aggregate principal amount of 1.5% Convertible Debentures of UHI due 2025 which were convertible at our option into additional shares then equivalent to an approximately 30% equity stake of UHI. In connection with this investment, (i) we entered into an amended program license agreement, or PLA, with Univision, pursuant to which Univision has the exclusive right to broadcast certain of the Company’s content in the United States, (ii) we entered into a new program license agreement with Univision, the Mexico License Agreement, or MLA, under which we have received the exclusive Spanish-language broadcast and digital rights to Univision’s audiovisual programming (subject to certain exceptions) in Mexico during the term of the PLA, and (iii) three designees of the Company joined Univision’s board of directors, which was later increased to four designees of the Company.

In December 2011, we made an additional investment of U.S.$49.1 million in cash in common stock of UHI by which we increased our equity interest in UHI from 5% to 7.1%. In August 2012, we made an additional investment of U.S.$22.5 million in cash in common stock of UHI by which we increased our equity interest in UHI from 7.1% to 8.0%. On January 30, 2014, a group of institutional investors made a capital contribution to UHI. As a result of this transaction, our equity stake in UHI decreased from 8.0% to 7.8%. In July 2015, we exchanged U.S.$1.125 billion principal amount of Univision’s convertible debentures into warrants that were exercisable for certain classes of UHI’s common stock. In connection with the conversion, Univision made a one-time payment to the Company of U.S.$135.1 million on July 15, 2015 to induce the conversion. In addition, on July 15 2015, we exercised 267,532 warrants to increase our common stock ownership from 7.8% to 10%.

Effective as of December 29, 2020, the Univision Sponsor Group that collectively owned a majority of the shares of UHI completed the sale of a majority of shares of UHI affiliates of Searchlight and ForgeLight. Liberty Global also acquired a minority preferred equity interest in UHI. In connection with those transactions, we retained all of our equity interests in UHI, and our commercial arrangements with UHI and Univision, including the PLA and MLA, remained in effect and unchanged. Also in connection with those transactions, we entered into new governance arrangements with the new shareholders with respect to UHI pursuant to which, among other things, three designees of the Company have remained on Univision’s current nine-member board of directors. Also on December 29, 2020, we exercised all of our remaining warrants exercisable for UHI common stock in exchange for 4,590,953 shares of Class C common stock of UHI. As a result of the foregoing transactions, our equity ownership of UHI increased to approximately 36%. 

PLA and MLA

Under the PLA, we have granted Univision exclusive Spanish-language broadcast and digital rights to our audiovisual programming (subject to certain exceptions) in the United States and all territories and possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico, which includes the right to use our online, network and pay-television programming on Univision’s current and future Spanish-language television networks (with certain exceptions), including the Univision, UniMás and Galavision cable television networks, owned or controlled by Univision and current and future Univision Spanish-language online and interactive platforms (such as PrendeTV, Univision Now, Univision.com and Video on Demand). Univision also has rights under the PLA to broadcast in the United States Mexican First Division soccer league games for which we own or control the United States rights, which began with select teams in 2011 and which expanded in 2015 to all teams to which we own or control United States rights. We have agreed to provide Univision with at least 8,531 hours of programming per year for the term of the PLA.

Under the MLA, we have the exclusive Spanish-language broadcast and digital rights to Univision’s audiovisual programming (subject to certain exceptions) in Mexico during the term of the PLA.

On July 1, 2015, the Company, UHI and Univision, together with Univision’s then major shareholders, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) and Univision and a subsidiary of the Company entered into an amendment to the existing PLA (the “PLA Amendment”). Under the PLA Amendment, the terms of the existing strategic relationship between Univision and the Company were amended, including to revise the royalty computation. Under the computation as currently in effect, the royalty rate is 16.13%, and the Company receives an incremental 2% in royalty payments on Univision’s Spanish-language media networks’ revenues above a revenue base of U.S.$1.66 billion. In addition, given that Univision was unable to secure the broadcast rights in the United States for the World Cup in 2018, the royalty rate increased to 16.45% starting on June 1, 2018 and until the month prior to the next World Cup for which Univision is able to secure such rights, from 16.13%, compared to 16.54% under the previous terms of the PLA. With this second rate increase, the Company receives an incremental 2% in royalty payments above a reduced revenue base of U.S.$1.63 billion. The royalty base generally includes all Univision revenues from the exploitation or operation of its Spanish-language audiovisual platforms, sublicensing arrangements, licenses of content to network affiliates or multichannel video programming distributors, and Univision-branded online platforms, whether those revenues are derived on an advertising, subscription, distribution, interactive media, or transactional basis. At the time of the PLA Amendment, the Company and Univision amended the MLA to conform, in some aspects, to the PLA Amendment.

As part of the terms of the sale of a majority of the shares of UHI in 2020, the MOU was terminated. However, the PLA Amendment was not terminated and remains in effect.

Pursuant to the 2021 Transaction Agreement (as defined below), upon completion of the 2021 Transaction, the PLA and the MLA will be assigned to UHI, and we will no longer receive any royalties from Univision under the PLA.

FCC Matters

On January 3, 2017, the FCC (i) approved an increase in the authorized aggregate foreign ownership of Univision’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock from 25% to 49%; and (ii) authorized the Company to hold up to 40% of the voting interests and 49% of the equity interests of Univision. Such authorization enabled the Company to increase its equity stake in Univision, which it did through the exercise of warrants in December 2020, as described earlier in this section under “—Univision”. In addition, on December 23, 2020, the FCC approved the then-pending acquisition of a majority equity interest in UHI by affiliates of Searchlight and ForgeLight, subject to certain requirements, and authorized the foreign ownership of up to 100% of UHI’s equity and voting interests.

2021 Transaction Agreement

As previously announced, on April 13, 2021, we entered into a definitive transaction agreement (the “2021 Transaction Agreement”) with UHI and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, affiliates of Searchlight, ForgeLight and Liberty Global, pursuant to which, among other things, we will contribute our content business (other than certain assets relating to our news business, real estate and Mexican over-the-air broadcast concessions) to UHI. In consideration for the contribution of such business, we will receive U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI. In addition, we have entered into commercial arrangements with UHI pursuant to which we will receive additional consideration valued at approximately U.S.$300 million in the aggregate (all such transactions collectively, the “2021 Transaction”). The combined company following the closing of the 2021 Transaction will be called “Televisa-Univision.” The cash consideration and expenses of UHI in the 2021 Transaction are expected to be financed by UHI through a new Series C preferred equity investment of U.S.$1 billion in the aggregate led by the SoftBank Latin American Fund, along with ForgeLight, with participation from Google and The Raine Group; and a debt commitment of U.S.$2.1 billion. In addition, following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, Televisa-Univision’s news content production for Mexico will be outsourced from a company owned by the Azcárraga family, while Televisa-Univision will hold all assets, IP and library related to our news division.

The obligations of the parties to the 2021 Transaction Agreement to consummate the 2021 Transaction are subject to closing conditions, including, among others, (i) the authorization or non-objection of the Mexican Federal Antitrust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia Económica) and the Mexican Federal Telecommunications Institute (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones) (the “IFT”) under Mexican antitrust laws being obtained, (ii) the grant by the FCC of the applications, requests for waivers and petitions for declaratory ruling (if any) required to be filed with the FCC to obtain the approvals, waivers and declaratory rulings of the FCC pursuant to the applicable U.S. communications laws necessary to consummate the 2021 Transaction and such grant being in effect as issued by the FCC or extended by the FCC, (iii) the approval of the IFT under Mexican telecommunications laws being obtained, (iv) the approval or non-objection of the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector being obtained (if filings with such committee are made in connection with the 2021 Transaction), (v) the authorization of the Mexican Foreign Investment Commission under Mexican foreign investment laws being obtained, (vi) the termination or expiration of any applicable waiting period or periods under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, (vii) certain other approvals or consents from governmental entities being obtained, (viii) the approval of the 2021 Transaction by our shareholders being obtained, (ix) with respect to Grupo Televisa, subject to materiality qualifications, the accuracy of representations and warranties made by UHI and, with respect to UHI, subject to materiality qualifications, the accuracy of representations and warranties made by Grupo Televisa, (x) the absence of any court order or law preventing or declaring unlawful the consummation of the 2021 Transaction and (xi) the performance and compliance by us and UHI in all material respects of or with their respective obligations under the 2021 Transaction Agreement. The 2021 Transaction is expected to be completed in 2021, but there can be no assurance that it will be completed within such timeframe or at all.

Following the completion of the 2021 Transaction, our equity stake in UHI is expected to increase from approximately 36% to approximately 45%, and we will enter into new governance arrangements with the other shareholders of UHI, pursuant to which, among other things, we will be entitled to designate five of the 13 members of the Board of Directors of UHI, have at least proportionate membership on board committees and be afforded consent rights over certain matters. In addition, immediately following the closing of the 2021 Transaction, Messrs. Emilio Fernando Azcárraga Jean, Bernardo Gómez Martínez and Alfonso de Angoitia will participate in the management team of the Mexican content business of the combined Televisa-Univision for a transitional period.

The foregoing summary of the 2021 Transaction Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2021 Transaction Agreement, a copy of which has been filed as Exhibit 4.18 to this Form 20-F.

For additional information regarding our relationship with Univision, see Notes 9, 10, 14 and 20 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.

 Competition

We compete with various forms of media, entertainment and telecommunications companies in Mexico, both Mexican and non-Mexican. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — We Face Competition in Each of Our Markets That We Expect Will Intensify”.

Cable

Cablevisión, Cablemás, TVI, Cablecom, Telecable and FTTH face intense competition from several media, internet, OTT, cable, pay-TV and telecommunications companies throughout Mexico.

The telecommunications industry in Mexico has become highly competitive. New technologies and technical innovations have been implemented in the telecommunications sector, resulting in a significant increase in competition. We believe that there is a strong correlation between the increase in competition and the adoption of new technologies. 

Our cable operators face intense competition in the Internet services market and in the fixed telephony services market from several service providers such as Totalplay and other cable companies, but also importantly from the preponderant economic agent in the telecommunications sector, which holds a significant market share, as well as other competitors in fixed-mobile solutions.

Our cable operators also face tough competition from other cable companies and from other pay-TV operators such as Dish Mexico, Total Play, Megacable, Sky and other cable operator companies. Recently, competition in this market has increased due to the growth of IPTV or OTT providers such as Netflix, Disney+, Claro Video and Prime Video (Amazon).

Our cable operators compete as well with other media with respect to advertising sales, including DTH, social media, outdoor advertising and publishing among others. The information technologies are changing and we expect will continue to change the consumption of advertising in the communications media.

Sky

Innova currently competes with, or expects to compete with, among others, cable television operators, MMDS systems, national broadcast networks (including our three free-to-air networks and Channel 4), regional and local broadcast stations, OTT content providers, internet video websites and other DTH concessions such as Dish Mexico, which as of the second quarter of 2020 had approximately 1.5 million subscribers, according to IFT. Currently, Dish Mexico offers not only low-priced packages, but also high-end products such as High Definition Packages. Innova also faces competition from: (a) unauthorized C-band and Ku-band television signals provided by third parties without authorization of the Mexican government; and (b) illegal streaming services that facilitate access to television channels and content through set up boxes and applications. Other competitors include radio, movie theaters, video rental stores, IPTV, video games and other entertainment sources. We also face significant competition from new entrants in pay-TV services as well as from the new public television networks. The consolidation in the entertainment and broadcast industries could further intensify competitive pressures. As the pay-TV market in Mexico matures, and as the offering of bundled services that include pay-TV, broadband and telephony increases, Innova expects to face competition from an increasing number of sources. Emerging technologies that provide new services to pay-TV customers as well as new competitors in the DTH field or cable, telecommunication and internet players entering into video services would require us to make significant capital expenditures in new technologies and additional transponder capacity.

In October 2008, Dish Mexico, a subsidiary of a U.S. based DTH company operating with certain arrangements with Telmex, started operations in Mexico through a DTH concession. Dish Mexico currently operates nationwide.

Content

Our television stations compete for advertising revenues and for the services of recognized talent and qualified personnel with other television stations (including the stations owned by TV Azteca and Imagen Television) in their markets, as well as with other advertising media, such as pay television networks, radio, newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, cable television and a multi-channel, multi-point distribution system, or MMDS, OTT content providers, internet websites and DTH satellite services. Our content also competes with other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities. We generally compete with 308 channels throughout Mexico, including the channels of our major competitor, TV Azteca, which owns and operates Channels 7 and 1 (formerly 13) in Mexico City, which we believe are affiliated with 177 stations outside of Mexico City. In addition, TV Azteca holds one concession title for Channel 40 or ADN 40.

In addition to the foregoing channels, there are additional operating channels in Mexico with which we also compete, including Channel 11, which has 15 repeater stations, and Channel 22, which has 25 repeater stations in Mexico, which are operated by the Mexican government, as well as Imagen Television that operates as a concession holder to broadcast on a national digital network. Our television stations are the leading television stations in their respective markets. See “— Our Operations — Programming — Television Networks”.

We are a major supplier of Spanish-language programming in the United States and throughout the world. We face competition from other international producers of Spanish-language and English-language programming and other types of programming.

Other Businesses

Publishing

Each of our magazine publications competes for readership and advertising revenues with other magazines of a general character and with other forms of print and non-print media. Competition for advertising is based on circulation levels, reader demographics and advertising rates.

Feature Film Production and Distribution

Production and distribution of feature films is a highly competitive business in Mexico. The various producers compete for the services of recognized talent and for film rights to scripts and other literary property. We compete with other feature film producers, Mexican and non-Mexican, and distributors in the distribution of films in Mexico, the U.S. and in Latin America. See “— Other Businesses — Feature Film Production and Distribution”. Our films also compete with other forms of entertainment and leisure time activities.

Gaming Business

Our principal competitors in the gaming industry are, with respect to casinos, Codere, Grupo Caliente, Grupo Cirsa, Grupo Logrand, and Palacio de los Números. We also face competition from several illegal casino and bingo parlors throughout Mexico.

Regulation

Our business, activities and investments are subject to various Mexican federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, which are constantly subject to change and are affected by the actions of various Mexican federal, state and local governmental authorities. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Imposition of Fines by Regulators and Other Authorities Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue” and “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”. The material Mexican federal, state and local statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to which our business, activities and investments are subject are summarized below. These summaries do not purport to be complete and should be read together with the full texts of the relevant statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures described therein.

Cable

Concessions. Cable television operators apply for a concession from IFT in order to operate their networks and provide cable television services and other multimedia communications services. Applications are submitted to IFT and, after a formal review process, a concession is granted for an initial term of up to 30 years. Cablevisión obtained a telecommunications concession, which expires in 2029; in 2019 such concession became an integrated sole concession. Pursuant to its public telecommunications concession, Cablevisión can provide any telecommunication services in Mexico, including cable television, limited audio transmission services, bidirectional internet access and unlimited data transmission services in Mexico City and surrounding areas in the State of Mexico (Estado de México). The scope of Cablevisión’s integrated sole concession is much broader than the scope of its former public telecommunications concession, which covered certain telecommunications services in Mexico City and its metropolitan area.

Cablemás operates under 62 concessions, which cover 20 Mexican states. Through these concessions, Cablemás provides cable television services, internet access and bidirectional data transmission services. Cablemás provides local and long distance telephony services. Each concession granted by the SCT and/or IFT allows Cablemás to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration dates for Cablemás’ concessions range from 2023 to 2046. Cablemás holds a concession title that allows it to provide any telecommunications service all around Mexico.

TVI operates under one integrated sole concession, which covers primarily six Mexican states. Through this concession, TVI provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services. The integrated sole concession granted by IFT allows TVI to install and operate a public telecommunications network to provide any telecommunication and broadcasting services all around Mexico. TVI’s concession will expire in 2045.

Cablecom and its affiliates operate under 25 concessions, which cover 15 Mexican states. Through these concessions, Cablecom provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services. Each concession granted by the SCT or IFT allows Cablecom to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration dates for Cablecom’s concessions range from 2025 to 2045. Cablecom holds two concession titles that allows it to provide any telecommunications service all around Mexico.

Telecable operates under 32 concessions, which cover 10 Mexican states. Through these concessions, Telecable provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services, as well as mobile telephony as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in 29 Mexican States. Each concession granted by the SCT or IFT allows Telecable to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration dates for Telecable’s concessions range from 2022 to 2040. Telecable holds a concession title that allows it to provide any telecommunications service all around Mexico, which was extended by the IFT on December 16, 2020 for an additional 30 years, until December 26, 2056. The delivery of the concession title is pending.

FTTH operates under one concession, which covers six Mexican states. Through this concession, FTTH provides cable television services, bidirectional data transmission and internet and telephony services. This concession granted by IFT allows FTTH to install and operate a public telecommunications network. The expiration date for FTTH’s concession is 2046. This concession title allows for the provision of any telecommunications service all around Mexico.

According to the LFTR, a public telecommunications concession may be renewed upon its expiration, or revoked or terminated prior to its expiration for a variety of circumstances, including:

In addition, IFT may establish under any public telecommunications concession further events which could result in revocation of the concession. Under current Mexican laws and regulations, upon the expiration or termination of a public telecommunications concession, the Mexican government has the right to purchase those assets of the concessionaire that are directly related to the concession, at market value.

Cable television operators are subject to the LFTR. Under current Mexican law, cable television operators are classified as public telecommunications networks, and must conduct their business in accordance with Mexican laws and regulations applicable to public telecommunications networks.

Under the applicable Mexican law, the Mexican government, through the SCT, may also temporarily seize or even expropriate all of a public telecommunications concessionaire’s assets in the event of a natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance or threats to internal peace and for other reasons related to preserving public order or for economic reasons. The Mexican government is obligated by Mexican law to compensate the concessionaire, both for the value of the assets seized and related profits.

Supervision of Operations. IFT regularly inspects the operations of cable systems and cable television operators must file periodic reports with IFT, and, as of 2020, publish, on their web pages, the average download speed of their internet services.

Under Mexican law, programming broadcast on cable networks is not subject to judicial or administrative censorship. However, this programming is subject to various regulations, including prohibitions on foul language, programming which is against good manners and customs or programming which is against the national security or against public order.

Mexican law also requires cable television operators to broadcast programming that promotes Mexican culture, although cable television operators are not required to broadcast a specified amount of this type of programming.

In addition to broadcasting programming that promotes Mexican culture, Mexican law also requires cable television operators to carry all air broadcast channels and Señales de Instituciones Públicas Federales or Public Federal Institutions Channels provided by the Mexican government according to the applicable regulations.

Restrictions on Advertising. Mexican law restricts the type of advertising that may be broadcast on cable television. These restrictions are similar to those applicable to advertising broadcast on over-the-air Channels 2, 4, 5 and 9. See “— Regulation — Television — Mexican Television Regulations — Restrictions on Advertising”.

Forfeiture of Assets. Under Mexican regulations, at the end of the term of a public telecommunications concession, assets of concessionaires may be purchased by the Mexican government at market value.

Non-Mexican Ownership of Public Telecommunications Networks

Under current Mexican law, non-Mexicans may currently own up to 49%, subject to reciprocity by the relevant foreign country, of the outstanding voting stock of Mexican companies with a broadcast television or radio concession. However, non-Mexicans may currently own up to all of the outstanding voting stock of Mexican companies with a public telecommunications concession to provide cellular telephone, fixed-line telephone, pay-TV and data services.

Application of Existing Regulatory Framework to Internet Access and IP Telephony Services

Cablevisión, TVI, Cablecom, Telecable Cablemás and FTTH may be required, under Mexican law, to permit other concessionaires to connect their network to its network in a manner that enables its customers to choose the network by which the services are carried.

To the extent that a cable television operator has any available capacity on its network, as a public telecommunications network, Mexican law requires the operator to offer third party providers access to its network. Our cable operators currently do not have any capacity available on their networks to offer to third party providers and do not expect that they will have capacity available in the future given the broad range of services they plan to provide over their networks.

Satellite Communications

Mexican Regulation of DTH Satellite Services. Under LFTR, concessions to broadcast DTH satellite services are for an initial term of up to 30 years, and are renewable for up to 30 years. We received a 30-year concession to operate DTH satellite services in Mexico utilizing SatMex satellites in May 1996. In November 2018, such concession transitioned into a unique concession which authorizes Sky to render the following services: DTH Pay TV; Private Satellite Link Services; and Fixed Telephony and Internet Access.

In November 2000, we received an additional 20-year concession to operate our DTH satellite service in Mexico using the IS-9 satellite system, a foreign-owned satellite system. Our use of the IS-16, IS-21 and SM-1 satellites has been authorized by the competent Mexican authorities. As of November 2020, due to modifications in the telecommunications legislation, such concession transitioned into a new 10-year authorization and, at the same time, we were granted a unique concession, thereby complementing our concession to continue providing the DTH service.

Like a public telecommunications network concession, a unique concession, as well as any other authorization, may be revoked or terminated by IFT prior to the end of its term in certain circumstances, which for a DTH concession include:

At the termination of a concession, the Mexican government has the preemptive right to acquire the assets of a DTH satellite service concessionaire. In the event of a natural disaster, war, significant public disturbance or for reasons of public need or interest, the Mexican government may temporarily seize and expropriate all assets related to a concession, but must compensate the concessionaire for such seizure. The Mexican government may collect fees based on DTH satellite service revenues of a satellite concessionaire.

Under the LFTR, DTH satellite service concessionaires may freely set customer fees but must notify IFT of the amount, except that if a concessionaire has substantial market power, IFT may determine fees that may be charged by such concessionaire. The LFTR specifically prohibits cross-subsidies.

There is currently no limitation on the level of non-Mexican ownership of voting equity of DTH satellite system concessionaires.

Regulation of DTH Satellite Services in Other Countries. Our current and proposed DTH ventures in other countries are and will be governed by laws, regulations and other restrictions of such countries, as well as treaties that such countries have entered into, regulating the delivery of communications signals to, or the uplink of signals from, such countries. In addition, the laws of some other countries establish restrictions on our ownership interest in some of these DTH ventures as well as restrictions on programming that may be broadcast by these DTH ventures.

Television

Mexican Television Regulations

Concessions. The LFTR regulates, on a convergent basis, the use and exploitation of the radio-electric spectrum, and the telecommunications networks, as well as the rendering of broadcasting, cable, satellite pay-TV and telecommunications services.

Concessions for the commercial use of spectrum are granted through public bid processes. Such concessions are granted for a fixed term, subject to renewal in accordance with LFTR. Renewal of concessions for the use of spectrum require, among others: (i) to request such renewal to IFT in the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; (iii) a declaration by IFT that there is no public interest in recovering the spectrum granted under the related concession; and (iv) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT, including the payment of a related fee. To our knowledge, no spectrum granted for broadcasting services in Mexico has been recovered by the Mexican government in the past several years for public interest reasons, however, the Company is unable to predict any future action by IFT.

Pursuant to the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Federal Law, concessionaires will now only have one integrated sole concession to provide telecommunication and broadcasting services. Integrated sole concessions will be granted for a term of up to 30 years with the possibility to renew them, for the same term originally granted. Renewal of integrated sole concessions require, among others: (i) to request its renewal to IFT within the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; and (iii) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT. IFT shall resolve any request for renewal of the telecommunications concessions within 180 business days of its request. Failure by IFT to respond within such period of time shall be interpreted as if the request for renewal has been granted.

In May 2018, applications for the renewal of the Group´s 70 broadcasting concessions (comprising 225 TV stations), were timely filed under the LFTR and the terms set on the concessions, and as part of the renewal process, the Company regrouped its concessions to create (i) three concessionaires, each one specialized on broadcasting the National TV Networks of Las Estrellas, Canal 5 and Canal Nu9ve, respectively, and (ii) three concessionaires specialized on local TV content.

On November 6, 2018, IFT notified the Company the grant of the renewal of its concessions, the new conditions under which they will operate, as well as the relevant fee to be paid for such renewals.

On November 26, 2018, the Company timely accepted the new conditions for the renewal of the concessions and performed the payment of the relevant fee for a total amount of Ps.5,753 million, as a consequence, the IFT delivered to the Company (i) 23 concessions for the use of spectrum that comprise the Company 225 TV stations, for a term of 20 years, starting in January 2022, and ending in January 2042, and (ii) six concessions that grant the authorization to provide digital broadcasting television services of such 225 TV stations, for a term of 30 years, starting in January 2022 and ending in January 2052.

On March 7, 2014, IFT published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an invitation to a public auction for the concession for the two new National Digital Networks. The invitation provided that the concessions for the National Digital Networks would be granted for a term of 20 years for the operation of stations with, among other characteristics, mandatory geographic coverage in 123 locations corresponding to 246 channels within the Mexican territory.

The Company was prevented from participating as a bidder in the 2014 public auction. See “Key Information — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments” and “Key Information — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — The Operation of Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions”. In March 2015, IFT issued its ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro and Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage. Imagen Television has completed the process and received its license. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they will not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas, located in 17 States and covering about 45 percent of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.

None of our over-the-air television concessions has ever been revoked or otherwise terminated and, except for an immaterial concession to transmit an UHF restricted television service which expired in November 2010, all of our concessions have been renewed. See “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Regulation — Cable — Concessions”.

We believe that we have operated our television concessions substantially in compliance with their terms and applicable Mexican law. If a concession is revoked or terminated, the concessionaire could be required to forfeit to the Mexican government all of its assets or the Mexican government could have the right to purchase all the concessionaire’s assets. In our case, the assets of our licensee subsidiaries generally consist of transmitting facilities and antennas. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Our Business — The Operation of Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if the Mexican Government Does Not Renew or Revokes Our Broadcast or Other Concessions”.

As a result of the Telecom Reform, certain provisions of the LFTR and Guidelines related to the distribution of more than one channel of programming on the same transmission channel, or multiplexing, were passed. Such provisions optimize the use of the spectrum; for example, where the 6MHz spectrum was used entirely to broadcast only one channel of programming analog standard, now based on new technologies, more than one channel of programming digital standard on the same transmission channel can be broadcast. The Company, as a Preponderant Economic Agent has a restrictive obligation related to multiplexing. The IFT shall not authorize the Preponderant Economic Agent to broadcast channels in excess of 50% of the total channels authorized to other broadcasters in the same geographic coverage. The IFT has granted multiplexing authorizations to the Company: 35 authorizations for multiplexing the Channel 5 Network, 24 authorizations for multiplexing the Channel Nu9ve Network, two authorizations for multiplexing the Channel 2 Network, 23 authorizations for multiplexing Channel Foro TV Network and three authorizations for multiplexing the Channel CV Shopping and 65 authorizations for temporary transmissions of the Government Educational Channel “Aprendiendo en Casa 2”, supporting the government measures for the COVID-19 pandemic. Further filings for new authorizations are still under evaluation.

Supervision of Operations. To ensure that broadcasting is performed in accordance with the provisions established in the concession title, the LFTR and Guidelines, IFT is entitled to monitor compliance by exercising powers of supervision and verification: for example, the IFT can perform technical inspections of the television stations and the concessionaire must file annual reports with IFT.

On August 21, 2018, the Mexican Ministry of Interior published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an amendment to the regulations of broadcast television and pay-TV programming guidelines that provides for different age classifications for programming (the “Programming Guidelines Amendment”), which became effective on August 22, 2018, substituting in full force and effect the previous amendment published on February 15, 2017. The Programming Guidelines Amendment for broadcast television is as follows: (i) programs classified “D” extreme and adult only may broadcast after midnight to 5:00 am; (ii) programs classified “C” not suitable for people under the age of 18 may broadcast only after 9:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; (iii) programs classified “B15” for teenagers over 15 years old may be broadcast only after 7:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; (iv) programs classified “B” for teenagers may be broadcast only after 4:00 p.m. to 5:59 am; and (v) programs classified “A” and “AA” suitable for all age groups may be broadcast at any time. The same age classifications apply for pay-TV programming and the age classifications must be shown to the audience, but there are no applicable broadcasting time limitations.

On February 14, 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Interior published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an additional amendment to the Programming Guidelines, for which the only relevant change therein was to extend the display time for the Parental Advisory from 15 to 30 seconds.

Content for Children and Teenagers. The LFTR includes new criteria for programming addressed for children and teenagers. Each concessionaire is also required to transmit each day, free of charge, up to 30 minutes of programming promoting cultural, educational, family counseling and other social matters, using programming provided by the Mexican government. Historically, the Mexican government has not used a significant portion of this time.

Restrictions on Advertising. Mexican law regulates the type and content of advertising broadcast on television. In order to prevent the transmission of misleading advertising, without affecting freedom of expression and dissemination, the broadcasting of advertisements presented as journalistic news or information is prohibited. Under current law, advertisements of alcoholic beverages (other than beer and wine) may be broadcast only after 9:00 p.m. and advertisements for tobacco products are prohibited. Advertising for alcoholic beverages must not be excessive and must be combined with general promotions of nutrition and general hygiene. Health Law Guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on April 15, 2014 and became effective on July 7, 2014, for the advertisement of the following products: snacks, flavored drinks, candies, chocolates, or foods similar to chocolates and became effective for the remaining products on January 1, 2015. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Amendments to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising Could Materially Affect Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition”. Moreover, the Mexican government must approve any advertisement of lotteries and other sweepstakes games.

TV advertisement will not take up more than 18% of the broadcast time on any day in TV. However, this percentage can be increased by an additional 2% when at least 20% of the content programmed is national production. Another 5% of advertisement time can be added when at least 20% of the content programmed is independent national production. There are no restrictions on maximum rates. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — Existing Mexican Laws and Regulations or Changes Thereto or the Imposition of New Ones May Negatively Affect Our Operations and Revenue”, “— The Amendments to the Regulations of the General Health Law on Advertising Could Materially Affect Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Situation” and “— The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.

Additional Rights for Audiences. Among others, the LFTR imposes new obligations on concessionaires. On November 29, 2016, IFT issued the Guidelines for the Defense of the Audiences, which were published on December 21, 2016, in the Federal Official Gazette. These guidelines and some related provisions of the LFTR were constitutionally challenged by the Executive Branch and the Senate particularly for concerns that they restrict freedom of speech. These procedures were dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice by the entry into force of the reform of the LFTR published in the Official Gazette on October 31, 2017. The amendment to the LFTR includes among other things: (i) restricts the power of the IFT to regulate a large portion of the provisions established by the Guidelines for the Defense of the Audience; (ii) increases the ability of all broadcasting and telecommunications concessionaries to self-regulate themselves by granting them the ability to regulate their programming content and the way in which they decide to respect and promote the rights of the audiences through their code of ethics without being subject to IFT’s approval; (iii) removes the obligation to make sure that, when broadcasting news, the reporting of factual material is clearly distinguished from commentaries and personal analysis; and (iv) makes clear that the appointment of an Ombudsman is not subject to special specifications and procedures set by IFT. As a result, the legal provisions that are contrary to this amendment were repealed.

Government Broadcast Time. Television stations have to provide to the Mexican government up to 18 minutes per day of the television broadcast time between 6:00 a.m. and midnight, in each case distributed in an equitable and proportionate manner. Any time not used by the Mexican government on any day is forfeited. Generally, the Mexican government uses all or substantially all of the broadcast time available to it under this tax.

In April 2020, the President of Mexico issued a decree amending the rules on government broadcast time starting on May 2020. For the periods where no electoral pre-campaigns and campaigns are in place, television stations will have to provide to the Mexican government up to 11 minutes per day of television broadcast time between 6:00 am and midnight, in each case distributed in a proportionate manner. Another significant difference is that under the terms of the prior rules the unused minutes by the government were forfeited and could be used by the broadcasters, while in the new decree, the Secretaría de Gobernación, or Mexican Ministry of Interior, may reassign the unused minutes for the use by the Mexican government for an indefinite term.

Foreign Ownership. Non-Mexican ownership of shares of Mexican enterprises is restricted in some economic sectors, including broadcast television, and radio. As a result of the Telecom Reform, the participation of foreign investors can be up to 49% in free to air radio and television, subject to reciprocity requirements, and up to 100% in telecommunications services and satellite communications. Such amendments are reflected in the LFTR and Mexico’s Ley de Inversión Extranjera, or Foreign Investment Law, and the Reglamento de la Ley de Inversión Extranjera y del Registro Nacional de Inversiones Extranjeras, or the Regulation of the Foreign Investment Law and the Foreign Investment National Registry. See “— Satellite Communications — Mexican Regulation of DTH Satellite Services”.

Mexican Gaming Regulations

Pursuant to Mexico’s Ley Federal de Juegos y Sorteos, or Federal Law of Games and Draws, or Gaming Law, and its accompanying regulations, the Reglamento de la Ley Federal de Juegos y Sorteos, or Gaming Regulations, the Mexican Ministry of the Interior has the authority to permit the operation of games and lotteries that involve betting. This administrative authorization is defined as a permit under the Gaming Regulations. Under the Gaming Regulations, each permit establishes the terms and conditions for the operation of the respective activities authorized under the permit and the specific periods for operation of those activities. Permits for games and lotteries that involve betting have a maximum term of 25 years. The holder of the relevant permit must comply with all the terms provided in the permit, the Gaming Law and the Gaming Regulations. We were granted a Gaming Permit on May 25, 2005, which expires on May 24, 2030.

Mexican Antitrust Law

The Federal Antitrust Law became effective on July 7, 2014. It should be noted that IFT is entitled to review antitrust matters related to the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, while the COFECE is in charge of all other antitrust matters. IFT or COFECE must authorize mergers and acquisitions before they take place. In addition, one of the thresholds was modified to only apply to sales or assets of economic agents in Mexico and not worldwide economic agents.

The Antitrust Law provides that the following reportable transactions, among others, are exempt from being reviewed by IFT or COFECE:

According to transitory Article 9 of the LFTR, as long as there is a Preponderant Economic Agent in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, in order to promote competition and develop viable competitors in the future, it is not required to obtain IFT approval of mergers and acquisitions carried out by concession holders when the following requirements are met:

Notwithstanding the above, concession holders involved in the transaction shall inform IFT of the transaction within ten days following the completion of the transaction and IFT will then have 90 calendar days to investigate the transaction and in case it determines the existence of substantial market power in the relevant market, it may impose the necessary measures to protect and encourage free competition and concurrency in such market.

As part of our expansion of our cable business, on December 17, 2018, we acquired FTTH under the provisions set forth in transitory Article 9 of LFTR. On May 8, 2019, the IFT launched an investigation to analyze if, as a result of the transaction, the Company acquired substantial power in the market of telecommunications networks providing voice, data or video services. On September 4, 2019, the IFT Investigative Authority issued a preliminary opinion, whereby it assessed that there were elements to determine that the Company had substantial power in 35 relevant markets of the telecommunications networks that provide restricted television and audio services. Those relevant markets comprise 35 municipalities in the following States: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Ciudad de México, Estado de México, Jalisco, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosí. As a response to the preliminary opinion, the Company presented its position and provided evidence to prove that the Company does not hold substantial power in the relevant markets established in the preliminary opinion. On November 26, 2020, the IFT notified the Company of the final resolution confirming the existence of substantial power in the 35 relevant markets of restricted television and audio services. Consequently, on December 17, 2020, the Company filed three amparos challenging the constitutionality of the resolution, which are now under review by the competent court. However, we are unable to predict the outcome of these procedures. Some of the consequences derived from the determination of substantial market power, are applicable as a matter of law and others may be imposed by IFT in a new procedure in accordance with the LFTR; these may consist of: (i) the obligation to obtain IFT’s approval and to register the rates for our services; (ii) to inform the IFT in case of the adoption of new technology or modifications to the network; (iii) the agent with substantial power may not be entitled to the benefits of some rules of the “must carry” and “must offer” provisions; and (iv) the implementation of accounting separation.

Other relevant provisions provided in the Antitrust Law, are the following:

The above mentioned provisions may significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Mexican Electoral Amendment

In 2007, the Mexican Federal Congress published an amendment to the Mexican Constitution (referred to in this annual report as the 2007 Constitutional Amendment), pursuant to which, among other things, the Instituto Federal Electoral, or the Federal Electoral Institute, or IFE, has the exclusive right to manage and use the Official Television Broadcast Time (referred to in this annual report as Official Broadcast Time). In February 2014, the Mexican Federal Congress approved a Constitutional amendment creating the Instituto Nacional Electoral, or the National Electoral Institute, or INE, which replaced the IFE. The INE has the same functions and capabilities as the former IFE and regulates the services of television in the same manner, except that the INE has a relevant participation in the electoral campaigns in federal, state and local procedures by distributing the Official Broadcast Time among the political parties. For a description of the Official Broadcast Time, see “Information on the Company — Business Overview — Our Operations — Programming — Advertising Sales Plan”. The INE has the exclusive right to use the Official Broadcast Time for its own purposes and for the use of political parties in Mexico (as provided in the Mexican Constitution) for self-promotion and, when applicable, to promote their electoral campaigns during election day, pre-campaign and campaign periods.

The INE and the political parties must comply with certain requirements included in the 2007 Constitutional Amendment for the use of Official Broadcast Time. During federal electoral periods, the INE will be granted, per the 2007 Constitutional Amendment, 48 minutes per day in each radio station and television channel, to be used during pre-campaign periods in two and up to three minutes per broadcast hour in each radio station and television channel, of which all the political parties will be jointly entitled to use one minute per broadcast hour. During campaign periods, at least 85% of the 48 minutes per day, shall be allocated among the political parties, and the remaining 15% may be used by the INE for its own purposes. During non-electoral periods, the INE will be assigned with up to 12% of the Official Broadcast Time, half of which shall be allocated among the political parties. In the event that local elections are held simultaneously with federal elections, the broadcast time granted to the INE shall be used for the federal and the local elections. During any other local electoral periods, the allocation of broadcast time will be made pursuant to the criteria established by the 2007 Constitutional Amendment and as such criteria are reflected in applicable law.

In addition to the foregoing, pursuant to the 2007 Constitutional Amendment political parties are forbidden to purchase or acquire advertising time directly or through third parties, from radio or television stations; likewise, third parties shall not acquire advertising time from radio or television stations for the broadcasting of advertisements which may influence the electoral preferences of Mexican citizens, nor in favor or against political parties or candidates to offices elected by popular vote.

Telecom Reform and Broadcasting Regulations

On June 12, 2013, the Telecom Reform came into force. The Telecom Reform, the LFTR and secondary regulations issued by the President and IFT, as applicable, and certain actions recently taken by IFT, an organization with constitutional autonomy responsible for overseeing the radio and television broadcasting industries and telecommunications, including all aspects of economic competition, affect or could significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial position. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.

The Telecom Reform created two regulatory bodies that are independent from the executive branch of government: COFECE (which assumed the functions of the former Mexican Antitrust Commission, except in the areas of telecommunications and broadcasting (television and radio)) and IFT (which oversees the Mexican telecommunications and broadcasting (television and radio) industries, including all antitrust matters relating to those industries). In addition, specialized federal courts empowered to review all rulings, actions and omissions of these independent regulatory bodies were created. No stay or injunction will suspend any measure or action taken by these regulatory bodies. Therefore, subject to limited exceptions, until any decision, action or omission by these regulatory bodies is declared void by a competent court through a binding and final judgment, COFECE’s or IFT’s decision, action or omission will be valid and will have full force and legal effect.

IFT is empowered, among other things, to (i) oversee the Mexican telecommunications (including cable and satellite pay-TV) and broadcasting (television and radio) industries, including all antitrust matters related to these industries; (ii) set limits to national and regional frequencies that can be exploited by a concession holder, or to the cross-ownership of telecommunications, television or radio businesses that serve the same market or geographical zone that may include the divestment of certain assets to comply with such limits; (iii) issue asymmetric regulation; (iv) grant and revoke telecommunications, television and radio concessions; (v) approve any assignment or transfer of control of such concessions; (vi) revoke a concession for various reasons, including in the case of a breach by a concessionaire of a non-appealable decision confirming the existence of illegal antitrust conduct (“practica monopólica”); and (vii) determine the payment to be made to the government for the granting of concessions.

Concessions for the use of spectrum will only be granted through public bid processes. On March 7, 2014, IFT published in the Official Gazette of the Federation an invitation to a public auction for the concession for the two National Digital Networks which would be granted for a term of 20 years for the operation of stations with, among other characteristics, mandatory geographic coverage in 123 locations corresponding to 246 channels within the Mexican territory.

In March 2015, IFT issued its ruling announcing Grupo Radio Centro and Imagen Television as winning bidders for two free to air broadcasting licenses with separate national coverage. Imagen Television has completed the process and received its license. However, since Grupo Radio Centro failed to pay the amount they bid for their free to air broadcasting license, the IFT’s ruling announcing them as a winning bidder was declared null and void and they will not receive the license. As a result, the auction of the portion of the spectrum that was going to be assigned to Grupo Radio Centro took place during 2017. The new bid was for 148 channels for Digital Terrestrial Television, including at least 123 channels that were not allocated in the IFT-1 bidding process for the two national digital broadcast television networks. At the end of the process, offers were received for 32 channels located in 29 different coverage areas, located in 17 States and covering about 45% of the country’s total population. The bidding process concluded in December 2017 with the issuance of the corresponding concession titles in favor of Compañía Periodística Sudcaliforniana, S.A. de C.V., Comunicación 2000, S.A. de C.V., Francisco de Jesús Aguirre Gómez, Intermedia de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V., José Guadalupe Manuel Trejo García, Multimedios Televisión, S.A. de C.V., Quiero Media, S.A. de C.V., Radio Comunicación Gamar, S.A. de C.V., Radio Operadora Pegasso, S.A. de C.V., Radio-Televisión de Nayarit, S.A. de C.V., Tele Saltillo, S.A. de C.V., Televisión Digital, S.A. de C.V. and Telsusa Televisión México, S.A. de C.V. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments.”

Access to information and communication technologies, as well as broadcasting and telecommunications services (including broadband), is established as a constitutional right. The Telecom Reform further requires that such information be diverse and timely, and that any person may search, receive and disclose information and ideas of any kind through any media. Among other things, the LFTR contemplates the right of audiences to be able to receive content that reflects ideological pluralism, and to have the right to replicate the news.

The Telecom Reform permits 100% foreign ownership in satellite and telecommunications services and increases to up to 49% the level of permitted foreign ownership in television and radio services, subject to reciprocity of the originating foreign investment country.

As a result of the Telecom Reform and LFTR, starting on September 10, 2013, concessionaries of broadcast services have been required to permit pay-TV concessionaries to retransmit broadcast signals, free of charge and without discrimination, within the same geographic coverage area simultaneously and without modifications, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal, except in certain specific cases provided in the Telecom Reform. Also, since September 10, 2013, our pay-TV licensees are required to retransmit broadcast signals of others, free of charge and on a non-discriminatory basis, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements provided for in the Telecom Reform.

On February 27, 2014, the Guidelines were published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, which include, among other obligations, the obligation of concessionaries of broadcast television licenses to permit the retransmission of their broadcast signals and the obligation of pay-TV concessionaries to allow such retransmission (without requiring the prior consent of the broadcast television concessionaries) in the same geographic coverage zone for free (subject to certain exceptions) and in a non-discriminatory manner in its entirety, simultaneously and without modifications by the broadcasting concessionaire, including advertising, and with the same quality of the broadcast signal without requiring consent from the broadcast television concessionaries.

The Telecom Reform calls for the National Development Plan. The National Development Plan includes a program for installing broadband connections in public facilities, which would identify the number of sites to be connected per year to promote access to broadband in public buildings dedicated to investigation, health, education, social services and in other facilities owned by the government. See “Key Information — Risk Factors — Risk Factors Related to Mexico — The Reform and Addition of Various Provisions of the Mexican Constitution Related to Telecommunications, the LFTR, and Other Recent Actions of IFT May Significantly and Adversely Affect the Business, Results of Operations and Financial Results of Some of Our Business Segments”.

The LFTR establishes a renewal procedure that would result in the granting of a renewal of an integrated sole concession (when involving radio-electric spectrum or orbital resources, a concession to exploit such spectrum is required) in order to provide telecommunications and broadcasting services. The integrated sole concession would be awarded for renewable 30 year terms. Renewal of integrated sole concessions require, among others: (i) to request its renewal to IFT within the year prior to the last fifth period of the fixed term of the related concession; (ii) to be in compliance with the concession holder’s obligations under the LFTR, other applicable regulations, and the concession title; and (iii) the acceptance by the concession holder of any new conditions for renewing the concession as set forth by IFT. IFT shall resolve any request for renewal of the concessions within 180 business days of its request. Failure by IFT to respond within such period of time shall be interpreted as if the request for renewal has been granted.

The LFTR also contemplates that concession holders that operate a public network of telecommunications must: (i) abstain from charging long distance fees for calls made by users to any national destination; (ii) if there was no other concession holder providing similar services in a certain territory, the concession holder providing the service in such territory shall have to continue providing the services; and (iii) concession holders must adopt the open architecture designs for the network to guarantee the interconnection and interoperation of their network.

The LFTR establishes the maximum amount of time that a concession holder providing broadcasting services with commercial purposes can use for commercial advertising. The maximum amount of advertising time is set at 18% of the total broadcasting time for each television channel (such percentage may be increased as described in “— Television — Mexican Television Regulations — Restrictions on Advertising”).

The LFTR establishes that those concession holders providing broadcasting services shall offer broadcasting services and advertising spaces to any person or corporation that requires them on a non-discriminatory basis and on market terms granting the terms, packages, conditions, and rates in force at the time of the request. Additionally, the law provides that balance shall be maintained between advertising and programming. Advertising shall be subject to several rules, including the maximum time allowed for advertising (i.e. 18% of the total available time per channel in free to air television; and six minutes per hour on pay-television and audio). However, in free to air television, the time allowed for advertising can be increased by an additional 2% when at least 20% of the content aired is national production. Another 5% of advertisement time can be added when at least 20% of the content aired is independent national production. There are no restrictions on maximum rates.

Significant Subsidiaries

The table below sets forth our significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Broadcasting, Office and Production Facilities. Our properties consist primarily of broadcasting, production facilities, television and repeater stations, technical operations facilities, workshops, studios and office facilities, most of which are located in Mexico. We own most of our properties or lease offices and facilities through indirect wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. There are no major encumbrances on any of our properties and we currently do not have any significant plans to construct any new properties or expand or improve our existing properties. Our principal offices, which we own, are located in Santa Fe in Mexico City. Each of our television stations has individual transmission facilities located in Mexico, substantially all of which we own. Our television production operations are concentrated in four locations in Mexico City, 14 studios in San Angel, 12 studios located in Chapultepec, three studios in Santa Fe and one studio in Rojo Gomez. We own substantially all of these studios. The local television stations wholly or majority owned by us have in the aggregate 45 production studios. We own other properties used in connection with our operations, including a training center, technical operations facilities, studios, workshops, television and repeater stations, and office facilities. We beneficially own Azteca Stadium, which seats approximately 84,500 people, through a trust arrangement that was renewed in 1993 for a term of 30 years and that may be extended for additional periods. In the aggregate, these properties, excluding Azteca Stadium, currently represent approximately 6.1 million square feet of space, of which over 4.5 million square feet are located in Mexico City and the surrounding areas, and approximately 1.7 million square feet are located outside of Mexico City and the surrounding areas.

Our cable television, publishing and Mexican DTH satellite service businesses are located in Mexico City.

We also own or lease over a total of 98,305 square feet in properties in the United States, Latin America, Spain and Switzerland in connection with our operations there. We own or lease all of these properties through indirect wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The following table summarizes our real estate and lease agreements in the United States, Latin America, Spain and Switzerland.

Satellites. We currently use transponder capacity on ten satellites: Eutelsat 117 West A (formerly Satmex 8), which reaches Mexico, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean; Eutelsat 115 West A (formerly Satmex 5), which reaches Mexico, the United States and Latin America; Intelsat IS-11, replacement of PAS 3-R (renamed in February 2007 IS-3R), which started operations in July 2009 and reaches North America, Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean; Galaxy 16 (formerly Galaxy IVR), which reaches Mexico, the United States and Canada; Galaxy 19, which reaches Mexico, the United States and Canada; Intelsat IS-35e, replacement of IS-905, which reaches Western and Eastern Europe; SES-14 (formerly NSS-806), which reaches North America, Western Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean; IS-21, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean; IS-16, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean; and SM-1, which reaches Central America, Mexico, the Southern United States and the Caribbean. In March 2010, Sky reached an agreement with a subsidiary of Intelsat to lease 24 transponders on the Intelsat IS-21 satellite which is mainly used for signal reception and retransmission services over the satellite’s estimated 15-year service life. IS-21 started service in the third quarter of 2012, replacing Intelsat IS-9 as Sky’s primary transmission satellite. In April 2010, Intelsat released the IS-16 satellite, where Sky has an additional twelve transponders to deliver new DTH-HD channels and more DTH SD channels; this satellite is also a back-up satellite for our DTH venture operations. For a description of guarantees related to our DTH venture transponder obligations, see Note 14 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.

Since 1996, we have been working with PanAmSat (now Intelsat) as our satellites services provider, which provided to the Company five Ku band transponders on Satellite PAS-3R, three of which were intended to be for DTH to Spain. We were required to pay an annual fee for each transponder of U.S. $3.1 million. Due to an exchange with three of five 54 MHz ku Band transponders, until April 2, 2016, we had capacity on two 36 MHz C band transponders on Galaxy 16.

In December 2005, we signed an extension with PanAmSat, for the use of three transponders on the PAS-3R satellite until 2009 and 2012 and two transponders on the Galaxy IVR (replaced by Galaxy 16) satellite until 2016. In October 2015, we signed a new contract with SES S.A. until June 2019 for the replacement of two transponders of Galaxy 16. The new contract included three transponders and a full service migration to the new satellite, AMC-9. On June 17, 2017, AMC-9 experienced a technical issue that impacted the satellite and thus, we entered into a new contract until June 30, 2022 to transition the full service of 147 Mhz to Intelsat’s satellites, Galaxy 16 and Galaxy 19.

In February 2007, Intelsat renamed some of its satellite fleet acquired with its 2006 merger with PanAmSat: current names for PAS-9 and PAS-3R are IS-9 and IS-3R, respectively. Intelsat kept the name of Galaxy 16. In December 2007, Sky and Sky Brasil reached an agreement with Intelsat Corporation and Intelsat LLC to build and launch a new 24-transponder satellite, IS-16, for which service will be dedicated to Sky and Sky Brasil over the satellite’s estimated 15-year life. The satellite was successfully launched in February 2010 and started operations in April 2010. In the third quarter of 2013, Sky entered into an agreement with DirecTV for the acquisition and launch of the SM-1 satellite, which was successfully launched in May 2015 and started operations on June 2015. See Note 12 to our consolidated year-end financial statements.

In August 2009, the contract on two remaining transponders of the IS-3R satellite expired (end of life of the satellite). We negotiated a new contract for the transponder on the IS-905 satellite until August 31, 2015, for the distribution of our content in Europe. In September 2015, the contract was renewed with Intelsat until August 2018. Migration from IS-905 to IS-35e took place from June to August 2018, and we renewed the contract with Intelsat from November 1, 2018 until October 31, 2021.

In February 2012, we renewed the contract with Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V., or Satmex, on Satmex 5 until January 31, 2015. In March 2014, Satélites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. was renamed Eutelsat Americas, as a part of Eutelsat Group. In February 2015, we renewed our contracts with Eutelsat Americas until January 2018, and also contracted for a new transponder on Eutelsat 117 West A from April 2015 until March 2018. In February and April 2018, we renewed our contracts with Eutelsat America until December 2022. In January 2019, we contracted for a new transponder on Eutelsat 117 West A from January 2019 until December 2021. In August 2020, we renegotiated and renewed the contracts for the three transponders with Eutelsat Americas until December 2024.

On October 31, 2012, the contract on one of the three transponders of the Galaxy 16 satellite expired. In November 2012, we entered into a new contract with SES, S.A., or SES, for a new transponder on the AMC-9 satellite until October 31, 2017, as a replacement of the previous one. On June 17, 2017, AMC-9 experienced a technical issue that impacted the satellite and thus, we entered into a new contract until June 30, 2022 to transition the full service of 147 Mhz to Intelsat’s satellites, Galaxy 16 and Galaxy 19.

On November 15, 2016, we contracted a half transponder on SES NSS-806 until January 31, 2018. On September 5, 2018, SES NSS-806 was replaced with SES-14 and the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2019. On February 1, 2019, the contract with SES was renewed until January 31, 2020. In this renewal, the bandwidth was decreased from 18 MHz to 6 MHz. On February 1, 2020, the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2021. On February 1, 2021, the contract was renewed with SES until January 31, 2022. The bandwidth remained at 6 Mhz.

With several new domestic and international satellites having been launched recently, and with several others scheduled for launch in the next few years, including those scheduled for launch by Intelsat, Eutelsat Americas (formerly Satmex) and SES, we believe that we will be able to secure satellite capacity to meet our needs in the future, although no assurance can be given in this regard.

Insurance. We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for our offices, equipment, transmission lines networks and other property for risks including fire, earthquake, flooding, storm, and other similar events and the resulting business interruption losses, subject to some limitations. In addition, we maintain a cyber-insurance policy that covers certain types of cyber-related losses. We do not maintain insurance for our DTH business in case of loss of satellite transmission. We cannot provide any assurance that our insurance coverage is sufficient to cover any losses that we may sustain, or that we will be able to successfully claim our losses under our insurance policies on a timely basis or at all. If we incur any loss not covered by our insurance policies, or the compensated amount is significantly less than our actual loss or is not timely paid, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

You should read the following discussion together with our consolidated year-end financial statements and the accompanying notes, which appear elsewhere in this annual report. This annual report contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report, particularly in “Key Information — Risk Factors”. See “Key Information — Forward-Looking Statements” for further discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements. In addition to the other information in this annual report, investors should consider carefully the following discussion and the information set forth under “Key Information — Risk Factors” before evaluating us and our business.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our business, financial position and results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, and it is currently difficult to predict the degree of the impact in the future.

We cannot guarantee that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. In addition, the deterioration of global economic conditions as a result of the pandemic may ultimately reduce the demand of our products across our segments as our clients and customers reduce or defer their spending.

Although vaccination efforts have started countrywide since January 2021, the Mexican Government is still implementing the plan to reactivate economic activities in accordance with color-based phases determined on a weekly basis in every state of the country. Most non-essential economic activities are open with some limitations, mainly on capacity and hours of operation. However, a significant part of the population is still implementing social distancing and shelter-in-place policies. As a result, during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, this has affected, and is still affecting, the ability of our employees, suppliers and customers to conduct their functions and businesses in their typical manner.

As of the date of this report, given that they are considered essential economic activities, we have continued operating our media and telecommunications businesses uninterrupted to continue benefiting the country with connectivity, entertainment and information, and during the quarter ended March 31, 2021, we continued with the production of new content following the requirements and health guidelines imposed by the Mexican Government. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, our Content business continued to recover as a result of the easing of lockdown restrictions in some jurisdictions in which our customers are located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are partially dependent on the demand for advertising from consumer-focused companies, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and could further cause, advertisers to reduce or postpone their advertisement spending on our platforms.

In our Other Businesses segment, sporting and other entertainment events for which we have broadcast rights, or which we organize, promote and/or are located in venues we own, are operating with some limitations and taking the corresponding sanitary measures, and to date most of our casinos have resumed operations with reduced capacity and hours of operation. When local authorities approve the re-opening of the venues that are still not operating, rules may be enacted including restrictions on capacity and operating hours which may affect the results of our Other Businesses segment in the following months.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the authorities may impose further restrictions on essential and non-essential activities, including but not limited to temporary shutdowns or additional guidelines which could be expensive or burdensome to implement, which may affect our operations.

The magnitude of the impact on our business will depend on the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of federal, state, local and foreign governmental actions, including continued or future social distancing, and consumer behavior in response to the COVID- 19 pandemic and such governmental actions. Due to the evolving and uncertain nature of this situation, we are not able to estimate the full extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it may continue affecting our business, financial position and results of operations over the near, medium or long-term.

2021 Transaction

On April 13, 2021, we and Univision Holdings, Inc., or UHI, announced a definitive transaction agreement in which our content and media assets will be combined with UHI to create the largest Spanish-language media company in the world.

We will continue to participate in UHI’s growth potential by remaining the largest shareholder in UHI, with an equity stake of approximately 45% following the transaction. We will also retain ownership of our Cable, Sky and Other Businesses segments, as well as the main real estate associated with the production facilities, the broadcasting concessions and transmission infrastructure in Mexico.

We will contribute the assets specified in the 2021 Transaction Agreement, including, subject to certain exceptions, our Content business included in our Content business segment to UHI for U.S.$4.5 billion in a combination of cash (U.S.$3 billion) and U.S.$1.5 billion of common and preferred shares of UHI.

In connection with the transaction, UHI will receive all assets, IP and library related to the News division of our Content business, but will outsource production of news content for Mexico to a company owned by the Azcárraga family.

The Boards of Directors of the Company and UHI have approved the combination. The transaction is expected to close in 2021, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals in the United States, Mexico and Colombia, among others, and approval of the Company’s shareholders.

As a result of the transaction, we expect that our cash and cash equivalents will increase by U.S.$3,000 million, and our investment in common and preferred shares of UHI will increase by U.S.$1,500 million when the transaction is completed. We expect to recognize a net gain on disposition of discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income in connection with the disposition of our Content business segment and the related assets specified in the 2021 Transaction Agreement. Additionally, after the transaction is completed, we expect increases in our consolidated share of income in associates derived from a larger ownership in UHI and in consolidated finance income derived from the returns from our investments in preferred shares issued by UHI to us in the transaction. These expected effects will be partially offset in our consolidated statement of income by a reduction in our consolidated operating income resulting primarily from the disposal of our Content business segment. We will continue to consolidate the results of our Content business segment until we cease to have control of this business segment, in accordance with the terms of the 2021 Transaction Agreement.

Preparation of Financial Statements

As required by regulations issued by Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores, or the Mexican Banking and Securities Commission, for listed companies in Mexico, our financial information is presented in accordance with the IFRS as issued by the IASB for financial reporting purposes.

Results of Operations

For segment reporting purposes, our consolidated cost of sales, selling expenses and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 exclude corporate expenses and depreciation and amortization, which are presented as separate line items. The following table sets forth the reconciliation between our operating segment income and the consolidated operating income according to IFRS:

The following table sets forth our segment net sales data for the indicated periods as a percentage of total segment net sales:

The following table sets forth our consolidated operating income as a percentage of our total consolidated net sales:

Summary of Business Segment Results

The following tables set forth the net sales and operating segment income of each of our reportable business segments and intersegment operations, corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, other income (expense), net and disposed operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Reportable segments are those that are based on our method of internal reporting to senior management for making operating decisions and evaluating performance of operating segments, and certain qualitative, grouping and quantitative criteria. As of December 31, 2020, we classified our operations into four business segments: Cable, Sky, Content and Other Businesses.