Latest channel to offer itself sans cable bundle: Univision

NEW YORK (AP) - Univision is the latest media company to offer a streaming service as it prepares for an initial public offering.

Following in the footsteps of HBO, CBS and Showtime, broadcast networks Univision and UniMás can now be streamed for $6 a month or $60 a year.

The two channels are already free to anyone with a TV and an antenna. The new service, called Univision Now, is geared toward people who want to watch on their phones, computers and tablets. You would also be able to watch shows on a TV through Apple's AirPlay, which lets you beam from your iPhone or iPad to the screen.

The media company with a huge Hispanic audience announced an IPO in July. But TV watchers are increasingly moving online, causing volatility in the shares of media companies. Univision and UniMás are already available as part of a $5 add-on pack on Sling TV, Dish Network's online mini-bundle.

Streams are live, and there is a "DVR" function that stores all video for up to three days. Not everything on the channels will be on the app, but soccer games are. (CBS' subscription service has some sports blackouts.)

Local news from Houston, Los Angeles and New York that Univision broadcasts is available and other markets will be added, said Univision spokeswoman Rosemary Mercedes.

Univision Communications Inc. also owns cable channels and has digital investments like Flama.