NEWTON, Mass. and MEXICO CITY, March 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- MMT Americas, Mexico City -- MoreMagic Solutions, a leading mobile financial solutions provider, and Telcel, the largest mobile operator in Mexico, subsidiary of America Movil, announced today that international friends and family of Telcel customers are now able to recharge Telcel mobile phones, and transfer electronic airtime for Telcel's prepaid users, using the MoreMagic Solutions International Recharge Hub. From 46,000 Western Union Agent locations throughout the United States, as well as additional international retail locations, or the web - www.etopuponline.com, a customer can purchase a gift of prepaid airtime, or transfer electronic airtime, to a Telcel phone.
The MoreMagic Solutions platform offers international recharge, or "TopUp" transactions and settlements for Telcel, extending the Telcel brand to the United States and worldwide. MoreMagic Solutions also interconnects with America Movil subsidiaries in Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru, which operate under the Claro brand.
Mexico is the leading country of origin for US immigrants, with the Mexican-born population numbering 11.5 million in early 2009, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. MoreMagic Solutions is offering members of this community the opportunity to give a directed gift to a friend or family member in Mexico, sending electronic airtime for Telcel prepaid phones.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Windows Mobile gains market share… in Latin America
Although many see Windows Mobile 6.5 as an almost dead platform, it looks like the OS is actually gaining market share in Latin America.
While talking about the upcoming launch of Windows Phone 7 Series OS in the region, Doug Smith (Microsoft’s Latin American director of mobile communications) said that two companies grew in the smartphone market over the past 12 months: Microsoft and RIM.
According to Business News Americas, Windows Mobile’s smartphone market share is 26% in Brazil and 24% in Mexico.
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While talking about the upcoming launch of Windows Phone 7 Series OS in the region, Doug Smith (Microsoft’s Latin American director of mobile communications) said that two companies grew in the smartphone market over the past 12 months: Microsoft and RIM.
According to Business News Americas, Windows Mobile’s smartphone market share is 26% in Brazil and 24% in Mexico.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Vivendi eyes Brazil mobile sector
Vivendi is to consider the case for moving into Brazil’s highly competitive mobile phone market, after last year concluding an ambitious deal to buy one of the country’s leading fixed-line broadband companies.
Jean-Bernard Lévy, Vivendi’s chief executive, told the Financial Times that the French conglomerate would “closely watch what is happening on the mobile scene in case we find some opportunities”, after last November finalising a €3bn ($4bn) deal to buy GVT, a fast-growing Brazilian fixed-line broadband company.
Mr Lévy also underlined Vivendi’s determination to buy Vodafone out of SFR, France’s second-largest mobile operator, that is jointly owned by the two groups
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Jean-Bernard Lévy, Vivendi’s chief executive, told the Financial Times that the French conglomerate would “closely watch what is happening on the mobile scene in case we find some opportunities”, after last November finalising a €3bn ($4bn) deal to buy GVT, a fast-growing Brazilian fixed-line broadband company.
Mr Lévy also underlined Vivendi’s determination to buy Vodafone out of SFR, France’s second-largest mobile operator, that is jointly owned by the two groups
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RegaloCard Adds Leading Toy Store Chain To Its Mobile Payments Network In Guatemala
March 4, 2010 Miami, Florida – RegaloCard, www.RegaloCard.com, an innovative mobile payments company that has developed a free and instant replacement to costly money transfer services, continues its expansion in Guatemala announcing today that Jugeton, the leading national toy store, has joined the RegaloCard Mobile Payments Network.
Jugeton is a big box retailer that provides a vast array of toys, video games, bicycles and other items and is the leading toy store in Guatemala. Jugetons national footprint across Guatemala, one of the largest money transfer markets in Latin America with $4.1 Billion sent in 2008 alone, makes for a great fit for RegaloCard product offering. Now when immigrants want to send their family and friends back home toys for birthdays, Christmas, or just as a treat they can use the RegaloCard mobile payments network and avoid costly money transfer fees.
“Jugeton is the Toys R US of Guatemala and is the only big box toy retailer in the country. We continue to see that the best brands in Latin America are joining the RegaloCard mobile payments network, which is leading to the rapid growth we are experiencing in the number of locations in country we serve”, said Gregory Keough Chairman and CEO of RegaloCard. Mr. Keough added, “The fit with RegaloCard is a natural, as Juegton is a great option for Christmas and Birthday gifts and we are sure this Christmas season the clear choice to send the kids back home gifts will be RegaloCard, allowing our clients in the US to instantly send their family gifts without commissions or hidden fees.”
RegaloCard for the first time is empowering the US Hispanic community and allowing them to avoid the hundreds of millions of dollars spent yearly on money transfer fees while controlling how the money they send back home is spent. RegaloCards are available in denominations as small as $10 from the best known retail brands in country allowing consumers to choose from brands they know, love, and have grown up with in their home country. RegaloCard currently operates its free and instant replacement to money transfer services in El Salvador and Guatemala, two of the largest money transfer markets in Latin America, with $8B billion a year in money transfers, and is expanding rapidly to additional countries.
About RegaloCard: RegaloCard, www.RegaloCard.com, is an innovative mobile payments company that has developed a free and instant alternative to costly money transfer services. RegaloCard uses a proprietary mobile payment technology to allow immigrant groups to instantly send their relatives back home what they need absolutely free. RegaloCard is a prepaid gift card that immigrants can buy in the United States, but is delivered instantly to the person chosen in the immigrant’s home country, to make purchases at leading local retailers. The RegaloCard service works with any mobile phone and carrier worldwide and is the best way for immigrants to send their families the things they need. While initially focusing on the US Hispanic market, RegaloCard plans to expand the service to other regions that have a high level of immigrants residing in the US. For more information visit www.RegaloCard.com
Jugeton is a big box retailer that provides a vast array of toys, video games, bicycles and other items and is the leading toy store in Guatemala. Jugetons national footprint across Guatemala, one of the largest money transfer markets in Latin America with $4.1 Billion sent in 2008 alone, makes for a great fit for RegaloCard product offering. Now when immigrants want to send their family and friends back home toys for birthdays, Christmas, or just as a treat they can use the RegaloCard mobile payments network and avoid costly money transfer fees.
“Jugeton is the Toys R US of Guatemala and is the only big box toy retailer in the country. We continue to see that the best brands in Latin America are joining the RegaloCard mobile payments network, which is leading to the rapid growth we are experiencing in the number of locations in country we serve”, said Gregory Keough Chairman and CEO of RegaloCard. Mr. Keough added, “The fit with RegaloCard is a natural, as Juegton is a great option for Christmas and Birthday gifts and we are sure this Christmas season the clear choice to send the kids back home gifts will be RegaloCard, allowing our clients in the US to instantly send their family gifts without commissions or hidden fees.”
RegaloCard for the first time is empowering the US Hispanic community and allowing them to avoid the hundreds of millions of dollars spent yearly on money transfer fees while controlling how the money they send back home is spent. RegaloCards are available in denominations as small as $10 from the best known retail brands in country allowing consumers to choose from brands they know, love, and have grown up with in their home country. RegaloCard currently operates its free and instant replacement to money transfer services in El Salvador and Guatemala, two of the largest money transfer markets in Latin America, with $8B billion a year in money transfers, and is expanding rapidly to additional countries.
About RegaloCard: RegaloCard, www.RegaloCard.com, is an innovative mobile payments company that has developed a free and instant alternative to costly money transfer services. RegaloCard uses a proprietary mobile payment technology to allow immigrant groups to instantly send their relatives back home what they need absolutely free. RegaloCard is a prepaid gift card that immigrants can buy in the United States, but is delivered instantly to the person chosen in the immigrant’s home country, to make purchases at leading local retailers. The RegaloCard service works with any mobile phone and carrier worldwide and is the best way for immigrants to send their families the things they need. While initially focusing on the US Hispanic market, RegaloCard plans to expand the service to other regions that have a high level of immigrants residing in the US. For more information visit www.RegaloCard.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Mega TV is Pleased to Present: 'El Vacilon'
MIAMI, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. ("SBS") (Nasdaq: SBSA) announced today that their television division, Mega TV, will premiere "El Vacilon", a new comedic variety show which will be produced by Mega Films, winners of multiple Emmy Awards. The debut of "El Vacilon" will be on Saturday, March 6 at 9 p.m. (ET), 8 p.m. (CT), and 10 p.m. (PT).
"El Vacilon", is a globally recognized brand that has been adapted for television in high definition by Agustin. The show will include musical numbers, sketch comedy, the original animated series "Rice & Bean", and the participation of: Sarahi Diaz, who is a schooled professional in theatre and film and will showcase her talent in drama, comedy, and improvisation; Casper Martinez, who first appeared on screen in Prison Song and who had important roles in Carlito's Way - Rise to Power and El Vacilon - The Movie; Yamil Piedra, who appeared on Last Comic Standing, Boston Legal, and Las Vegas and is part of the award winning comedy duo, "A Pair of Nuts"; Alvaro Ruiz, a veteran of film, theatre and television who began his career in his native Colombia over 30 years ago, and lastly Johnny Trabanco, the other half of the comedy duo "A Pair of Nuts," which has garnered millions of on-line video hits and were featured on Last Call with Carson Daly.
"I am very pleased with the opportunity that the Spanish Broadcasting System family has given me to present this comedy to Mega TV and to thousands of Hispanic households," expressed Agustin, Creative and Managing Director of the Mega Films Division. "I am sure that the talent of these great actors will appeal to the audience and that the fresh and innovative format of 'El Vacilon' will be a platform for many artists and Hispanic talent of the United States," he concluded.
Read full article
"El Vacilon", is a globally recognized brand that has been adapted for television in high definition by Agustin. The show will include musical numbers, sketch comedy, the original animated series "Rice & Bean", and the participation of: Sarahi Diaz, who is a schooled professional in theatre and film and will showcase her talent in drama, comedy, and improvisation; Casper Martinez, who first appeared on screen in Prison Song and who had important roles in Carlito's Way - Rise to Power and El Vacilon - The Movie; Yamil Piedra, who appeared on Last Comic Standing, Boston Legal, and Las Vegas and is part of the award winning comedy duo, "A Pair of Nuts"; Alvaro Ruiz, a veteran of film, theatre and television who began his career in his native Colombia over 30 years ago, and lastly Johnny Trabanco, the other half of the comedy duo "A Pair of Nuts," which has garnered millions of on-line video hits and were featured on Last Call with Carson Daly.
"I am very pleased with the opportunity that the Spanish Broadcasting System family has given me to present this comedy to Mega TV and to thousands of Hispanic households," expressed Agustin, Creative and Managing Director of the Mega Films Division. "I am sure that the talent of these great actors will appeal to the audience and that the fresh and innovative format of 'El Vacilon' will be a platform for many artists and Hispanic talent of the United States," he concluded.
Read full article
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Boomers Slowly Warm to Mobile Web
Baby boomers are on the verge of adopting smartphones and the mobile Internet, and in the vanguard of this movement are younger boomers. But boomers’ mobile Internet adoption rates will be similar to their social media uptake—that is, slow. They must see the benefits before they sign on.
Back in 1995, boomers were the pioneers of mobile phone usage, exceeding or equaling other age groups’ uptake of the devices, according to the Pew Research Center. Ownership rates have now grown to more than 85% among boomers, the majority using feature phones. But only 55% consider their mobile phone a necessity.
“Internet use will be the driving force behind boomers’ adoption of smartphones and the mobile Internet,” said Lisa E. Phillips, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report, “Boomers and Mobile Usage.” “They are avid Web users but no longer such early adopters.”
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Back in 1995, boomers were the pioneers of mobile phone usage, exceeding or equaling other age groups’ uptake of the devices, according to the Pew Research Center. Ownership rates have now grown to more than 85% among boomers, the majority using feature phones. But only 55% consider their mobile phone a necessity.
“Internet use will be the driving force behind boomers’ adoption of smartphones and the mobile Internet,” said Lisa E. Phillips, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report, “Boomers and Mobile Usage.” “They are avid Web users but no longer such early adopters.”
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Univision Video App Now Available For Blackberry® Smartphone Users
NEW YORK, NY – March 02, 2010 – Univision Interactive Media, Inc., the digital division of the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, today announced the availability of its new Univision Video App on BlackBerry App World™. This application is the first to give BlackBerry® Smartphone users access to some of Univision’s top-rated programs. Users can watch video from various categories, including news, entertainment, soccer, TV shows, sports, horoscopes and special events.
“The launch of our Univision Video App on the BlackBerry platform clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing U.S. Hispanics with a great interactive entertainment experience on-the-go,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. “This video app is part of our strategy to further expand our offerings across mobile platforms and deliver products that are highly relevant to our audience.”
The Univision Video App is available for free download on BlackBerry App World™ (www.blackberry.com/appworld). The video application was developed in partnership with GoTV Networks, Inc., the premier mobile media network in the U.S.
U.S. Hispanic cell phone owners are embracing the latest mobile technologies. Over five million U.S. Hispanics own a Smartphone and more than one in five mobile video viewers is Hispanic.*
* Mobile Media Marketplace, USA, Q4 2009 US MMMp
About Univision Interactive Media, Inc.
Univision Interactive Media, Inc. is the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Univision Interactive Media, Inc. includes Univision.com (www.univision.com), the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision Communications Inc. also owns and operates Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces telenovelas, reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for all of the Company’s platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net
“The launch of our Univision Video App on the BlackBerry platform clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing U.S. Hispanics with a great interactive entertainment experience on-the-go,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. “This video app is part of our strategy to further expand our offerings across mobile platforms and deliver products that are highly relevant to our audience.”
The Univision Video App is available for free download on BlackBerry App World™ (www.blackberry.com/appworld). The video application was developed in partnership with GoTV Networks, Inc., the premier mobile media network in the U.S.
U.S. Hispanic cell phone owners are embracing the latest mobile technologies. Over five million U.S. Hispanics own a Smartphone and more than one in five mobile video viewers is Hispanic.*
* Mobile Media Marketplace, USA, Q4 2009 US MMMp
About Univision Interactive Media, Inc.
Univision Interactive Media, Inc. is the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Univision Interactive Media, Inc. includes Univision.com (www.univision.com), the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision Communications Inc. also owns and operates Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces telenovelas, reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for all of the Company’s platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Lapiz Sharpens Offerings With Addition of Digital and Shopper Marketing Practices
CHICAGO, March 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Lapiz, one of the top U.S. Hispanic advertising agencies, today announces the addition of Digital and Shopper Marketing practices to its already thriving advertising services. With the addition of new agency resources, including retail and digital subject matter experts, methodologies and processes, Lapiz can now expand its multiple touch points with U.S. Hispanic consumers to help brands achieve their goals.
"We have a strong reputation of having the most intimate understanding of Hispanic consumers' behaviors, and can swiftly apply that knowledge to our new practice areas to move consumers to action," said Dolores Kunda, president and chief executive officer, Lapiz. "Bringing full capabilities in-house allows for the full breadth of our people's talent to be leveraged so that we continue delivering best-in-class marketing communications for our clients."
With a 2010 Census forecast estimating that 50 million Hispanics are living in the U.S., reaching the community is of utmost importance to many brands' strength, growth and survival. Furthermore, the evolution of a multi-channel marketplace has had substantial impact on the retail market, as customers now balance their purchasing habits between the online and offline world. With a laser focus on Hispanic communities and the belief that marketing efforts need to mirror the way consumers live, Lapiz Digital and Shopper Marketing capabilities provide blended techniques to effectively activate consumer purchasing.
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"We have a strong reputation of having the most intimate understanding of Hispanic consumers' behaviors, and can swiftly apply that knowledge to our new practice areas to move consumers to action," said Dolores Kunda, president and chief executive officer, Lapiz. "Bringing full capabilities in-house allows for the full breadth of our people's talent to be leveraged so that we continue delivering best-in-class marketing communications for our clients."
With a 2010 Census forecast estimating that 50 million Hispanics are living in the U.S., reaching the community is of utmost importance to many brands' strength, growth and survival. Furthermore, the evolution of a multi-channel marketplace has had substantial impact on the retail market, as customers now balance their purchasing habits between the online and offline world. With a laser focus on Hispanic communities and the belief that marketing efforts need to mirror the way consumers live, Lapiz Digital and Shopper Marketing capabilities provide blended techniques to effectively activate consumer purchasing.
Read full article
Monday, March 1, 2010
Internet 2009 in numbers
What happened with the Internet in 2009?
How many websites were added? How many emails were sent? How many Internet users were there? This post will answer all of those questions and many more. Prepare for information overload, but in a good way.
We have used a wide variety of sources from around the Web. A full list of source references is available at the bottom of the post for those interested. We here at Pingdom also did some additional calculations to get even more numbers to show you.
Enjoy!
Email
90 trillion – The number of emails sent on the Internet in 2009.
247 billion – Average number of email messages per day.
1.4 billion – The number of email users worldwide.
100 million – New email users since the year before.
81% – The percentage of emails that were spam.
92% – Peak spam levels late in the year.
24% – Increase in spam since last year.
200 billion – The number of spam emails per day (assuming 81% are spam).
Read full article
How many websites were added? How many emails were sent? How many Internet users were there? This post will answer all of those questions and many more. Prepare for information overload, but in a good way.
We have used a wide variety of sources from around the Web. A full list of source references is available at the bottom of the post for those interested. We here at Pingdom also did some additional calculations to get even more numbers to show you.
Enjoy!
90 trillion – The number of emails sent on the Internet in 2009.
247 billion – Average number of email messages per day.
1.4 billion – The number of email users worldwide.
100 million – New email users since the year before.
81% – The percentage of emails that were spam.
92% – Peak spam levels late in the year.
24% – Increase in spam since last year.
200 billion – The number of spam emails per day (assuming 81% are spam).
Read full article
Friday, February 26, 2010
Flyff Spanish to be Released February 25th by Gala-Net, Inc.
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gala-Net, the leading free-to-play online game publisher, is proud to release its most renowned MMORPG, Flyff (Fly for Fun), in Spanish. Open Beta testing for the Spanish version will begin February 25th.
“Gala-Net’s goal is making a global online community, and we are very excited to reach out to Spanish speaking players.”
Flyff Spanish will launch with the latest Flyff expansion, V14. This expansion gives players access to the Lost Continent, which expands in-game content and Flyff’s explorable landscape beyond imagination. The Lost Continent, set on a tropical island, is filled with ancient mysteries to uncover, including two new team instance dungeons and brand new quests for players to complete.
Flyff Spanish has been geared for the Spanish speaking communities of Latin America and Europe. Players’ favorite quests, bosses, and adventures will now be available in Spanish. Spanish Flyff will feature all the latest expansion packs and events enjoyed by North American players. Jikhan Jung, CEO and President of Gala-Net expressed his enthusiasm over the release of the new version of Flyff, “Gala-Net’s goal is making a global online community, and we are very excited to reach out to Spanish speaking players.”
Flyff is developed by AEONSOFT Inc. and is licensed through Gala-Net for the Spanish operation.
Read full article
“Gala-Net’s goal is making a global online community, and we are very excited to reach out to Spanish speaking players.”
Flyff Spanish will launch with the latest Flyff expansion, V14. This expansion gives players access to the Lost Continent, which expands in-game content and Flyff’s explorable landscape beyond imagination. The Lost Continent, set on a tropical island, is filled with ancient mysteries to uncover, including two new team instance dungeons and brand new quests for players to complete.
Flyff Spanish has been geared for the Spanish speaking communities of Latin America and Europe. Players’ favorite quests, bosses, and adventures will now be available in Spanish. Spanish Flyff will feature all the latest expansion packs and events enjoyed by North American players. Jikhan Jung, CEO and President of Gala-Net expressed his enthusiasm over the release of the new version of Flyff, “Gala-Net’s goal is making a global online community, and we are very excited to reach out to Spanish speaking players.”
Flyff is developed by AEONSOFT Inc. and is licensed through Gala-Net for the Spanish operation.
Read full article
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Viz Media Licenses Broadcast To Televideo Services In Latin America
San Francisco, CA, FEBRUARY 22, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a significant new licensing deal with Televideo Services Inc. for the broadcast of new seasons of the smash-hit NARUTO animated series throughout Latin America – including countries in Central and South America. Additionally, Televideo Services licensed broadcast rights for the program for new territories the company services including Chile and Argentina, two of the fastest growing markets in Latin America.
As part of the agreement, Season 3 (Episodes 105-156) of NARUTO has been licensed for broadcast in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, Honduras and Bolivia. In addition, Televideo Services secured broadcast rights for Season 2 (Episodes 53-104) for Chile and Season 1 for Argentina (Episodes 1-52). Televideo Services Inc. is a holding company based in Miami, FL which has participation or direct ownership of more than 50 television and radio stations throughout Latin America.
“We’re very pleased to expand our relationship with Televideo Services to license additional seasons of NARUTO,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, VIZ Media Vice President of Sales and Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO is an international phenomenon and has proved a real favorite with viewers throughout Latin America. Televideo Services has an enormous presence in the region and we are excited to partner with them again and to bring NARUTO to new viewers in Chile and Argentina.”
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As part of the agreement, Season 3 (Episodes 105-156) of NARUTO has been licensed for broadcast in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Paraguay, Honduras and Bolivia. In addition, Televideo Services secured broadcast rights for Season 2 (Episodes 53-104) for Chile and Season 1 for Argentina (Episodes 1-52). Televideo Services Inc. is a holding company based in Miami, FL which has participation or direct ownership of more than 50 television and radio stations throughout Latin America.
“We’re very pleased to expand our relationship with Televideo Services to license additional seasons of NARUTO,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, VIZ Media Vice President of Sales and Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO is an international phenomenon and has proved a real favorite with viewers throughout Latin America. Televideo Services has an enormous presence in the region and we are excited to partner with them again and to bring NARUTO to new viewers in Chile and Argentina.”
Read full article
Might Online Media Disrupt Acculturation?
After reading Felipe Korzenny's and Lee Vann's column about Hispanics' adoption of social media relative to other ethnic demographics, a question came to mind: how will social networks affect the acculturation process among Hispanics? The ability to keep in touch with family and friends from countries-of-origin via email, Skype and online newspapers back home makes it easier than ever. Travel costs are at historic lows. And computer and mobile phone prices fall every year.
Combine these questions with the fact that more communities like Miami and McAllen, Texas, are reaching the tipping point of having a majority of Spanish speakers, and the question about how online media affects acculturation deserves some consideration. Six experts discuss this issue, after which you are invited to leave your comments, links to research and additional questions below.
"Latinos have strong ties to their heritage and country of origin," says Alvaro Palacios, the Regional Director of Business Development at Terra. "According to Pew's Latino Youth report, only 33% of second-generation Hispanics claims to be American first, while 41% still prefer to name their country of origin. Even with third-generation Hispanics, only 50% consider themselves American first."
Read full article
Combine these questions with the fact that more communities like Miami and McAllen, Texas, are reaching the tipping point of having a majority of Spanish speakers, and the question about how online media affects acculturation deserves some consideration. Six experts discuss this issue, after which you are invited to leave your comments, links to research and additional questions below.
"Latinos have strong ties to their heritage and country of origin," says Alvaro Palacios, the Regional Director of Business Development at Terra. "According to Pew's Latino Youth report, only 33% of second-generation Hispanics claims to be American first, while 41% still prefer to name their country of origin. Even with third-generation Hispanics, only 50% consider themselves American first."
Read full article
Spanish-language cable is up a whopping 32.2%
U.S. ad spending fell about 9% in 2009, with network television and syndication taking a harder hit than many other media platforms, according to a study from Nielsen released Feb. 24.
Overall spending was down 9%, from $128.6 billion in 2008 to $117 billion in 2009. Network television was down 9.9%, slightly below average, dropping from $22 billion to $19.8 billion. Syndicated TV was down 14.7%, with spot TV in the 101-2010 markets down 14.2%, and the top 100 markets down 16.1%.
But the news was not all dour among the television businesses; cable TV and Spanish-language cable TV bucked the trend, both up double digits over 2008. Cable TV was up 14.8%, while Spanish-language cable was up a whopping 32.2%, tops among all the media platforms Nielsen looked at.
"Fourth quarter ad spending was down just two percent year-over-year, and that helped soften the full-year decline," said Terrie Brennan, senior VP for new business development at The Nielsen Company, in announcing the study. "In fact, most of the top advertisers showed increased spending late in the year. These are encouraging signs for an ad market that's still trying to stop the bleeding."
Overall spending was down 9%, from $128.6 billion in 2008 to $117 billion in 2009. Network television was down 9.9%, slightly below average, dropping from $22 billion to $19.8 billion. Syndicated TV was down 14.7%, with spot TV in the 101-2010 markets down 14.2%, and the top 100 markets down 16.1%.
But the news was not all dour among the television businesses; cable TV and Spanish-language cable TV bucked the trend, both up double digits over 2008. Cable TV was up 14.8%, while Spanish-language cable was up a whopping 32.2%, tops among all the media platforms Nielsen looked at.
"Fourth quarter ad spending was down just two percent year-over-year, and that helped soften the full-year decline," said Terrie Brennan, senior VP for new business development at The Nielsen Company, in announcing the study. "In fact, most of the top advertisers showed increased spending late in the year. These are encouraging signs for an ad market that's still trying to stop the bleeding."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Telemundo Station Group Launches First Spanish IPhone TV Apps With LSN Mobile
Telemundo, a leading producer of innovative and high-quality Hispanic content in the U.S., announced today that its Television Station Group has launched the very first and only iPhone apps for local Spanish-language TV stations with its mobile partner LSN Mobile, using LSN Mobile's Local Wireless® media-to-mobile platform.
"Once again, we are first to market with an innovative tool for our "A la Mano" users," said Ronald Gordon, President Telemundo Station Group. "Research continues to indicate that mobile devices are a growing communication platform for Hispanic consumers, and we are meeting their desire for relevant content and information when and where they want it to be."
Each A La Mano market and station will have its own app. There are nine apps in total, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Jose, Houston, Puerto Rico and Phoenix. The new apps feature all the informative "A La Mano" content, including news, weather, sports, entertainment, slideshows, high-quality video, lottery numbers and horoscopes, in addition to local market personalization in an easy-to-navigate design. It provides an enhanced environment for the iPhone and advertisers looking to connect with Hispanic consumers in a fresh and contemporary way.
Read full article
"Once again, we are first to market with an innovative tool for our "A la Mano" users," said Ronald Gordon, President Telemundo Station Group. "Research continues to indicate that mobile devices are a growing communication platform for Hispanic consumers, and we are meeting their desire for relevant content and information when and where they want it to be."
Each A La Mano market and station will have its own app. There are nine apps in total, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Jose, Houston, Puerto Rico and Phoenix. The new apps feature all the informative "A La Mano" content, including news, weather, sports, entertainment, slideshows, high-quality video, lottery numbers and horoscopes, in addition to local market personalization in an easy-to-navigate design. It provides an enhanced environment for the iPhone and advertisers looking to connect with Hispanic consumers in a fresh and contemporary way.
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V-me Launches New Lineup in March
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, /PRNewswire/ -- V-me, the fresh alternative in Spanish broadcast TV, celebrates its third anniversary in March with a new line-up of engaging, high-quality entertainment in Spanish.
With more than two dozen new series, all U.S. Hispanic premieres, V-me combines new original productions with acquisitions from world-class producers including PRISA, BBC, National Geographic, Artear, Turner Latin America, and Off-the-Fence.
"V-me brings quality and engagement with content that fills the gaps in the U.S. Hispanic TV landscape," said Carmen DiRienzo, V-me president and CEO. "Our new programs bring drama beyond novellas while feeding our viewers' hunger for broad ranging lifestyle and factual entertainment. This means new dynamic viewers to Spanish TV and more choices for those already watching Spanish TV."
NEW IN PRIME
Highlighting V-me's new lineup are five cutting-edge series that go far beyond novellas to bring Hispanic viewers a new level of production quality in primetime TV drama. Packed with compelling stories and characters, and carefully adapted for a U.S. audience, V-me's new series serve up a dose of suspense, action, comedy and romance, weeknights at 11:00pm (all times listed are eastern).
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With more than two dozen new series, all U.S. Hispanic premieres, V-me combines new original productions with acquisitions from world-class producers including PRISA, BBC, National Geographic, Artear, Turner Latin America, and Off-the-Fence.
"V-me brings quality and engagement with content that fills the gaps in the U.S. Hispanic TV landscape," said Carmen DiRienzo, V-me president and CEO. "Our new programs bring drama beyond novellas while feeding our viewers' hunger for broad ranging lifestyle and factual entertainment. This means new dynamic viewers to Spanish TV and more choices for those already watching Spanish TV."
NEW IN PRIME
Highlighting V-me's new lineup are five cutting-edge series that go far beyond novellas to bring Hispanic viewers a new level of production quality in primetime TV drama. Packed with compelling stories and characters, and carefully adapted for a U.S. audience, V-me's new series serve up a dose of suspense, action, comedy and romance, weeknights at 11:00pm (all times listed are eastern).
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A Gradual Rebound for Local Advertising
Spending on digital media for local advertising will grow about 19 percent through 2014 and will be 25 percent of total local advertising, while money spent on traditional ads will continue to decline, according to new research from BIA/Kelsey. This "steady shift toward digital media" will see online/interactive media expenditure, at about $15 billion last year, reach nearly $37 billion four years from now, the study said.
The findings, reported in BIA/Kelsey's "U.S. Local Media Annual Forecast," did not surprise BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek, who said the recession and lingering economic doldrums have "triggered a more rapid switch to online digital stuff." Even though companies are increasingly embracing digital media for local advertising, online/interactive was not immune to the recession's ravages. BIA/Kelsey said there was a slowdown in the growth rate for digital, including search, display and classifieds, but it predicted that digital - now about 14 percent of total local ad spend - will encompass 25 percent by 2014.
In 2008, when about $156 billion was spent on all forms of local advertising, about $141 billion was spent on traditional media, according to the researchers. The total expenditure is expected to bottom out this year, reaching only about $129 billion (with $17.5 billion going to digital). By 2014, when the total expenditure is expected to climb back to $145 billion, only $109 billion will go to traditional forms, said the report.
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The findings, reported in BIA/Kelsey's "U.S. Local Media Annual Forecast," did not surprise BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek, who said the recession and lingering economic doldrums have "triggered a more rapid switch to online digital stuff." Even though companies are increasingly embracing digital media for local advertising, online/interactive was not immune to the recession's ravages. BIA/Kelsey said there was a slowdown in the growth rate for digital, including search, display and classifieds, but it predicted that digital - now about 14 percent of total local ad spend - will encompass 25 percent by 2014.
In 2008, when about $156 billion was spent on all forms of local advertising, about $141 billion was spent on traditional media, according to the researchers. The total expenditure is expected to bottom out this year, reaching only about $129 billion (with $17.5 billion going to digital). By 2014, when the total expenditure is expected to climb back to $145 billion, only $109 billion will go to traditional forms, said the report.
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Mobile Phones Organize Lives
A total of 234 million people age 13 and older in the U.S. used mobile devices by the end of Q4 2009.
According to a new survey recently announced by Ruder Finn, Americans are spending an average of 2.7 hours on the mobile Internet, connecting socially, managing their personal finances, and even as a means for advocacy. 91% of mobile phone users go online to socialize compared to only 79% of traditional desktop users. Mobile phone users are 1.6 times more likely to manage finances compared to traditional desktop users. Mobile phone users are 1.4 times more likely than traditional desktop users to rally support for a cause.
According to the Mobile Intent Index, mobile phone users do not access the mobile Internet for educational purposes or for creative expression, as the transitory nature of mobile intent goes against spending time to engage in discussions about personal issues. Usage by gender and age differ, with men accessing the mobile Internet 'to escape,' and women to entertain others.
Kathy Bloomgarden, Ruder Finn co-CEO, says "Mobile phones have become the way people organize their lives... and this trend will... accelerate... the faster businesses can adapt their services... the more rapidly they can... understand their customers to drive growth."
The Mobile Intent Index asked respondents how frequently they use their mobile phones to go online, and the results show that immediacy is the primary factor driving behavior.
Marty McGough, director, Ruder Finn Insights says, though, that "Mobile phone use goes beyond instant gratification... people use their mobile phones... for instant access to conduct business with the most recent information or advocate on the spot on issues of pressing concern and breaking news."
Michael Schubert, Chief Innovation Officer overseeing digital strategy at Ruder Finn added, "... people are taking advantage of (mobile technology)... to do their core work while using desktops to navigate longer format and higher bandwidth content and tools... resulting in huge... opportunities across industries... making mobile an essential channel in keeping businesses competitive."
Key results from the Mobile Intent Index Survey, include:
Mobile phones are a social connector, says the report. 91% of mobile users go online to socialize, compared to only 79% of traditional users. The top socialize intents are:
Instant message (62%)
Forward e-mails (58%), content (40%) and photos (38%)
Post comments on social networking sites (45%)
Connect to people on social networking sites (43%)
Mobile phone users are more likely to go online to do business compared to traditional users, and are 1.6 times more likely to manage finances. Mobile phones offer users the chance to conduct business in real time, and this is the major reason that business-related intents are so high. The top business intents are:
Online banking - 46%
Check bill/credit card status - 40%
Read business blogs - 33%
Nearly half of mobile users go online to advocate compared to only 41% of traditional users. Mobile phones offer users the chance to immediately respond to breaking news, whether it is a new piece of legislation or the latest ongoing development of a corporation or politician under siege. The top advocacy intents are:
Activate support for a cause or position - 67%
Post opinions on social networking sites - 45%
Forward content on a cause - 40%
Mobile users are much less likely than all users to go online to learn. Learning requires time and patience, something mobile phone users are in short supply of.
They are 1.5 times less likely than the traditional user to go online to educate themselves
They are 1.4 times less likely than the traditional user to go online to research
They are more likely than the traditional user to go online to keep informed
Mobile users are 1.3 times less likely to personally express themselves online compared to traditional users. The transitory nature of their intents speaks against spending the time to engage in discussions about personal issues while using their mobile phones.
They are 1.7 times less likely than the traditional user to go online to opine
They are 1.8 times less likely than the traditional user to go online to be creative
Additionally, gender and age influence the Intent of mobile phone users according to the study:
Men (79%) are much more likely than women (61%) to use their mobile phone to simply "escape"
Many more women (70%) than men (58%) go online using their mobile devices to entertain others
Youth (44%) are more likely to shop over their mobile phones than the average mobile user (35%)
Seniors (82%) are much more likely than the traditional user (64%) to use their mobile phones to educate themselves
For more information, please visit Ruder-Finn here.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Univision Interactive Media to Launch Comprehensive Online and Mobile 'Novelas Y Series' Channel on Univision.com
NEW YORK, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Univision Interactive Media, Inc., the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, today announced plans to launch a new online and mobile "Novelas y Series" (Novelas and Series) channel later this year on Univision.com. This launch follows the website's successful originally produced webnovela, "Vidas Cruzadas" (Crossed Lives).
"Building on the success of our originally produced webnovela, 'Vidas Cruzadas', the launch of this new dedicated online and mobile Novela channel clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing U.S. Hispanics with the best possible interactive entertainment experience," said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. "We have significantly increased our focus on the importance of video and we are excited about the opportunity to offer our online and mobile audience high quality novela programming from leading content producers around the world."
Univision.com's new channel will include premier third-party content from Azecta America, RCN Television, and Dori Media Group, as well as original programming from Univision Interactive Media. Programs from Univision Networks' top shows and special events will also be featured. Users will be able to access the video on both online and mobile platforms. As a hub for novela enthusiasts, the channel will also include the latest novela news, celebrity gossip, behind-the-scenes footage and message boards on a dedicated section co-branded with Dori Media Group.
Conroy adds, "The launch of the''Novelas y Series' channel will expand the deep multimedia experience that Univision offers to today's Hispanics, reaching them wherever and however they consume content."
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"Building on the success of our originally produced webnovela, 'Vidas Cruzadas', the launch of this new dedicated online and mobile Novela channel clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing U.S. Hispanics with the best possible interactive entertainment experience," said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. "We have significantly increased our focus on the importance of video and we are excited about the opportunity to offer our online and mobile audience high quality novela programming from leading content producers around the world."
Univision.com's new channel will include premier third-party content from Azecta America, RCN Television, and Dori Media Group, as well as original programming from Univision Interactive Media. Programs from Univision Networks' top shows and special events will also be featured. Users will be able to access the video on both online and mobile platforms. As a hub for novela enthusiasts, the channel will also include the latest novela news, celebrity gossip, behind-the-scenes footage and message boards on a dedicated section co-branded with Dori Media Group.
Conroy adds, "The launch of the''Novelas y Series' channel will expand the deep multimedia experience that Univision offers to today's Hispanics, reaching them wherever and however they consume content."
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LatinWorks: Multicultural AOY '09
In a new Hispanic market commercial for Domino's Pizza, close-knit neighbors play a game of telephone. As the famous kids' game goes, they pass along the information person to person. But in this case, the message -- Domino's tastes better than Pizza Hut -- is so strong, even a game of telephone can't mess it up.
The spot, and another recent one in which a Domino's delivery man shows up at an outdoor party where everybody knows him, are already ringing up strong 2010 sales for the marketer and "some of the best ad scores we've seen since we've been tracking Hispanic work," says Karen Kaiser, director of national advertising at Domino's.
The new campaign is the brainchild of LatinWorks, the Austin, Texas-based agency formed more than a decade ago by a couple of Anheuser-Busch marketing veterans and an advertising maven who Kaiser calls "the centrifugal force" of the shop.
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The spot, and another recent one in which a Domino's delivery man shows up at an outdoor party where everybody knows him, are already ringing up strong 2010 sales for the marketer and "some of the best ad scores we've seen since we've been tracking Hispanic work," says Karen Kaiser, director of national advertising at Domino's.
The new campaign is the brainchild of LatinWorks, the Austin, Texas-based agency formed more than a decade ago by a couple of Anheuser-Busch marketing veterans and an advertising maven who Kaiser calls "the centrifugal force" of the shop.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mobile penetration to exceed 100% in Latin America soon - Telefonica
Spanish operator says it needs to multiply bandwidth by four to cope with increasing demand for data in region.
Mobile penetration is on the up in Latin America and operators are coming under pressure to increase bandwidth to cope with growing demand for data, just as they are in the rest of the world, according to Spanish incumbent Telefonica.
"Mobile penetration is going to go above 100% in the next months," said Jose Maria Alvarez Pallete, chairman and CEO of Telefonica Latinoamerica, speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week.
"[Latin America has become] a very enthusiastic consumer of telecoms products and services," he said, predicting that mobile broadband subscriptions will increase fivefold in the next four years, to 34 million subscribers from 5 million at present.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
X-Change Corporation Finalizes Acquisition of ConnectedMedia Technologies to Form Leading US Hispanic Digital Multimedia Company
MIAMI, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- X-Change Corporation (Other OTC: XCHC), announced today it has completed its merger with Miami based ConnectedMedia Technologies, Inc., a digital multimedia firm to the US Hispanic market, offering a complete suite of media solutions to better help broadcasters, agencies, advertisers and content owners to target the growing US Hispanic demographic more easily and efficiently in this age of diverse digital convergence.
Mr. Fernando Gomez, Senior Executive VP for ConnectedMedia Technologies, Inc. stated, "This merger presents a formidable opportunity for our company and its shareholders, as we now have access to the US capital markets to execute our multi-media acquisition plan, allowing us to better serve our Hispanic market audience and expand our product offerings to our clients."
X-Change Corporation completed the merger with Connected Media Technologies, Inc., and in doing so the purchase price was paid in stock. Control has been turned over to the share holders of Connected Media.
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Mr. Fernando Gomez, Senior Executive VP for ConnectedMedia Technologies, Inc. stated, "This merger presents a formidable opportunity for our company and its shareholders, as we now have access to the US capital markets to execute our multi-media acquisition plan, allowing us to better serve our Hispanic market audience and expand our product offerings to our clients."
X-Change Corporation completed the merger with Connected Media Technologies, Inc., and in doing so the purchase price was paid in stock. Control has been turned over to the share holders of Connected Media.
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How Should Marketers Address Concerns About Ad Targeting?
The main unit of currency for online advertising is data. Players in today’s shifting ad landscape increasingly recognize that audience data fuels online advertising more than ad impressions alone, particular contexts or sites where the audience is found—or even various types of ad targeting that depend on the data.
But for marketers to make the most of that data requires an audience that understands the trade-off between better-targeted advertising and access to the ad-supported online content they have come to expect.
“Audience discomfort around marketers collecting data has led to calls for regulation, and some brands are staying on the sidelines of behavioral targeting because they fear consumer backlash,” said David Hallerman, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report, “Audience Ad Targeting: Data and Privacy Issues.” “Still, spending on behaviorally targeted ads is up, and if understanding between advertisers and consumers improves, outlays will only increase.”
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But for marketers to make the most of that data requires an audience that understands the trade-off between better-targeted advertising and access to the ad-supported online content they have come to expect.
“Audience discomfort around marketers collecting data has led to calls for regulation, and some brands are staying on the sidelines of behavioral targeting because they fear consumer backlash,” said David Hallerman, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report, “Audience Ad Targeting: Data and Privacy Issues.” “Still, spending on behaviorally targeted ads is up, and if understanding between advertisers and consumers improves, outlays will only increase.”
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DeviceAnywhere Partners with Vivo Latin America’s Largest Mobile Phone Service Provider
DeviceAnywhere together with Certified® (www.certified.com.br), the leading provider of testing and certification for mobile applications in Latin America and Vivo, the largest mobile phone service provider in Latin America with over 50 million customers, DeviceAnywhere™ today announces the launch of the Vivo Virtual Developer Lab (VDL), providing remote access to over thirty physical mobile devices from anywhere in the world.
Available to all members of the Vivo developer community, the Vivo VDL will ensure that the recently announced Vivo downloads store is populated with content that meets the highest standards of usability and reliability.
Built on DeviceAnywhere’s award-winning Direct-to-Device™ technology, developers will be able to remotely interact with local handsets as if they were in their hands, including the iPhone 3G, Blackberry 9000 and Nokia N95. Developers are able to press buttons, rotate the handset, listen to ringtones and sounds, play videos, access the internet and view LCD displays with pixel-by-pixel representations for accurate image and text matching that display exactly what the consumer would view.
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Available to all members of the Vivo developer community, the Vivo VDL will ensure that the recently announced Vivo downloads store is populated with content that meets the highest standards of usability and reliability.
Built on DeviceAnywhere’s award-winning Direct-to-Device™ technology, developers will be able to remotely interact with local handsets as if they were in their hands, including the iPhone 3G, Blackberry 9000 and Nokia N95. Developers are able to press buttons, rotate the handset, listen to ringtones and sounds, play videos, access the internet and view LCD displays with pixel-by-pixel representations for accurate image and text matching that display exactly what the consumer would view.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
US Web Usage Landscape Is Shifting
With 71% of Americans using the Internet at least monthly in 2010, US Internet users now closely resemble the general population. Over the next five years, that trend will continue. Overall, eMarketer forecasts the number of monthly Internet users in the US will rise to 250.7 million in 2014, up from 221 million in 2010.
More than one-half of new users will be ages 45 and up, as many of the remaining laggards come on board. Among younger groups, the Internet is nearly ubiquitous, and most who are able to access it already do so, leaving limited potential for penetration growth. Notably, though, eMarketer expects significant increases in usage among children ages 3 to 11, as technology becomes a part of consumers’ lives at increasingly younger ages.
Currently, 12- to 24-year-olds represent a major bloc of users at 51.7 million, or 23.4% of the total. By 2014, though, their share will wane to 21.3%, even as their numbers increase to 53.5 million. Meanwhile, those ages 45 and older will grow from 35% to 38.3% of total users to more closely align with their relative share in the overall population.
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More than one-half of new users will be ages 45 and up, as many of the remaining laggards come on board. Among younger groups, the Internet is nearly ubiquitous, and most who are able to access it already do so, leaving limited potential for penetration growth. Notably, though, eMarketer expects significant increases in usage among children ages 3 to 11, as technology becomes a part of consumers’ lives at increasingly younger ages.
Currently, 12- to 24-year-olds represent a major bloc of users at 51.7 million, or 23.4% of the total. By 2014, though, their share will wane to 21.3%, even as their numbers increase to 53.5 million. Meanwhile, those ages 45 and older will grow from 35% to 38.3% of total users to more closely align with their relative share in the overall population.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Demand for Mobile Financial Services Grows
While mobile coupon and mobile commerce usage may not have grown as quickly as many marketers hoped, Americans appear to be eagerly adopting mobile banking.
The “Mobile Money Study” by Data Innovation found that a strong majority of US smartphone users (68.7%) had accessed banking or other financial services on their mobile phone in the past three months.
The top activity was checking account balances, followed by looking for posted transactions. Nearly three in 10 smartphone users paid bills via mobile, and many used nonbanking financial services, such as paying credit card bills (more than 50%).
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The “Mobile Money Study” by Data Innovation found that a strong majority of US smartphone users (68.7%) had accessed banking or other financial services on their mobile phone in the past three months.
The top activity was checking account balances, followed by looking for posted transactions. Nearly three in 10 smartphone users paid bills via mobile, and many used nonbanking financial services, such as paying credit card bills (more than 50%).
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Hispanic Market Overview - 2010 Report Now Available to Marketers, Advertisers
MIAMI, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Hispanic Market Overview – 2010, the first in a series of reports produced by longtime U.S. Hispanic market journalist and market research specialist Adam R Jacobson, has been released. The report is being distributed exclusively in the U.S. Hispanic market through a partnership between the JakeAdams Editorial Services and Research Consultancy and HispanicAd.com, the tool for the Hispanic advertising and media professional.
The first Hispanic Market Overview offers marketers and advertisers and advertising agency executives and junior staff a clear, concise snapshot of the state of the U.S. Hispanic market. A review of 2009 advertising expenditures and the Spanish-language media those budgets go to is featured throughout the report.
The report also includes the latest population statistics as provided by Geoscape, detailed advertising activity at magazines according to Media Economics Group/HispanicMagazineMonitor and a detailed look at the fast-growing Hispanic digital and online industry.
"This report is designed to give advertising and marketing professionals a comprehensive review of the U.S. Hispanic market, giving them basic information designed to better inform them on the opportunities available for their clients," said Jacobson, most recently the senior associate editor of Hispanic Market Weekly and, prior to that, Management/Marketing/Sales Editor for industry trade publication Radio and Records.
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The first Hispanic Market Overview offers marketers and advertisers and advertising agency executives and junior staff a clear, concise snapshot of the state of the U.S. Hispanic market. A review of 2009 advertising expenditures and the Spanish-language media those budgets go to is featured throughout the report.
The report also includes the latest population statistics as provided by Geoscape, detailed advertising activity at magazines according to Media Economics Group/HispanicMagazineMonitor and a detailed look at the fast-growing Hispanic digital and online industry.
"This report is designed to give advertising and marketing professionals a comprehensive review of the U.S. Hispanic market, giving them basic information designed to better inform them on the opportunities available for their clients," said Jacobson, most recently the senior associate editor of Hispanic Market Weekly and, prior to that, Management/Marketing/Sales Editor for industry trade publication Radio and Records.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
Telefonica and MoreMagic Solutions Expand International Recharge of Movistar Mobile Phones throughout Latin America
MADRID, NEWTON, Mass. and BARCELONA, Spain. Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- 2010 GSMA Mobile World Congress - Telefonica, one of the world's leaders in the telecommunications sector, and MoreMagic Solutions, a leading mobile solutions provider, announced today that U.S. friends and family of Telefonica customers are now able to recharge Movistar mobile phones throughout Latin America, with recharge services delivered via MoreMagic Solutions International Recharge Hub. Telefonica operates twelve Latin American countries under the Movistar brand. From hundreds of thousands of retail locations, or the web - www.etopuponline.com, a customer can send a gift of prepaid airtime to a Movistar mobile phone.
MoreMagic Solutions International Recharge Hub leverages an extensive network of hundreds of thousands of retail locations in the United States, where customers can send airtime to Movistar customers in Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
"Movistar customers are asking friends and family throughout the world to help them stay connected in a cost-effective and convenient way, and we are pleased to work with MoreMagic Solutions to meet their needs," said Jaime Grau, Transactional Services Director at Telefonica Latinoamerica. "In communities throughout the United States, customers can purchase a gift of airtime at their neighborhood convenience store, or via the internet at etopuponline.com, and the Movistar mobile phone back home is immediately credited."
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MoreMagic Solutions International Recharge Hub leverages an extensive network of hundreds of thousands of retail locations in the United States, where customers can send airtime to Movistar customers in Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
"Movistar customers are asking friends and family throughout the world to help them stay connected in a cost-effective and convenient way, and we are pleased to work with MoreMagic Solutions to meet their needs," said Jaime Grau, Transactional Services Director at Telefonica Latinoamerica. "In communities throughout the United States, customers can purchase a gift of airtime at their neighborhood convenience store, or via the internet at etopuponline.com, and the Movistar mobile phone back home is immediately credited."
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Friday, February 12, 2010
ESPN Deportes and Degree Men, in Collaboration with Walton Isaacson, Debut Groundbreaking Soccer Television Series 'Frente al Reto'
NEW YORK, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- ESPN Deportes and Degree Men premiered its first documentary-style soccer show entitled Frente al Reto (http://espnmediazone3.com/rs/?c=391&k=656ad0dde9). The much anticipated original series captures the extraordinary stories of eight Mexican soccer stars as they take on the challenge to represent their national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Frente al Reto will air every Monday for eight consecutive weeks on ESPN Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET. The program will debut in Latin America March 14, 2010.
Produced by ESPN Deportes, in collaboration with Walton Isaacson, Frente al Reto is the network's first major step in the content development arena, outside of studio shows. Narrated by renowned GOYA award nominated actor Jose Maria 'Chema' Yazpik of Mexico ("Solo Quiero Caminar," "Beverly Hills Chihuahua"), Frente al Reto gives viewers an inside look at the life of young Mexican soccer stars, including Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Jonny Magallon (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Giovanni Dos Santos (Galatasaray), Omar Arellano (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Efrain Juarez (Pumas), Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul) of Mexico's National Soccer Team and Jose "Gringo" Torres (Pachuca) of the U.S. National Soccer Team. Using player interviews, testimony from historians, journalists and from a long line of teammates, trainers, coaches, friends and family, the documentary takes the viewers face-to-face with the dreams, fears and challenges these players must face for the love of the game.
"We are incredibly excited and proud to bring these stories to our fans," said Juan Alfonso, vice president, marketing and content development, ESPN International. "Our goal with Frente al Reto is to show viewers that their idols are more than just a face on a television screen and a player on the field. These are people with everyday challenges, insecurities and an enormous set of expectations on their shoulders."
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Produced by ESPN Deportes, in collaboration with Walton Isaacson, Frente al Reto is the network's first major step in the content development arena, outside of studio shows. Narrated by renowned GOYA award nominated actor Jose Maria 'Chema' Yazpik of Mexico ("Solo Quiero Caminar," "Beverly Hills Chihuahua"), Frente al Reto gives viewers an inside look at the life of young Mexican soccer stars, including Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Jonny Magallon (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Giovanni Dos Santos (Galatasaray), Omar Arellano (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Efrain Juarez (Pumas), Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul) of Mexico's National Soccer Team and Jose "Gringo" Torres (Pachuca) of the U.S. National Soccer Team. Using player interviews, testimony from historians, journalists and from a long line of teammates, trainers, coaches, friends and family, the documentary takes the viewers face-to-face with the dreams, fears and challenges these players must face for the love of the game.
"We are incredibly excited and proud to bring these stories to our fans," said Juan Alfonso, vice president, marketing and content development, ESPN International. "Our goal with Frente al Reto is to show viewers that their idols are more than just a face on a television screen and a player on the field. These are people with everyday challenges, insecurities and an enormous set of expectations on their shoulders."
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Hispanic by Popular Demand
The community’s growing U.S. influence may sway the nation’s public opinion to increasingly reflect the Hispanic culture.
Written by: Alice Gomez and Lucia Matthews, DiálogoPR, San Diego, CA
Driven by its growing population and pervasive cultural attributes, the Hispanic community will continue to influence U.S. mainstream. Hispanic heritage is already extremely visible in business, political and social contexts. As Hispanic presence becomes even more embedded within US norms and rituals, the nation’s collective public opinion is likely to become friendlier.
Public opinion is a powerful political and social force. It represents a synthesis of individual views, attitudes and beliefs within a nation. These collective perspectives determine political outcomes and shape social realities. The Hispanic segment is expanding and thus playing a larger role in the process.
The U.S. was founded on the democratic ideal expressed by Lincoln as a “Government of the people, by the people and for the people.” This notion of self-governance allows public opinion to elect public officials and to sway political decisions.
The number of Hispanic Americans and non-Hispanic Americans exposed to Latino culture is quite substantial. The U.S. society has welcomed and is adopting Hispanic perspectives. The logical result will be increased Hispanic decisive power in future U.S. politics.
Texas, California and New Mexico are “Hispanic majority-minority” states, meaning various ethnic minority populations now outnumber Whites.
Leading California Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman commended about the contribution of the segment’s presence during National Hispanic Heritage Month this past September. She says she includes Latinos in her campaign outreach, which is crucial to understanding what Californians face every day at home, at school and at work and helping her forge solutions
“It’s something that we have to be successful at because this is a very rapidly growing, influential group in California politics,” Whitman said. “I want to involve Latinos in this campaign in a way that hasn’t been seen in Republican politics in a long time. It will be hard — it will not be easy. But it is a priority of mine and I’m very, very serious about it.”
Beyond politics public opinion affects nearly every industry based in cultural nuance including food, sports, entertainment, arts and fashion. Historically, influential groups infiltrate these emotionally driven areas even before gaining political power. Large scale successes for cultural industries are dependent on the preferences of the masses. These preferences are indicative of public opinion and will increasingly originate in the Hispanic community.
Everyday life in the U.S. is already largely composed of Hispanic culture. Many big name athletes and entertainers are Hispanic. Popular fashion and music and typical American cuisine are rich in Latino flair. Many words and phrases are borrowed and incorporated into the U.S. English dialect.
It would be difficult to refute the magnitude of the Hispanic people in the U.S. The mere enormity of the Hispanic population is evidence of their significance. More than 15 percent of the US population is of Hispanic decent. The group’s growth rate doubles the national rate and is expected to reach 30 percent by 2050. More impressive still is the Latino buying power. Hispanic consumer purchasing power is projected to reach $1 trillion in 2010.
The Hispanic community possesses a strong sense of culture and is willing and able to assure their voice is heard. Despite the vast range of diversity of people under the Hispanic umbrella the group has many tightly knit cultural attributes and viewpoints.
The recent surge in Hispanic technological usage will aid informed and cohesive political decisions, social networking and opinion sharing. Ultimately Hispanics will expand their impact on U.S. public opinion. Latino influence will become even more ingrained within the U.S. identity.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
HBO Garners Eight Nominations for the 2010 NAMIC Vision Awards Recognizing Achievements in Television Programming Diversity
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Nominations for the 2010 NAMIC Vision Awards were announced today by the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC). Now in its 16th year, the NAMIC Vision Awards honor original multi-ethnic and cross-cultural television programming that best reflects the diversity of the global viewing audience. The NAMIC Vision Awards will be presented at a luncheon ceremony scheduled for Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
A total of 27 networks and producers/distributors representing a wide range of programming generated 59 nominations for awards presented in 15 categories: Animation; Children's; Comedy; Documentary; Drama; Foreign Language; Lifestyle; News/Informational; Original Movie or Special; Reality; Sports; Variety/Talk Show; Best Performance – Comedy; Best Performance – Drama; and Digital Media (Short Form). Original programs that aired between the dates of November 1, 2008 and October 31, 2009 were eligible for consideration.
HBO led the field of contenders for the 2010 NAMIC Vision Awards with eight nominations including two for HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," which received a nod in the Drama category and a Best Performance – Drama nomination for actor and recording artist, Jill Scott. Additional Best Performance – Drama nominees include: Cicely Tyson for the Hallmark Channel's "Relative Stranger," and actor Russell Hornsby, who garnered two nominations for ABC Family's "Lincoln Heights" and HBO's "In Treatment." Hornsby is the first actor in NAMIC Vision Awards history to receive multiple nominations in a single performance category.
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A total of 27 networks and producers/distributors representing a wide range of programming generated 59 nominations for awards presented in 15 categories: Animation; Children's; Comedy; Documentary; Drama; Foreign Language; Lifestyle; News/Informational; Original Movie or Special; Reality; Sports; Variety/Talk Show; Best Performance – Comedy; Best Performance – Drama; and Digital Media (Short Form). Original programs that aired between the dates of November 1, 2008 and October 31, 2009 were eligible for consideration.
HBO led the field of contenders for the 2010 NAMIC Vision Awards with eight nominations including two for HBO's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," which received a nod in the Drama category and a Best Performance – Drama nomination for actor and recording artist, Jill Scott. Additional Best Performance – Drama nominees include: Cicely Tyson for the Hallmark Channel's "Relative Stranger," and actor Russell Hornsby, who garnered two nominations for ABC Family's "Lincoln Heights" and HBO's "In Treatment." Hornsby is the first actor in NAMIC Vision Awards history to receive multiple nominations in a single performance category.
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Lotus Entravision Reps Expands Radio Station Portfolio in San Diego
Latest Additions of XOCL-FM/La Mejor and XGLX-FM/Exa Gives Lotus Entravision Reps Top Three Stations in Leading Hispanic DMA
Growing Stable of Spanish-Language Radio Stations Provides Increased Opportunities for National Advertisers
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Lotus Entravision Reps (LER), the joint venture radio-sales rep firm representing more than 125 Spanish-language radio stations, today announced it has added two new top rated stations owned by MVS Radio, XOCL-FM/La Mejor and XGLX-FM/Exa in San Diego, to its growing portfolio.
With these additions and its existing representation of Imagen Group's XLTN-FM/Radio Latina, LER now represents the top three Spanish-language radio stations in the San Diego market, the 14th largest Hispanic DMA in the U.S.
"Through this partnership with MVS and our existing relationship with Imagen, we're now able to offer the most effective and focused way for national advertisers to reach the highly coveted Hispanic community in the San Diego region," said Phillip Woodie, President of LER. "We look forward to working with our new partners to further advance advertising opportunities on these leading stations."
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Journal Broadcast Group Selects Hipcricket as the Exclusive Mobile Marketing Solution for its 46 Television and Radio Stations in 12 States
KIRKLAND, Wash., Feb 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hipcricket today announced that Journal Broadcast Group, a division of Journal Communications, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!jrn/quotes/nls/jrn (JRN 3.09, -0.12, -3.82%) , has selected the mobile marketing leader to be its exclusive partner corporate-wide. The companies have done business since 2007 with six stations currently employing Hipcricket to drive sales, engagement and time spent listening and watching. The group has 33 radio stations and 13 television stations in 12 markets.
Hipcricket has conducted more than 50,000 mobile marketing campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands--including Rite Aid, HBO, Coca Cola and Staples--as well as hundreds of radio and television stations nationwide. Hipcricket equips clients with superior technology and services that enable them to create mobile advertising and promotional campaigns in minutes. The Hipcricket platform includes powerful analytics tools that allow stations to comprehensively monitor campaigns, measure and analyze results and make campaign or program changes in real time for the best possible results.
Milwaukee's WTMJ-AM and WTMJ-TV (NBC) use Hipcricket to power their School Closure Alerts program. More than 18,000 audience members currently receive text and e-mail alerts when schools close due to inclement weather.
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Hipcricket has conducted more than 50,000 mobile marketing campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands--including Rite Aid, HBO, Coca Cola and Staples--as well as hundreds of radio and television stations nationwide. Hipcricket equips clients with superior technology and services that enable them to create mobile advertising and promotional campaigns in minutes. The Hipcricket platform includes powerful analytics tools that allow stations to comprehensively monitor campaigns, measure and analyze results and make campaign or program changes in real time for the best possible results.
Milwaukee's WTMJ-AM and WTMJ-TV (NBC) use Hipcricket to power their School Closure Alerts program. More than 18,000 audience members currently receive text and e-mail alerts when schools close due to inclement weather.
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Love in the Digital Age
MIAMI, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Maintaining a relationship in today's world is not easy and it is harder still when a couple is far apart for various reasons, often because of work.
The communication tools of the digital age offer couples many opportunities to interact that would have been unimaginable decades ago.
Take it from Cecilia Alegria, better known as La Doctora Amor (Dr. Love), who is the author of "Secretos para encontrar pareja en Internet" (Secrets to Finding a Partner on the Internet) and is currently writing another book about long-distance relationships.
"Couples turn on their computers, their microphones and their webcams and, tuning out the rest of the world completely, they talk and 'chat' face-to-face despite being in different cities," Dr. Amor said.
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The communication tools of the digital age offer couples many opportunities to interact that would have been unimaginable decades ago.
Take it from Cecilia Alegria, better known as La Doctora Amor (Dr. Love), who is the author of "Secretos para encontrar pareja en Internet" (Secrets to Finding a Partner on the Internet) and is currently writing another book about long-distance relationships.
"Couples turn on their computers, their microphones and their webcams and, tuning out the rest of the world completely, they talk and 'chat' face-to-face despite being in different cities," Dr. Amor said.
Read full article
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mobile Marketing Seen Flourishing In '10
By Diana Marszalek
In what will likely otherwise be an unremarkable year for media ad spending, mobile marketing is expected to surge in 2010 as the number of portals, such as iPhone apps, multiply, an industry analyst said Monday.
"We believe that this will finally be the breakout year after all the other the other breakout years we heard about in the past," said Kip Cassino, Borrell Associates VP of research and development.
Speaking at Borrell's 2010 Local Online Advertising Conference in New York, Cassino said he expects mobile marketing to double this year, rising from 4% to 8% of all online marketing. By 2013, about half of all online ad dollars will be spent on mobile, he said.
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In what will likely otherwise be an unremarkable year for media ad spending, mobile marketing is expected to surge in 2010 as the number of portals, such as iPhone apps, multiply, an industry analyst said Monday.
"We believe that this will finally be the breakout year after all the other the other breakout years we heard about in the past," said Kip Cassino, Borrell Associates VP of research and development.
Speaking at Borrell's 2010 Local Online Advertising Conference in New York, Cassino said he expects mobile marketing to double this year, rising from 4% to 8% of all online marketing. By 2013, about half of all online ad dollars will be spent on mobile, he said.
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RCTV Internacional Now Has More Viewers Than Ever! Exclusively Through TV Venezuela
MIAMI, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Even after the signal for Radio Caracas Television Internacional was removed from subscription TV systems in Venezuela, it continues as part of the programming of TV Venezuela, thus strengthening our commitment to keeping Venezuelans living in the United States permanently in touch with what's going on in their country.
Our viewers continue to enjoy their favorite RCTV programs exclusively through TV Venezuela. In the mornings, La Entrevista (The Interview) airs with Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Monday to Friday at 7:30 a.m. EST / 4:30 a.m. PST. During the day, there's the news program El Observador (The Observer) with its two daily broadcasts Monday to Friday at 12:30 p.m. EST /9:30 a.m. PST, and at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST. Then there's political humor on Radio Rochela every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST / 4:30 p.m. PST.
TV Venezuela is distributed via satellite by DIRECTV Mas. It is available on cable systems through Comcast in southern Florida, Chicago, Boston, Detroit and Houston, as well as on Time Warner in Los Angeles.
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Our viewers continue to enjoy their favorite RCTV programs exclusively through TV Venezuela. In the mornings, La Entrevista (The Interview) airs with Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Monday to Friday at 7:30 a.m. EST / 4:30 a.m. PST. During the day, there's the news program El Observador (The Observer) with its two daily broadcasts Monday to Friday at 12:30 p.m. EST /9:30 a.m. PST, and at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST. Then there's political humor on Radio Rochela every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST / 4:30 p.m. PST.
TV Venezuela is distributed via satellite by DIRECTV Mas. It is available on cable systems through Comcast in southern Florida, Chicago, Boston, Detroit and Houston, as well as on Time Warner in Los Angeles.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
Lapiz Answers U.S. Cellular's Call for New Hispanic Agency of Record
CHICAGO, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Cellular, the nation's fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier, has named Lapiz its official Hispanic Agency of Record beginning January 2010. Lapiz, one of the top U.S. Hispanic advertising agencies and a division of Leo Burnett USA, won the business based on a fundamental understanding of human behavior and U.S. Cellular's core consumers, while providing strategic insights and recommendations to strengthen the brand among the domestic Hispanic population, a pivotal audience for the company.
U.S. Cellular was looking for a strategic partner to help them best define and segment their Hispanic customers, while bringing forth strategic insights and fresh creative ideas to resonate with those segments nationwide. As Hispanic Agency of Record, Lapiz will be responsible for strategy and creative related to overall branding for U.S. Cellular and specific promotional advertising targeting the U.S. Hispanic audience.
"In addition to our award-winning network, we believe in connecting with customers in multiple ways," said Dan Schedler, senior director, brand management, U.S. Cellular. "Lapiz will play a creative and significant role in helping us deliver messages to our Hispanic consumers."
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U.S. Cellular was looking for a strategic partner to help them best define and segment their Hispanic customers, while bringing forth strategic insights and fresh creative ideas to resonate with those segments nationwide. As Hispanic Agency of Record, Lapiz will be responsible for strategy and creative related to overall branding for U.S. Cellular and specific promotional advertising targeting the U.S. Hispanic audience.
"In addition to our award-winning network, we believe in connecting with customers in multiple ways," said Dan Schedler, senior director, brand management, U.S. Cellular. "Lapiz will play a creative and significant role in helping us deliver messages to our Hispanic consumers."
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Friday, February 5, 2010
The Mexicanal® Network Charges Into California
Digital Broadcast Distribution in Los Angeles (KBEH), San Diego (K5OLL-D) and Palm Springs (KMIR)
Cable Distribution in San Francisco (Comcast)
Atlanta, GA – February 5, 2010 – Marking another milestone in the continued growth of its multi-platform distribution, the MEXICANAL® Network has charged into California with additional distribution in four new markets. The Spanish-language network is augmenting its carriage on DIRECTV with new digital broadcast distribution deals in Los Angeles (KBEH ch 63.3), San Diego (K5OLL-D ch 50.2) and Palm Springs (KMIR ch 36.2), and new cable distribution in San Francisco via Comcast.
MEXICANAL is distributed via Comcast cable, DIRECTV satellite and digital broadcast. With these multi-city launches, MEXICANAL will add more than 1.1 million additional Hispanic households to its audience.
Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego represent the three largest markets in California, and two of the country’s most populous Mexican epicenters. Palm Springs also boasts a growing Hispanic population.
MEXICANAL was the first US offering to create an extensive content network of affiliate broadcasters and stations all throughout Mexico. Today, its viewers benefit from a unique schedule of news, entertainment and sports programming from Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Oaxaca, State of Mexico, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Hidalgo, Campeche, Chiapas, Yucatan and Zacatecas. These regions represent hometowns for the vast majority of U.S.-based Mexican immigrants.
“Today’s news represents tremendous growth for us as we continue to expand MEXICANAL’s reach into the country’s most important Hispanic markets,” said Luis Torres-Bohl, MEXICANAL’s President. “California is especially significant, as so much of the state’s population is directly connected to the Mexican regions highlighted by our programming. We’re proud to work with these three partners in serving this audience.”
MEXICANAL’s lineup includes such signature programs as MX•24 Noticias, its daily, half-hour original newscast featuring top regional, national and international news; and De Kiosko en Kiosko, which explores the culture, customs and traditions of Jalisco’s different municipalities, among others. The network produces a number of original programs, such as CUADRILATERO, a new boxing series which airs during the first week of each month; and La Ruta de Mexico, a series that explores Mexico’s traditions and the culturally interesting events that take place throughout the year in the different regions. MEXICANAL also celebrates El Grito de Independencia, one of the network’s annual specials exploring the traditions and celebrations surrounding Mexico’s independence.
About MEXICANAL
The MEXICANAL Network, a television channel formed jointly by Atlanta-based Castalia Communications and Mexico-based Cablecom, provides Mexicans living in the United States with news, entertainment and sports programming from their hometowns. The network’s lineup features MEXICANAL original productions and the best programming from affiliate broadcasters, independent producers, and local access stations in regions across Mexico, including Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Oaxaca, State of Mexico, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Hidalgo, Campeche, Chiapas, Yucatan and Zacatecas. For more information, please visit http://www.mexicanal.com/.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Love in the Time of Internet: Introducing www.serenata4u.com
NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- What happens when you combine Latino romantic traditions with modern, Internet-driven courtship?
www.serenata4u.com happens. A new site where lovers can email each other Mariachi serenades in the form of a high quality music video with an uploaded photo and a personalized message.
Developed by Freydell+Torres Diversity (www.ftdiversity.com), a New York City-based advertising agency, the new site combines an all-time favorite selection of traditional Mexican mariachi songs ("Ay, Ay, Ay! Cielito Lindo," "Las Mananitas," "Ella," "El Rey," etc.) with a proprietary application allowing senders to upload a photograph of their choosing and write their own message.
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www.serenata4u.com happens. A new site where lovers can email each other Mariachi serenades in the form of a high quality music video with an uploaded photo and a personalized message.
Developed by Freydell+Torres Diversity (www.ftdiversity.com), a New York City-based advertising agency, the new site combines an all-time favorite selection of traditional Mexican mariachi songs ("Ay, Ay, Ay! Cielito Lindo," "Las Mananitas," "Ella," "El Rey," etc.) with a proprietary application allowing senders to upload a photograph of their choosing and write their own message.
Read full article
Ventures to Possible Invest in Brazilian Digital Media? Report Shows Possible Attractions
By Hans Lewis
TMCnet Contributor
Peachtree Media Advisors is partnering with Harpia Ventures to introduce investors to the Brazilian digital media space and showcase a pipeline of early and growth stage companies. In the upcoming weeks, there will be receptions held to provide venture capital and institutional investors with insight on the Brazilian digital media M&A marketplace.
The receptions will discuss economic growth in Brazil, development of the digital media sector, including successful mobile and internet-based models, and ways to participate in the Brazilian digital media pipeline.
With rising domestic consumption, political stability, and the economy growing 5 percent annually, Brazil is emerging as an appealing market for investors. Despite the effects of the recent downturn, Marciliano Freitas of Harpia Ventures observes that “Brazil's GDP only decreased in the fourth quarter 2008 and first quarter 2009, so the country experienced just two quarters of recession and year-over-year presented growth.”
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TMCnet Contributor
Peachtree Media Advisors is partnering with Harpia Ventures to introduce investors to the Brazilian digital media space and showcase a pipeline of early and growth stage companies. In the upcoming weeks, there will be receptions held to provide venture capital and institutional investors with insight on the Brazilian digital media M&A marketplace.
The receptions will discuss economic growth in Brazil, development of the digital media sector, including successful mobile and internet-based models, and ways to participate in the Brazilian digital media pipeline.
With rising domestic consumption, political stability, and the economy growing 5 percent annually, Brazil is emerging as an appealing market for investors. Despite the effects of the recent downturn, Marciliano Freitas of Harpia Ventures observes that “Brazil's GDP only decreased in the fourth quarter 2008 and first quarter 2009, so the country experienced just two quarters of recession and year-over-year presented growth.”
Read full article
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
For Some Consumers, Online Video Ads Still Grate
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- The dominant form of online video advertising -- the pre-roll ad -- is still an unwelcome sight for a broad cross-section of consumers, according to online analytics firm TubeMogul.
Nearly 16% of viewers click away from a pre-roll video ad rather than watch it to get to video content, according to new research. For newspapers and magazine sites, where interruptive advertising isn't the norm and video is a secondary storytelling device, the trend is worse: nearly 25%.
That's consistent with prevailing trends and a sign that the fundamental video ad unit online is still struggling with how to persuade and engage without turning viewers off. Since visitors can't generally skip a pre-roll ad online, it means a significant percentage would rather not watch the content than have to sit through a 15- or 30-second ad.
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Nearly 16% of viewers click away from a pre-roll video ad rather than watch it to get to video content, according to new research. For newspapers and magazine sites, where interruptive advertising isn't the norm and video is a secondary storytelling device, the trend is worse: nearly 25%.
That's consistent with prevailing trends and a sign that the fundamental video ad unit online is still struggling with how to persuade and engage without turning viewers off. Since visitors can't generally skip a pre-roll ad online, it means a significant percentage would rather not watch the content than have to sit through a 15- or 30-second ad.
Read full article
Univision’s Premier Spanish-Language Programming Launches On Youtube
NEW YORK, NY, February 1, 2010 – Univision Interactive Media, Inc., the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, today announced that short- and long-form video of top Univision, TeleFutura and Galavisión shows are available on YouTube starting today to U.S. users, at www.youtube.com/univision.
“This launch is a very important milestone for our Company, as it represents the first time that Univision programming is being made available anywhere on the Web beyond Univision.com in both short- and long-form format,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. “The new Univision channel on YouTube extends our reach, enables us to bring Univision’s quality programming to a broader audience, and reinforces our position as the leading Spanish-language video provider for U.S. Hispanics.”
“We are excited to be offering current, high-caliber video programming from Univision to our U.S. audience,” said Chris Maxcy, director of content partnerships at YouTube. “The Spanish-speaking American audience is a rapidly growing demographic in the online world. Being able to provide some of the best, premium Spanish-language shows to our users is a big win for both YouTube and Univision.”
Along with access to top programming from the three major networks, the Univision channel will feature Univision.com videos across key content categories. Featured shows include Univision’s morning show “Despierta América” (Wake-Up America), news magazine “Primer Impacto” (First Impact), weekly drama series “Mujeres Asesinas” (Killer Women) and talk show “Don Francisco Presenta” (Don Francisco Presents); TeleFutura’s entertainment show “Escándalo TV” (ShowBiz TV) and Galavisión’s home decorating series “Decorando Contigo” (Decorating with You) to name a few.
Weekly show recaps will also premier on YouTube this week, featuring custom introductions by Univision talent. These videos will provide a look at the week’s best moments from top Univision shows, including “Noticiero Univision” (Univision Network News), entertainment magazine “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny) and more.
The Univision channel on YouTube also provides new opportunities for Univision’s advertisers. Built upon its longstanding partnership with Univision, Kraft Foods has already signed on as exclusive launch sponsor.
“We’re thrilled to be the first advertiser to partner with Univision and YouTube for the launch,” said Kelley Woodland, senior director, consumer relationship marketing at Kraft Foods North America. “From everyday dinner to special celebrations, we provide Latin moms with recipe ideas, tips and cooking videos. Thanks to the YouTube Univision channel, we’ll be able to share our delicious food ideas with a broader Hispanic audience and engage them in new ways.”
About Univision Interactive Media, Inc.
Univision Interactive Media, Inc. is the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Univision Interactive Media, Inc. includes Univision.com (www.univision.com), the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision Communications Inc. also owns and operates Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces telenovelas, reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for all of the Company’s platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; and Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net.
About YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based in San Bruno, CA and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.
“This launch is a very important milestone for our Company, as it represents the first time that Univision programming is being made available anywhere on the Web beyond Univision.com in both short- and long-form format,” said Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, Inc. “The new Univision channel on YouTube extends our reach, enables us to bring Univision’s quality programming to a broader audience, and reinforces our position as the leading Spanish-language video provider for U.S. Hispanics.”
“We are excited to be offering current, high-caliber video programming from Univision to our U.S. audience,” said Chris Maxcy, director of content partnerships at YouTube. “The Spanish-speaking American audience is a rapidly growing demographic in the online world. Being able to provide some of the best, premium Spanish-language shows to our users is a big win for both YouTube and Univision.”
Along with access to top programming from the three major networks, the Univision channel will feature Univision.com videos across key content categories. Featured shows include Univision’s morning show “Despierta América” (Wake-Up America), news magazine “Primer Impacto” (First Impact), weekly drama series “Mujeres Asesinas” (Killer Women) and talk show “Don Francisco Presenta” (Don Francisco Presents); TeleFutura’s entertainment show “Escándalo TV” (ShowBiz TV) and Galavisión’s home decorating series “Decorando Contigo” (Decorating with You) to name a few.
Weekly show recaps will also premier on YouTube this week, featuring custom introductions by Univision talent. These videos will provide a look at the week’s best moments from top Univision shows, including “Noticiero Univision” (Univision Network News), entertainment magazine “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny) and more.
The Univision channel on YouTube also provides new opportunities for Univision’s advertisers. Built upon its longstanding partnership with Univision, Kraft Foods has already signed on as exclusive launch sponsor.
“We’re thrilled to be the first advertiser to partner with Univision and YouTube for the launch,” said Kelley Woodland, senior director, consumer relationship marketing at Kraft Foods North America. “From everyday dinner to special celebrations, we provide Latin moms with recipe ideas, tips and cooking videos. Thanks to the YouTube Univision channel, we’ll be able to share our delicious food ideas with a broader Hispanic audience and engage them in new ways.”
About Univision Interactive Media, Inc.
Univision Interactive Media, Inc. is the digital division of Univision Communications Inc., the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Univision Interactive Media, Inc. includes Univision.com (www.univision.com), the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision Communications Inc. also owns and operates Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces telenovelas, reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for all of the Company’s platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; and Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net.
About YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based in San Bruno, CA and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.
15B Mobile Tickets Forecasted to be Sold by 2014
A new study by Juniper Research is forecasting that nearly 15 billion tickets will be delivered to mobile devices worldwide by 2014, compared to just over two billion this year.
Transport Leads the Way
The transport sector is leading the way, according to The Mobile Ticketing report, with SMS, bar code and app-based services offered by rail and metro providers and airlines. In the foreseeable future, Jupiter predicts that cinema chains, concert organizers and sports teams will also recognize the commercial viability of this technology.
Fifteen billion is a small percentage of the total tickets issued globally, according to report author Howard Wilcox, which is why the technology hasn’t advanced as quickly as might be expected. "There is plenty of scope for innovative solutions to penetrate this market," he says.
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Transport Leads the Way
The transport sector is leading the way, according to The Mobile Ticketing report, with SMS, bar code and app-based services offered by rail and metro providers and airlines. In the foreseeable future, Jupiter predicts that cinema chains, concert organizers and sports teams will also recognize the commercial viability of this technology.
Fifteen billion is a small percentage of the total tickets issued globally, according to report author Howard Wilcox, which is why the technology hasn’t advanced as quickly as might be expected. "There is plenty of scope for innovative solutions to penetrate this market," he says.
Read full article
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Time Warner Cable and Univision are Your Connection to Premios Juventud
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Time Warner Cable, the leading Hispanic programming provider in Southern California kicks off its "Univision On Demand Watch to Win" sweepstakes event, targeting Hispanic viewers. Univision On Demand is one of the many channels available for FREE on Time Warner Cable On Demand, a service that allows customers instant access to top-rated content anytime at the push of a button.
"Univision On Demand", through Time Warner Cable, offers a wide range of original programming in Spanish from Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision. It also features some of Hispanic America's most popular shows such as Cristina, Escandalo TV, Sabado Gigante, and Don Francisco Presenta, specials such as Premio Lo Nuestro a la Musica Latina and Premios Juventud, and the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"Our Univision and Time Warner Cable partnership provides a unique incentive to our customers for watching their favorite programs," said Time Warner Cable Marketing Director Marlyn Garcia. "We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the customer viewing experience with features such as real FREE Video On Demand (VOD), with more than 4,000 hours of programming at their fingertips."
"We are thrilled to partner with Time Warner Cable to introduce Univision On Demand," says Jennifer Ball, SVP Affiliate Marketing & Distribution, Univision Communications, Inc. "Univision On Demand represents the latest addition to our family of Spanish-language media offerings; providing our viewers with yet another way to access the programs they love."
Read full article
"Univision On Demand", through Time Warner Cable, offers a wide range of original programming in Spanish from Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision. It also features some of Hispanic America's most popular shows such as Cristina, Escandalo TV, Sabado Gigante, and Don Francisco Presenta, specials such as Premio Lo Nuestro a la Musica Latina and Premios Juventud, and the highly anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"Our Univision and Time Warner Cable partnership provides a unique incentive to our customers for watching their favorite programs," said Time Warner Cable Marketing Director Marlyn Garcia. "We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the customer viewing experience with features such as real FREE Video On Demand (VOD), with more than 4,000 hours of programming at their fingertips."
"We are thrilled to partner with Time Warner Cable to introduce Univision On Demand," says Jennifer Ball, SVP Affiliate Marketing & Distribution, Univision Communications, Inc. "Univision On Demand represents the latest addition to our family of Spanish-language media offerings; providing our viewers with yet another way to access the programs they love."
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