Discovery Familia Joins Forces With The President’s Challenge

Network Commits to Inspiring Hispanic Moms and their Kids to Adopt a More Active and Healthy Lifestyle


Miami, Florida, March 30, 2011 – Discovery Familia announced today that it will join forces with The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) through their President’s Challenge program to become a leading advocate among Hispanics for the “Million PALA Challenge.” The goal of the “Million PALA Challenge,” which was launched last September by PCFSN and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to fight childhood obesity, is to motivate at least one million Americans to earn their Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) by this September.


The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) is for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who want to jumpstart or maintain a healthy lifestyle. To earn a PALA, youth ages 6-17 must participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity for 60 minutes (30 minutes for adults) at least five days a week for six weeks. Upon completion, participants can earn a certificate of recognition signed by President Barack Obama.


As the leading network dedicated to the needs of Hispanic moms and preschool children, Discovery Familia has pledged to further drive awareness and involvement, through a number of on air, off air and grass roots initiatives that are aimed at encouraging Hispanic moms and their kids to get informed and sign-up to get fit.


“We are thrilled to partner with Discovery Familia to promote the Million PALA Challenge within the Hispanic community,” said Shellie Pfohl, executive director of PCFSN. “It is critical to the future of our nation that all Americans find ways to be active with their families so that we can raise a healthier generation of kids.”


Today in America, nearly one-third of youth are either overweight or obese. The national obesity epidemic is also a point of concern for Hispanics in the U.S. This is supported by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a recent study conducted by the network that looks into the issue in terms of mothers and children. Below are some startling facts:


· Hispanic adults have the second highest rate of obesity at 27.8% (behind non-Hispanic blacks). In terms of gender, Hispanic women have a higher rate of obesity than men (29.4% vs. 27.8%).[1] Yet, according to the Discovery Familia study, Hispanic moms still consider themselves healthy, despite having limited information on health and nutrition.[2]
· Obesity prevalence among pre-school aged children (2-4 years old) ranks high among Hispanic children at 18.5%.[3] However, statements by Hispanic moms regarding their child’s weight in the recent Discovery Familia study reveal a disconnect between their perception and the child’s actual Body Mass Index (BMI).[4]


“It is clear that there is a problem and we want to be a catalyst for change by providing U.S. Hispanic moms with the needed encouragement, information, as well as the tools and tips to help them and their kids lead healthier lifestyles and share quality time while being physically active,” said Bilai Joa Silar, Vice President and Channel Director, Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.


Starting this March, Discovery Familia introduces a brand new series during its Discovery Kids block, “Bo on the Go” that aims to instill a love for exercise in children. Bo, a positive, super energetic and inquisitive young heroine, along with her young friend Dezadore dragon “Dezzy,” will encourage children at home to go on amazing adventures by actively joining her in a variety of movements that assist her on her quest. By promoting an active lifestyle and an active mind, this new series, which airs from Monday to Friday at 12 PM ET / 2 PM PT, is the perfect on air complement to the campaign and tool for moms to watch and share with their children. “Bo on the Go” is part of the 13 hours of curriculum based daytime programming from Discovery Familia, which offers more educational preschool choices in Spanish than any other network.


Discovery Familia will also promote the “Million PALA Challenge” among Hispanics through the following efforts:


On Air
· PSA and on-air spots with DOKI, the children’s day block programming host, who will issue a call to action, excite and encourage kids about engaging in physical activities.


· Mom spots – encourage moms to lead by example by engaging in fun physical activities with their kids. Drive moms to register and participate along with their kids in the PALA Challenge.


Online
· Discovery Familia PALA Challenge microsite http://www.discoveryfamilia.com/  with information about the PALA Challenge, resources, tips, healthy recipes and instructions on how to sign up. The first 1,000 people to sign up (and complete challenge) will receive a free “I took the PALA Challenge” t-shirt.




Grass Roots Events
· Grass roots events in a number of top U.S. Hispanic markets with family fun and fitness activities for the entire family to encourage participants to sign up and start the PALA Challenge. Cities and locations to be announced at a later date.


About Discovery Familia
Discovery Familia is the only Spanish language network completely dedicated to the Hispanic mom and what’s important to her: her kids, her home and her time. With insightful programming targeted to children aged 2-6, the network’s daily Discovery Kids block provides a safe, entertaining and curriculum-based co-viewing experience that helps preschoolers get ready for the real world. Each night, Discovery Familia is programmed for mom, spanning relevant topics from cooking and home improvement, to parenting and relationships, to beauty and health. With trusted content, entertaining programs and unmatched quality, Discovery Familia is everything she needs to escape—without ever leaving home.


About the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program
The President’s Challenge is the premier program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition administered through a co-sponsorship agreement with the Amateur Athletic Union. The President’s Challenge helps people of all ages and abilities increase their physical activity and improve their fitness through research-based information, easy-to-use tools, and friendly motivation. For more information about the President’s Challenge or the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award, visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/.

Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News Announce Date and Venue for the The Signature Hispanic Television Industry Conference

The 9th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

To Be Held Tuesday, September 20, 2011

At the New York Marriot Marquis

Presented Annually Since 2003

(New York, NY.) Leading television industry trade publications, Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News have announced that they will once again present the annual Hispanic Television Summit in New York City. The Ninth Annual Hispanic Television Summit will be held as a one-day conference on Tuesday, September 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel located on Times Square.


The Annual Hispanic Television Summit has been presented each Fall since 2003 by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News. It attracts more than 400 attendees from across the country, Latin America and Spain. The Summit is the television industry’s signature conference for executives involved in the business of television and digital video targeted to the US Hispanic and Latin American viewing audience. As a result, the Summit features speakers, panelists, and participants who are top executives from sponsors; programming networks; broadcast, cable, satellite, broadband and mobile TV providers; as well as those from advertising agencies, finance, consumer electronics, video technology and other consumer goods.


“Each year, the caliber of speakers impresses us and the attendance grows. By presenting the Hispanic Television Summit, we think this clearly reflects that we are contributing something of real value to the Hispanic TV industry”, said Louis Hillelson, Group Publisher for Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.


The Summit is being produced for the ninth time for Multichannel News and Broadcasting & Cable by New York-based Schramm Marketing Group.


To register, please visit www.multichannel.com/hispanic2011  or call Sandy Friedman at (917) 281-4718.


Multichannel News covers multichannel television and communications providers, such as cable operators, satellite TV firms, and telephone companies, as well as emerging Internet video and communication services. http://www.multichannel.com/


Broadcasting & Cable is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. It covers the business of television for industry professionals offering breaking news and analysis on programming, syndication, the station business, technology and advertising for broadcasting, cable, satellite, telco TV and the Web. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/  

Tips For Targeting Latinos Online: New @ #SESNY

Day 2 at #SESNY kicked off with a groundbreaking keynote. But wait. Let’s rewind. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Paul Lima of Lima Consulting on the topic of Digital Marketing To Latino Users. The Q&A was an eye-opening peek at the opportunity represented by the growing online Hispanic market, and a serious appeteaser to the inaugural launch of the Focus Latino track at Search Engine Strategies New York.


The keynote was introduced & moderated by Mike Grehan, Chair SES Advisory Board, Global VP Content, SES/Search Engine Watch/ClickZ, Carlos Vassallo, CEO, LatinVision Media Inc., Carlos Manzano, Executive Director, Latin Media & Entertainment Commission, City of NY, and Paul Lima himself. Mark López , Head of U.S. Hispanic Audience, Google, took the stage for the main event, which was jam-packed with awesome stats about Latino users. Oodles of them live below the fold, in addition to a hearty helping of takeaways from the follow-up session, Reaching Latinos through SEO, presented by Rafael E. Hernandez, Sales Manager, AudienceScience and Matias Perel, Founder and CEO, Latin3. aimClear live-tweeted both of these fascinating sessions. Read on for the goodies.


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Digital Expert Liz Sarachek Blacker Joins Terra USA

By laurel Wentz, AdAge.


As Chief Revenue Officer, She'll Help Latin Portal Grow in U.S.


Liz Sarachek Blacker, an innovative U.S. Hispanic digital expert, is joining Terra USA with the new title of chief revenue officer, starting March 28. Terra is an international digital media company and content producer, and in the U.S. market mainly works with the Hispanic community.


Ms. Sarachek Blacker was most recently senior VP-digital sales for U.S. Hispanic newspaper group ImpreMedia, where she was in charge of building a national sales team and revenue in digital, mobile and print. She also spent four years at Yahoo, co-launching Yahoo's U.S. Hispanic efforts as executive director of sales for U.S. Hispanic and Latin America.


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Dr. Nancy Alvarez Launches Radio Program

MIAMI, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Dr. Nancy Alvarez, current host of the successful Univision show "Quien Tiene la Razon?," announces that she signed a contract on March 14, 2011, with Gold Voice Radio and Television Network to launch a project for a syndicated radio show to be broadcast nationwide as well as throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America.


The well-known clinical psychologist and sex therapist is also a family and couple therapist and hypnotherapist who holds an MA in neurolinguistic programming.


Joining the cast of the NANCY ALVAREZ SHOW will be such interesting personalities as the famed former archenemy of "Quien Tiene la Razon?," Alan Jacott. Alan was a former panelist on the Mega TV show "Paparazzi" and host of the program "Lamusica.com."


The format for the Dr. Nancy Alvarez show will involve controversial human issues, such as couple relations, sexuality and childhood education, among others -- presented, as always, with the host's distinctively professional yet approachable personality. The production will combine the topic of the day masterfully with related music and song, and include interviews with major artists, composers, singers and actors, who will share life experiences with the public concerning the topic under discussion. The mission of keeping up with the stars goes to Alan Jacott, whose job will be keeping us informed of everything going on in their lives.


Jackie Arredondo will have a most unique job, that of tying together topics and songs. Jackie has trained such artists as Maria Conchita Alonso, Alicia Machado, Antonio Mauri, Karyme Lozano, Yvonne Montero, Adriana Fonseca and Dr. Nancy Alvarez.


Health topics will be approached through the expertise of the Gloria Hincapie Spa and Dr. Carlos de Orduna.


The interactive segment will be via Facebook and Twitter, as well as calls, emails and letters, all of which will be answered personally by Dr. Nancy Alvarez in order to provide sincere, genuine guidance as only she knows how.


Be on the lookout soon for this new radio show, including final detailed information on radio stations airing the program in the United States and Central and South America.

Mexicanal Inks Ratings Agreement with Nielsen

National Research to Cover Network's Cable, Satellite and Digital Broadcast Carriage


Committed to serving its advertisers and affiliates, the MEXICANAL Network ® has signed a national research agreement with The Nielsen Company. Nielsen is now providing comprehensive weekly television ratings and demographic information for MEXICANAL's unique lineup of regional news, entertainment and sports from all throughout Mexico and the US.


The pioneering research package, which went into effect in February, covers MEXICANAL's multi-tiered distribution, including cable, satellite and digital broadcast over-the-air carriage. Nielsen developed the service just over a year ago to incorporate the growing number of digital networks throughout the United States.


MEXICANAL's current digital broadcast distribution includes some of the top Hispanic DMAs in the United States, such as Los Angeles (KBEH, Channel 63.3), New York (WDVB 23.2), Dallas (TV 31.2 DFW), Phoenix (KTVP-LD 22.2), San Antonio (WOAI, Channel 4.2), Las Vegas (KTNV, Channel 13.2), Harlingen (KGBT, Channel 4.2 Telerio), San Diego (K50LL-D, Channel 50.3), Atlanta (WYGA-LD), Austin (KVAT-LD, Channel 17.1), Tucson (KGUN, Channel 9.2) and Corpus Christi (KUQI, Channel 38.2). Additional digital broadcast distribution includes Palm Springs (KMIR, Channel 36.2), Reno (KELM-LP, Channel 43), Oklahoma City (KOHC, Channel 45.3), Columbus (WCSN, Channel 32.1), Boise (KIVI, Channel 6.2), Twin Falls (KMVT, Channel 11.4) and Yakima (K39FU, Channel 39.2).


"Securing national Nielsen ratings research was the logical next step for MEXICANAL as we continue to press forward with distribution growth and new potential broadcast affiliates," said MEXICANAL President & CEO, Luis Torres-Bohl. "We are constantly looking for ways to better serve both viewers and advertisers, and this is just one such example in our evolution as a network."


"MEXICANAL has been on the air for over five years, having been supported by such notable advertisers as Farmers Insurance, Walmart and Ford, among others," added John Perez, Senior Vice President, Advertising Sales, the MEXICANAL Network. "Having Nielsen ratings is our commitment to the advertising community that we are here to stay, acknowledge their support and welcome new clients to the MEXICANAL family."


MEXICANAL's programming includes such signature and original series as MX.24 Noticias, its daily, half-hour newscast featuring top regional, national and international news; CUADRILATERO, a 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.

With MATT’s Sosa on Board, Quepasa Raises $3.7M - cbl

By Brian Wolak, CityBizList Houston


SAN ANTONIO -- An SEC filing shows that Quepasa Corp. (QPSA) has completed a $3.7 million equity offering, raising the amount from 12 investors, and adding to a $13.5 million round earlier this year, as reported by citybizlist.


Principals named in the new filing include:


- John Abbott, CEO and chairman
- Michael Matte, CFO
- Louis Bardov, CTO
- Alonso Ancira, director, and president of Mexico's Chamber of Iron and Steel
- Ernesto Cruz, director
- Malcoln Jozoff, director, previously chairman and CEO of Dial Corp.
- Lionel Sosa, director, and CEO of MATT.org
- Jill Syverson-Stork, director
- Lars Fuhrken Batista, director
- Brian Garrett, director


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Latino Kids Get More Media Exposure Than Any Other Ethnic Group

By Bryan Llenas, Fox News Latino.


Could Latinos be falling on the wrong side of another digital divide?


Possibly. According to a new report from education organizations Joan Ganz Cooney Center and the Sesame Workshop, Latinos kids have more media exposure than any other group. They also had the biggest growth in media consumption between 2004 and 2009. In fact, they’re clocking the kind of hours that raise eyebrows among child development experts.


The report is a sweeping look at seven recent studies that indicate young children are increasingly consuming media from all types of sources, from MP3 players and video games, to the Internet, TV, cell phones and even books. The most striking numbers, of course, are the ones rung up by digital media: About 25% of three-year-olds go online at least once a day, for example. By age five, that figure is 50 percent.


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Latin America's Internet Population Grows 15 Percent in Past Year to 112 Million People

SANTIAGO, Chile, March 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released the latest results from a study of the growth in the Internet audience in Latin America based on data from its comScore Media Metrix service. The study found that in the past year the Internet population in Latin America has increased 15 percent to 112.7 million visitors as the region's digital ecosystem continued to grow and develop. The results of the study will be presented along with other key online trends via a complimentary, live webinar 2010 Digital Year in Review Latin America on Tuesday, March 22. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/255678857


"During the past year, Latin America has experienced strong growth in Internet usage throughout the region," said Alejandro Fosk, comScore senior vice president of Latin America. "Consumers are turning to the Internet for a variety of activities including communication, social connection, information and commerce, as the web becomes an increasingly valuable resource for consumers and marketers alike. With continued growth expected across the region, advertisers and publishers are just beginning to realize the tremendous potential that exists for this channel throughout Latin America."


Latin America Internet Population Up 15 Percent in Past Year


In January 2011, 112.7 million people age 15 and older accessed the Internet from a home or work location in Latin America, representing a 15-percent increase in users from the previous year, as the region continued to show strong growth in the numbers of consumers gaining access to the Internet. Brazil, the largest online market in Latin America, grew 20 percent in the past year to 40.5 million users, while Mexico's online population surged 21 percent to 18.1 million. Venezuela, which represents a relatively small online market at 2.9 million, achieved the highest rate of growth in the past year at 27 percent.


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3 Tips for Reaching US Hispanics Online

by Paul Lima


It should come as no surprise to anyone working in digital or conventional marketing that Hispanics are an extraordinarily important and growing demographic.


How can marketers reach Hispanics effectively? Longtime marketers know that using demographic profiling to generate conversions for your website is good, but using psychographic profiles is better and should be considered when building a digital market strategy.


Here are three psychographic tips and examples of how companies can reach Hispanics. Generally brand loyal, Hispanics value word-of-mouth and over-research before making purchase decisions online.


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Si TV to Change Name as It Aims for Bicultural Latinos

By Brian Steinberg, AdAge


The Latino-focused English-language cable channel Si TV is changing its name on July 4 to Nuvo TV, for "new voice," in a bid to better pursue bicultural Latino audiences.


The move is the latest effort to harness the power of the nation's growing Latino population. The U.S. Census effort is expected to reveal significant growth not only among Latinos but among Latinos born in the U.S. The demographic Nuvo will aim for is very familiar with U.S. culture but also wants a little more relevance to its particular background.


"Most everyone is focused on total U.S. Hispanics, but the real story is the bicultural Latino," said Rafael Oller, the network's senior VP-marketing. "Three out of four speak English well or very well. These bicultural Latinos self-identify as Latino and American and are looking for culturally relevant programming."


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Vme Partners with White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

Multifaceted programming partnership seeks to encourage innovative ideas on improving educational success of Latinos

WASHINGTON, and NEW YORK, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With Hispanics comprising more than twenty percent of the public school population, the White House is focusing on Hispanics, declaring that, "to meet national goals for improving academic achievement, success of the Hispanic community is key." To explore the state of Hispanic education and bring this message to Spanish speaking America, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics is partnering with Spanish broadcaster, Vme to develop programming for television, online, mobile, and community engagement events.


As part of its partnership with the initiative, Vme will create an original special, El Futuro de la Educacion Hispana. This wide-ranging special will explore challenges to Hispanic education from early childhood learning to higher education. Through interviews with education leaders and experts, students, parents, demographers, advocates and others, this program will discuss the critical role education plays in the advancement of Hispanics, the success of the U.S. educational system, and readiness for the future workforce of America.


Hispana premieres in April, 2011 as a multi-screen event broadcasting simultaneously on-air, online, on Facebook and on mobile phones. Additionally viewers will participate in a live-chat on Facebook during the broadcast of the program.


Vme will also provide news coverage, interviews and updates on the progress of the White House Initiative in a new weekly series called Contigo por la Educacion . These weekly updates will document key issues and feature live footage from the White House Initiative's national listening tours that ask educators, businesses, community leaders, parents, and others on the front lines of this challenge how Latino education can be improved and what the initiative should be doing to spearhead those efforts. Led by the Vme Noticias team, Contigo por la Educacion will highlight sustainable and effective approaches that will increase high school and college graduation rates, improve overall school readiness and promote the fundamental importance of education. The updates will be available online and on television.


"President Obama has called on us to forge partnerships that link key organizations from outside the education system in our Race to the Top goals," said Juan Sepulveda, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. "Given the critical role Hispanics play in our national education goals, this new collaboration between the White House Initiative and Vme helps us deliver the message to Vme's national audience and create a national dialogue about Hispanic education."


"Dramatically improving the performance of our kids in school is not only fundamental to the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S., but to America's future prosperity and growth," said Carmen DiRienzo, President and CEO "Vme is excited to partner with the White House Initiative to shine a spotlight on the critical role that Hispanic academic success plays in Race to the Top and our national goals for improving academic achievement."


Vme was selected for this unique partnership because of its strong commitment to education. Everyday, Vme helps children prepare for school with the country's only daily block of educational preschool programming in Spanish. Presented in partnership with public television, this high-quality preschool programming encourages early learning and development. Vme's commitment to preschool education fits squarely with the White House emphasis on school readiness, which leads to long-term school success.


In nearly 40 markets, Vme is available free over-the-air, and on basic digital cable. Vme is also carried nationally via satellite in the basic and Hispanic packages of Dish Network and DirecTV. In some areas, Vme is available on Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse. For local channel information go to vmetv.com/estaciones.


About Vme – Vme has made the promise to be Contigo to Hispanic families delivering drama, music, sports, news, current affairs, Latin cinema, food, lifestyle, nature and educational preschool content. The 24-hour Spanish network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in more than 10 million Hispanic homes. Vme is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, Vme Media Inc. To find out more please visit http://www.vmetv.com/




SOURCE Vme

Minorities Embracing Tv On The Web

The convergence of the Internet and traditional TV is occurring at a faster rate relative to Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans than it is relative to whites, according to Larchmont, NY-based Horowitz Associates. In its annual State of Cable and Digital Media, the researchers found that 41 percent of Asian urban consumers watch TV content on platforms other than traditional TV sets at least weekly. So do 37 percent of Hispanic and 36 percent of African-American urban consumers. On the other hand only 25 percent of whites used alternative digital platforms to watch TV shows. Alternative platforms included smartphones, computers (desktop and laptop), tablets like the iPad, and settop streaming devices such as an Apple TV, Vudu Box, Xbox, or Blu-ray DVD player (but not DVRs).


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Univision Announces Departure of Joe Uva, President and CEO

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Univision Communications Inc., the premier media company serving Hispanic America, announced today that Joe Uva, President and Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors that he has chosen not to renew his employment agreement in order to be able to seek other opportunities.


Haim Saban, Executive Chairman of Univision said, “On behalf of the Univision Board of Directors, we would like to commend Joe for his tremendous contributions over the past four years. Univision is a better company today due to Joe’s efforts in building a strong leadership team and positioning Univision for long-term success. Univision’s business is strong, and the entire management team remains focused on delivering value to its customers and stakeholders. We wish Joe the best in his future endeavors.”


Mr. Uva said, “My four years as President and CEO of Univision have been extremely exciting and rewarding. I believe our team can be proud of the accomplishments that we achieved during my tenure. Although I will miss working with the many talented professionals at Univision, the team is strong and I have decided the time is right for me to capitalize on other opportunities. I know that Univision will continue its great success as the premier Spanish-language media company in the U.S.”


Univision also announced that it will commence a search process for a new CEO immediately. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Saban will assume additional responsibilities in his role as Executive Chairman until a new CEO is appointed.


Mr. Uva’s departure will become effective upon the end of the current term of his employment contract, April 2, 2011.


About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the premier media company serving the U.S. Hispanic community. Its assets include Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and 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, reaching 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for the Company’s platforms; Univision Local Media, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations and 70 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Interactive Media, which includes Univision.com, the leading Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings; and TuTv, U.S. outlet for pay television channels of Mexico-based Grupo Televisa. Headquartered in New York City, UCI 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 http://www.univision.net/.  

eMarketer: Spanish-Speaking Hispanics Embrace Online Video

The FINANCIAL -- Hispanics are not online in the same numbers as non-Hispanics, but those who are show heightened levels of online video and social networking activity. A joint Google and Ipsos OTX MediaCT study found that Hispanic internet users—especially Spanish-dominant and bilingual Hispanics—are more involved with video and social networks than the overall population.


In the study, 64% of Hispanic internet users visited a video site in the past month, compared with 50% of the general population. And Spanish-speaking Hispanics were even further ahead: The biggest lift in online video site usage was among bilinguals and those who preferred Spanish, 66% of whom used video sites. Among English-dominant Hispanics, the proportion was 61%.


The higher usage levels of Spanish-speaking Hispanics flow down to many online video sites. With the exception of Hulu, Spanish-dominant and bilingual Hispanics were about as likely, or more so, than English-dominant Hispanics to have visited various video sites in the month before the survey.


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Horowitz Study Shows Online, Mobile, and OTT Platforms Gain Ground

Nearly One-Third (31%) Of Urban Consumers Access Alternative Sources for TV, Weekly

Hispanic, Black, and Asian Urban Consumers Overindex On Use of Alternative Platforms

More Findings To Be Released at Multicultural Media Forum on March 16 in NYC

Larchmont (New York)– Early results of Horowitz Associates, Inc.’s annual State of Cable and Digital Media – Multicultural Edition 2011 study have just been released and reveal that, at least weekly, almost a third of urban consumers (31%) watch TV content via alternative platforms such as on a computer/laptop, on a mobile device/tablet, or streamed directly from the Internet to the TV through an “OTT” device such as an Apple TV, a Vudu Box, an Xbox, or a Blu-Ray DVD player.


Those who use alternative platforms for TV spend, on average, 15% of their viewing time on a platform other than traditional TV. This is in addition to time devoted to digital TV platforms such as DVRs and VOD.


Multicultural urban consumers over-index for using alternative platforms for TV compared to their white counterparts, the study reveals. Almost half of Asian urban consumers (41%) watch TV content on alternative platforms at least weekly, as do 37% of Hispanic and 36% of Black urban consumers, versus 25% of White non-Hispanic urban consumers. Through a compute/laptop alone, 35% of Asians report at least weekly TV viewing, compared to 22%, 17%, and 15% among Hispanic, Black, and White consumers, respectively.


Computers and OTT platforms aside, penetration of video-enabled mobile devices such as smartphones/iPhones, iPads, and gaming gadgets increased from 35% in 2010 to 46% in 2011. This, along with the expanded availability of mobile apps providing access to professionally created content from major media companies, is paving the way to an increase in viewership of TV content on mobile platforms: Self-reported weekly viewership of TV content on mobile devices alone has increased from 4% in 2010 to 10% in 2011. Incidence of weekly mobile TV viewing is highest among Black and Hispanic urban consumers: 14%, report at least weekly viewing, compared to 7% among White and 5% among Asian urban consumers.


More findings from this research will be revealed at next week’s Multicultural Media Forum on Wednesday March 16th at The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City which runs from 8am-1pm. The event features a roster of research, media, and advertising executives who will address strategies for capturing and retaining audiences in multiplatform, multicultural America, and the important role of culturally relevant in-language content in serving the cross-platform needs of these audiences.


The Forum is presented by Horowitz Associates and is produced by the Schramm Marketing Group. Sponsorship sales are handled by HispanicAd.com. Creative support is provided by Ember Media.


More information about the event is available at http://www.multiculturalmediaforum.com/.  Registrations accepted online through Monday, March 14 and also on-site on Wednesday, March 16.


For more information about the State of Cable and Digital Media – Multicultural Edition 2011 study, please visit http://www.horowitzassociates.com/socdmmulti11.html  or call 914-834-5999.

Google’s Hispanic Strategy Focused on Cultural Identity

MIAMI – Google’s approach to the U.S. Hispanic market is centered more on the cultural identity of Latinos than on the difference in language.


This is the strategy designed by Mark Lopez, the head of Google’s U.S. Hispanic unit, who from his new offices in Miami is trying to significantly increase the amount of advertising directed toward U.S. digital media in Spanish.


“Of the Hispanic media’s $4 billion in income from advertising, barely 3 percent is going to digital media. In the coming years, there will be accelerated growth,” Lopez told Efe.


Lopez, who was the chief operations officer at Terra Networks USA before joining Google, is the person in charge of putting into practice a new strategy based “on an imaginative and creative view.”


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Si TV's Groundbreaking 'PASTPORT' Connects Latino Celebrities With Their Family's Past

LOS ANGELES, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Si TV's groundbreaking new series of specials, PASTPORT, takes well-known personalities such as Wilmer Valderrama and Tatyana Ali back to their Latino roots as they seek to discover the culture and past that makes them who they truly are. Viewers will get an intimate look at how each journey transforms the featured celebrity as they travel across the rich, scenic landscape of South America and Puerto Rico. Each journey promises to be emotionally charged, often challenging, and absolutely memorable.


This year's maiden voyage of PASTPORT casts off on Sunday, March 20 at 9PM ET/PT with PASTPORT: Colombia A Daughter's Journey Home featuring actress PAULA GARCES (Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, The Shield, The Sopranos), who travels to COLOMBIA to connect with the father she never really knew. Traveling closely by her side is Paula's 18-year-old daughter, who can't wait to meet her family whom she's only known through bedtime stories.


"I really felt as if this trip was the start of a new chapter in my life," said Garces, "I wanted my daughter to experience the intense connection I have with my Colombian heritage and share this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It reawakened a part of me I was afraid I had lost."


"PASTPORT captures a journey to your past that anyone can relate to, but especially the bi-cultural Latino community," said Maria Perez-Brown, Si TV's SVP of Programming, "The people we follow are passionate about their own American experience, but crave a stronger bond to their heritage. Our audience connects with this on a very personal level, because they are constantly balancing the best of their two cultures."


PASTPORT specials continue throughout the year with:


Sunday, June 5 – CARLOS ALAZRAQUI (Comedy Central's Reno 911!) – ARGENTINA


Monday, July 4 – WILMER VALDERRAMA (That 70's Show, Yo Momma, The Dry Land) – VENEZUELA


Sunday, September 18 – ALANNA UBACH (HBO's Hung, Meet The Fockers, Legally Blonde), – PUERTO RICO


Sunday, November 13 – TATYANA ALI (Fresh Prince of Bel Air) – PANAMA


About Si TV
Si TV (http://www.sitv.com/) is the first and only English-language television network for American Latinos 18-49.


SOURCE Si TV

Latin Elite Honored at 18th Annual BMI Latin Music Awards

Kike Santander, Horacio Palencia, Espinoza Paz, & Universal Music Publishing Group Among Honorees


LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading U.S. music rights organization Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored Latin music’s creators during the 18th Annual BMI Latin Music Awards, held tonight at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Master songwriter, producer, and musician Kike Santander received the BMI President’s Award, which celebrates his distinct and profound influence on the entire entertainment industry. Horacio Palencia was named Songwriter of the Year, while “Lo Intentamos” earned Song of the Year honors for writer Espinoza Paz and publisher Editora Arpa Musical. Universal Music Publishing Group garnered the prestigious Publisher of the Year crown.


Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Delia Orjuela, BMI Vice President, Latin Music, the ceremony also saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed Latin songs on U.S. radio and television. BMI represents Latin songwriters based in the U.S. and around the globe through reciprocal agreements with sister performing right organizations in the songwriters’ home countries.


Three-time BMI Latin Songwriter of the Year Kike Santander has earned 25 BMI Latin Awards. He has received three Latin Grammys including Producer of the Year, and was crowned Billboard Latin Songwriter of the Year in 1999. A brilliant songwriter, producer, arranger, and musician, he has written and/or produced smashes for artists including Alejandro Fernández, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Thalia, Cristian Castro, Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, David Bisbal, Chayanne, Nestor Torres, and more. In receiving the BMI President’s Award, Kike Santander joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Juanes, Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Willie Nelson.


For a complete list of 2011 BMI Latin Awards winners, please visit www.bmi.com/latin.  


Follow BMI on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bmi  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/broadcastmusicinc.  


High-resolution photos will be available on EPKLink by midnight PST on March 10 and on BMI.com.


To download, visit www.bmi.com/press: username: bmimedia; password: songwriter; or http://www.epklink.com/bmilatinawards/.  


Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 475,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for 70 years. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.


http://www.bmi.com/  

La Reina del Sur, the Television Series Based on the Novel by Best-Selling Author Arturo Perez-Reverte, Breaks Viewership Records in the United States

MIAMI, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The blockbuster television production La Reina del Sur, based on the novel by best-selling author Arturo Perez-Reverte, has become the highest-rated premiere in the history of Telemundo, with an audience of 2.4 million viewers.

On its second night, this record was surpassed by 19%, beating Univision's Aqui y Ahora and Telefutura's India in every demographic with nearly three million total viewers (2,841,000), according to Nielsen Media Research. It was also the #2 program among all broadcast networks at 10pm in adults 18-34 and men 18-34, regardless of language.


For the grand premiere, Spanish-language editorial Alfaguara has published a special edition book featuring the poster of the series. This new edition is available at bookstores throughout the country.


The series follows Teresa Mendoza from her humble origins as the girlfriend of El "Guero" Davila, a pilot for the Juarez Cartel, to her glory days as the queen of the drug world in Mexico. Filmed on location throughout four continents, La Reina del Sur is broadcast on Telemundo, Monday thru Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 PM.


La Reina del Sur is one of Arturo Perez-Reverte's most popular works. It has been translated to 30 languages and published in 50 countries. "It is one of those works that leaves the reader breathless," unanimously rave the critics.


Arturo Perez-Reverte's works have long sparked the interest of movie makers, and many of his works have been adapted for the big screen: El maestro de esgrima (directed by Pedro Olea), La tabla de Flandes (Uncovered, directed by Jim McBride), La carta esferica (directed by Imanol Uribe), Cachito (directed by Enrique Urbizu), Territorio Comanche (directed by Gerardo Herrero), El club Dumas (The Ninth Gate, directed by Roman Polanski), the script for Gitano (directed by Manuel Palacios) and Alatriste (directed by Agustin Diaz Yanes).


Arturo Perez-Reverte (Cartagena, Spain, 1951) is now exclusively writing literature, after working 21 years (1973-1994) as a reporter for press, radio and television, covering informatively the international conflicts for that period. His novels include El husar, El maestro de esgrima, La tabla de Flandes, El club Dumas, Territorio Comanche, La piel del tambor, La carta esferica, La Reina del Sur, Cabo Trafalgar; Un dia de colera, El Asedio and the Historical series Las aventuras del capitan Alatriste. He is a member of the Royal Spanish Academy. With over fifteen million copies sold worldwide and translations available in 34 languages, Arturo Perez-Reverte is one of the leading authors of contemporary literature.


SOURCE Santillana USA Publishing

Hispanic publishing giant counts on quality to compete in digital era

Miami – ImpreMedia, the leading publisher of Spanish-language newpapers and magazines in the United States, is counting on quality content, social networks and digital and multimedia platforms to expand its business.


"Expanding the modes of distribution and making sure we're well positioned in the digital, mobile and video areas" are some of the priorities for this year, impreMedia CEO Monica Lozano told Efe.


In the digital era the key to success lies in the "creation and distribution of quality content through different platforms," Lozano said in a telephone interview.


She spoke of impreMedia's hallmark commitment to maintaining "quality content that is relevant and reflects" the diverse aspects and interests of the Latino community in the United States.


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Hola Networks taps Adsmedia for mobile option

by Kristina Knight, BizReport.


The mobile race is heating up, leaving many publishers and advertisers looking for demographic-specific options in advertising and publishing. A partnership between Hola Networks and Adsmedia may help publishers and advertisers better reach the Hispanic marketplace.


"It's no secret that Latinos are having a continuous love affair with their cell phones and smartphones. Mobile is a key strategic tool in any marketing plat trying to reach the largest diversity group in the [United States]," said Margot Bradley and Rafael Monteiro, Co-Founders of Hola Networks.


Through the partnership Adsmedia and Hola Networks will partner to create mobile web portals for publishers in Hola's network; Hola Networks clients will also be able to utilize Adsmedia's Marketplace. This should give Latino publishers and advertisers a simpler way to move into or expand their mobile presence.


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Comcast Pitches Español Everywhere

By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News.


Operator Boosts Hispanic VOD and Online Video Content Available to Subscribers


In a bid to win more Hispanic subscribers, Comcast has tripled the amount of Spanish-language video on demand in recent months and now offers more than 500 movies and shows online for Latino audiences.


The Philadelphia-based operator's expanded bouquet of Spanish-language content is available to subscribers to its Hispanic programming tiers, which offer more than 50 networks. Comcast's standalone MultiLatino packages start at $16.95 per month and may be added to any video subscription plan.


"It's the culmination of the commitment we've made to Hispanic customers," Marcien Jenckes, senior vice president and general manager of video services for Comcast, said. "I like our [Spanish-language] packages as much as or better than anyone in the industry -- and we're differentiated from satellite by being able to deliver on-demand content.


"Sofia Vergara in an ad for Comcast Xfinity TV in SpanishThe Hispanic On Demand service now offers almost 700 video choices, with new content from broadcasting partners including Univision, Galavisión, TeleFutura, Telemundo and mun2. Comcast also is offering more movies in Spanish the same day as DVD, according to Jenckes.


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Hispanicize 2011 - Trailblazing in the Hispanic Digital Communications, PR, and Social Media Universe

Hispanicize 2011 Sets Precedent as First National Conference to Host Nation’s Latina and Latino Bloggers

MIAMI, FL - Get ready for Hispanicize 2011. The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Hispanicize and the Hispanic PR Blog have unveiled an exceptional roster of Latino social media industry leaders, bloggers and sessions to be featured at Hispanicize 2011, the Second Annual Hispanic PR & Social Media Conference, April 6-8 in Hollywood, CA.

The conference’s unprecedented agenda will feature a total of 30 professional development sessions with more than 70 speakers and panelists over three full days, a 360 degree approach to public relations and social media. The 2011 conference is also blazing a trail by becoming the first national conference to bring all major Latina and Latino bloggers together, a major component that’s reflected in the agenda.

“We are very proud of the top-notch agenda, industry speakers and Hispanic bloggers that we’ve assembled to reflect the full spectrum of Latino social media marketing today,” said Lourdes Rodriguez, president of HPRA’s Los Angeles chapter.

“Hispanicize 2011 builds on last year’s conference with an even more robust focus on Latino social media and helping brands connect with bloggers,” said organizer Manny Ruiz, CEO of Hispanicize and the publisher of the Hispanic PR Blog and PapiBlogger. “The breadth and depth of speakers, professional development sessions and bloggers we’re gathering is exactly what brands told us they want.”

Hispanicize 2011 features presentations from senior multicultural PR and social media speakers from leading corporations and organizations such as Pepsico, Unilever, Nestlé, General Mills, Sprint, McDonald’s, Verizon, General Motors, Wal-Mart, Levi Strauss & Company, Diageo, Microsoft, Ford, UnitedHealthcare, Lowe’s, Southwest Airlines, PRSA and Ronald McDonald House Charities, among others. (See most recent list of speakers here).

The conference provides the right mix of PR best practices with the latest on social media strategies. Here is a sampling of the agenda. For a full agenda, registration information and more information please visit http://www.hispanicizeconference.com/ 

• “The U.S. Census Count: The Amazing Marketing Story Behind It and What the Results Reveal About Hispanics”
• "Sí, I Blog Too: Getting to Know the World of Spanish-language and Bilingual Bloggers"
• "How to build, manage and engage communities of Hispanics on Facebook to drive ROI"
• "Half-Day Blogger Training: How to Transform Yourself Into the Ultimate Latino Brand Ambassador"
• "2011 Industry Leaders Forum: Marketing Leaders Look at the State of Hispanic PR and Social Media"
• “Taking Health Education to the Hispanic Community: A Multi-platform approach to answering the most asked questions”
• “The Deficit of Diversity in Communications and the Best Practices to Change It”
• “Marketing To Gaytinos: Understanding The U.S. LGBT Latino Consumer”
• “Niña, You Look Maavelous! Meet the Fashion and Beauty Latina Bloggers”


CONFERENCE ADVISORY BOARD
The agenda for Hispanicize 2011 has been organized by a prestigious national advisory board consisting of: Nina Price (General Motors); Nadine Sterba (Nestlé); Sarah-Frances Wallace (Lowe’s); Carla Dodds (Walmart U.S.); Maria Rodas (General Mills/Que Rica Vida); Jose Pinero (Microsoft / Xbox); Octavio Navarro (Ford Motor Co.); Cristina Alfaro (McDonald’s); Russell Bennett (UnitedHealthcare); Diane Jones Lowrey (Levi Strauss & Company); Olga Romero (Southwest Airlines); Hector Galvan, (Sprint Nextel); Clara Carrier (Ronald McDonald House Charities); Lourdes Rodriguez (Hispanic Public Relations Association – LA and VPE); David Henry (TeleNoticias & Hispanic Public Relations Association-NY); Maribel Ferrer (Fleishman Hillard); Jose Villa (The Sensis Agency); Roxana Lissa (RL Public Relations); John Echeveste (VPE Public Relations); Armando Azarloza (The Axis Agency); Romina Bongiovanni (Edelman Multicultural); Zandra Zuno (GolinHarris Confianza); Rory Lassanske (Mamá Contemporánea); Jennifer Hutcheson (Mami2Mommy); Joscelyn Ramos (Mami of Multiples); Rosa Alonso (My Latino Voice); and Lance Rios (Being Latino Facebook Fan Page).

Latino Celebrities, Artist and Business Professionals in New York Unite to Support The 2nd Annual St. Jude “Gala Por La Vida” Event

NEW YORK, NY (February 15, 2011) – The leadership and influence of recognized Latino business professionals and executives in New York has set the tone for the launch of the second annual “Gala por la Vida” (Gala for Life) event, a night of hope for children who are suffering from cancer and other catastrophic diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital. The gala will take place on April 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the exclusive Angel Orensanz Foundation Center for the Arts in New York. Thanks to events like Gala por la Vida, St. Jude is able to continue providing lifesaving medical treatments to children fighting cancers like leukemia, regardless of a family’s inability to pay.


This incredible gala will include an exclusive fashion show by renowned Colombian designer Raul Peñaranda. Peñaranda, who is recognized for his work with Oscar de la Renta and for a recent recognition at New York Fashion Week, has donated a showing of his exclusive Fall 2011 collection to Gala por la Vida. More than 300 guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening next to their favorite Latin music and television stars, and New York’s philanthropic community as they walk the red carpet. Guests will also taste a menu exclusively designed for the gala by Salvadorian chef and Food Network star Ricardo Cardona. Chef Cardona, who will soon be featured in an upcoming show on TLC, is also known for being a personal chef to celebrities like Marc Anthony, Jennifer López and the New York Yankees, among others. This year’s gala also counts on the support of Vanidades magazine, Univision Radio, Telemundo and performances by Fragancia and Alex Sensation.


“The members of the committee are putting forth their best resources and contacts to provide hope to the thousands of children who need treatment at St. Jude,” said Liliana Gil, chair of the Gala por la Vida committee. The committee counts on the generous support of dedicated volunteers such as Chris Valletta, ex NFL player and former cast member of the “Apprentice”; Cesar Camacho, the event's creative director and producer; fashion consultant Valentina Henao, Karen Hoyos, Mark Antonacci, Carlos Vasallo, David A. Chitel, Karla Micalizzi, Diane Rankin, Gabriela Nevez, Michael A. Fernandez, Kelly Ramirez, Martha Llamoza, Mary C. Miqueli, Monica Dias, Warren Peña, Gabriela Poler, Jesús Maldonado, Concha Valadez, Katherine Salazar and Windy Lopez.


For more information on purchasing tickets to the gala, sponsorships or donating silent auction items, please contact (212) 239-3239 or visit www.stjude.org/galaporlavida. This year, we also ask the community to take part in a text messaging campaign benefiting St. Jude by texting the word “VIDA” to 90999 to donate $10 for the children of St. Jude.


About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation's top children's cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children's Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, go to http://www.stjude.org/.

Gamexpress Growths in the Video Game Market Place

MEXICO CITY, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For almost a quarter century, Gamexpress (GX) has been Latin America's foremost video game distributor. GX has thrived by driving video game sales in their core market, Mexico. GX possesses an understanding of the largely untapped Mexican territories, which holds tremendous growth opportunities for video game publishers.


"Mexican territories are an untapped market for publishers. Currently, our market estimates reveal that video games sales reach an estimated 40 percent of the total population. At Gamexpress, we believe that reaching at least 60 percent of the video game Mexican market is more than possible in the immediate future. Some of our partners who have been the first to invest in this market have enjoyed strong financial results and have built lasting brand awareness within the Latin marketplace," said Abraham Bautista, Chairman of the GX Board.


Some of Gamexpress' key partners, such as Take-Two Interactive, Konami Digital Entertainment and Ubisoft, have displayed values such as foresight, flexibility and market adaptation, and have achieved tremendous growth levels of more than 100% in 2010 vs. 2009, YOY using the GX revenue stream.


"2010 was a great year for Gamexpress. We enjoyed a smooth and highly successful year under the guidance of recently appointed CEO Veronica Ostos along with her team. Our partners agree that our distribution channel provides them with easy access and cost effective solutions to reach this ever-growing market," said Bautista.


GX believes that by combining core company values of honoring commitments with a fine-tuned commercial strategy with more inclination towards restocks, and overall great work and enthusiasm, they achieved a 7% YOY Gamexpress Revenue increase and a Q4 CY (Holiday) YOY Revenue increase of 25% with an internal estimated market share of 75% of 3rd party software sales in Mexico.


In addition to distribution, GX recently engaged in a successful 3PL-like business distribution model with the leading installed-base 1st party companies, attaining an impressive three-digit growth in Gamexpress served outlets.


2010 also marked GX's foray into publishing. Slang, the publishing division of Gamexpress, launched Lucha Libre AAA Heroes del Ring, their first PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 title. The game was the first-ever culturally relevant title delivered to the Hispanic community. Lucha Libre AAA Heroes del Ring garnered a distribution deal with Konami reaching over 12 countries including the US & Canada. During the holiday season in Mexico, Lucha Libre AAA Heroes del Ring made it to the TOP 5 sales chart in 3rd Party titles for those platforms while it earned mixed results in other countries.


Slang invested in an extraordinary marketing campaign, including their first venture into E3 as an exhibitor, making a notorious and relevant splash with the launch, and building a strong relationship with Televisa for Hispanic targeted video game development.


Overall, Gamexpress' 2011 vision is to fulfill all business opportunities that remain out there. GX's key objectives include growing its distribution to a full market spectrum outreach and catering budget priced titles to all of customers, sustaining a strong commitment to exploring 3PL-like business model where need be and expanding distribution to other territories in the region. GX estimates a 25% projected growth in revenues for 2011.


Slang's goals for 2011 include publishing an additional six to 10 console video game SKUs, based on highly relevant Mexican IP's such as "El Chavo del 8", building relationships with independent development studios to publish high quality games for US and LATAM, reinforcing their mission of connecting with the Hispanic market, and securing strategic alliances with European and Asian publishers and studios in order to introduce their content into LATAM.


Gamexpress is committed to the progress of the local industry, and through Slang will continue to support new development studios in Mexico, reaching out to mobile and Facebook/social network platforms as well.


About Grupo Televisa:
Grupo Televisa, S.A.B., is the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world based on its market capitalization and a major participant in the international entertainment business. It has interests in television production and broadcasting, production of pay-television networks, international distribution of television programming, direct-to-home satellite services, cable television and telecommunication services, magazine publishing and distribution, radio production and broadcasting, professional sports and live entertainment, feature-film production and distribution, the operation of a horizontal internet portal, and gaming. Grupo Televisa also owns an unconsolidated equity stake in La Sexta, a free-to-air television venture in Spain.




SOURCE Gamexpress

Google Announces Big Expansion In Latin America

By Doug Caverly, WebProNews.


More details of Google's plan to hire 6,000 new employees have come to light. It seems the search giant will focus an unusual amount of attention on Central and South America, making a special effort to step up operations in that area.


Bill Faries reported earlier today, "Google Inc., the world's biggest Internet-search company, is opening new offices in Latin America and boosting staffing levels by 50 percent to capitalize on its fastest-growing region."


Faries then added, "Revenue from Latin America surged 80 percent last year, outpacing every other market, Vice President Dennis Woodside said in an interview at the company's Buenos Aires office. Google, which has about 500 people in the region, has opened branches in Santiago, Lima and Bogota to take advantage of the growth, he said."


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