Telemundo Branded Gift Cards to Launch at Retail This Month

Visa and MasterCard Gift Cards in a Variety of Telemundo Inspired Designs Will Be Available at Major Retail Outlets Nationwide from InComm - Through NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group

ATLANTA, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Telemundo and NBC Universal TV Consumer Products are introducing a new line of Telemundo-branded Visa and MasterCard gift cards, which hit retail locations this month. These new gift cards, from InComm, will be available at major national retail locations and a variety of local retailers. InComm is a leader in sales and marketing of prepaid products and transaction processing. The Telemundo gift cards are licensed through NBC Universal Television Consumer Products and the deal was brokered by Big Tent Entertainment, which is the licensing agent for the Telemundo brand.


The Telemundo gift cards are designed to offer Telemundo fans and Hispanics a convenient financial service from a recognized brand within the community. Offered in a variety of designs, the cards can be a perfect gift for anyone on the gift list. Each Visa or MasterCard gift card will feature Telemundo branding, as well as traditional Hispanic holidays and themes such as Quinceanera and Futbol.


"We are thrilled to partner with InComm on the launch of Telemundo-branded Visa and MasterCard gift cards. This partnership is a great way to further extend the Telemundo brand experience with our audience across another lifestyle touch point," said Susan Solano Vila, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Telemundo Communications Group. "It is no secret that Hispanic purchasing power exceeds $1 trillionand being able to provide new vehicles to enhance their buying experiences affirms how much that power is acknowledged and valued in the marketplace."


"These Telemundo branded gift cards are a great way for fans to connect with recognizable themes for special gift-giving occasions and we are really pleased to bring the Telemundo brand into this marketplace," added Joni Camacho, NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Director of Marketing.


"We are very excited to partner with NBCUniversal to launch Telemundo-branded Visa and MasterCard gift cards," said Brooks Smith, InComm President and CEO. "This partnership allows us to offer an innovative product to our retail partners and strengthens our commitment and support of the Hispanic marketplace."


Telemundo recently announced that according to Nielsen Media Research, through the first 6 weeks of the second quarter of 2011, the network is the fastest growing broadcast network with the largest percentage gain versus the first quarter of 2011 during Monday through Friday prime among adults 18-49 and adults 18-34. The network is capturing 32% share of Spanish-language TV viewership in May.


About Telemundo
Telemundo Communications Group, LLC & Subsidiaries ("Telemundo"), a division of NBCUniversal, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. Telemundo's multiple platforms include Telemundo, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 14 owned stations, 1 independent station (WKAQ in Puerto Rico), 46 broadcast affiliates, and over 1,000 cable affiliates; mun2, the preeminent voice for bicultural Hispanics in the U.S., reaching over 35 million U.S. TV households nationwide on digital and analog cable, and satellite; Telemundo Digital Media, which leverages Telemundo's original content for distribution across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and http://www.telemundo.com/  and http://www.mun2.tv/  and Telemundo Internacional, the company's international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 100 countries in over 35 languages.


About NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group
NBCUniversal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group manages all global ancillary television business endeavors for the NBCUniversal Television Group, including third-party home entertainment distribution, consumer products, musical soundtracks, special markets projects and the NBCUniversal Online Store.


About Big Tent Entertainment, LLC
Big Tent Entertainment, LLC (http://www.bigtent.tv/) is an entertainment company specializing in the integrated development and management of media brands. Formed in 2002, the company manages a portfolio across both traditional and new media while focusing on brand strategy, community building, viral marketing, licensing and retail merchandising. Big Tent currently serves as the worldwide (ex Asia) marketing and licensing company for fashion and viral sensation Domo and the North American agency of record for two of Discovery Communications' most popular brands - Discovery Kids and TLC. Additionally, Big Tent represents Purple Ronnie, one of the U.K.'s most successful social expression brands, and PixFusion, a global leader in personalization products.


About InComm
InComm is the industry leading marketer, distributor and technology innovator of stored-value gift and prepaid products using its state-of-the-art point-of-sale transaction technology and payment solutions to revolutionize retail product sales and customer experiences. With nearly $13 billion in retail sales transactions processed in 2010, InComm is the nation's largest provider of gift cards, prepaid wireless products, reloadable debit cards, digital music downloads, content, games, software and bill payment solutions. InComm partners with consumer brand leaders around the world to provide more than 225,000 retail locations the products and services their customers demand. Since 1992, InComm's patented technologies have made the buying process easier for consumers, while streamlining the selling process for product and retail partners. InComm is headquartered in Atlanta with offices in Australia/New Zealand,Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida,Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas. To learn more about InComm, visit http://www.incomm.com/ or call (800) 352-3084.


SOURCE InComm

Univision Promotes Kevin Cuddihy to TV Group President

By The Hollywood Reporter.


He will oversee all operations of the Univision Television Group, including advertising sales and local programming.


NEW YORK - Spanish-language media company Univision Communications said Friday that it has promoted Kevin Cuddihy to the post of president of Univision Television Group.


He was most recently executive vp of advertising sales for the group. He will continue to be based in New York and report to Peter Walker, president of Univision Local Media.


In the new role, Cuddihy will oversee all UTG operations, including advertising sales and local programming. He will also ensure collaboration with the company’s other local media assets.


Read full article

Vme Upfront 2011-2012

Original content, brand entitlements and viewer engagement headline event

NEW YORK, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at Vme's experiential upfront event, the 2011-2012 programming line-up was introduced to a packed house. At the Samsung Experience in New York's Time Warner Center, Vme underscored its commitment to serve the diversity of today's Hispanic market, introducing a slate of original programming in all genres and a deep pipeline of exclusive world-class programs that speaks to the hearts and minds of today's diverse Hispanic market.


As the fourth largest Spanish network in the U.S. reaching more than 10 million Hispanic Homes, Vme reaches bicultural and bilingual Latinos as well as those who are Spanish-dominant. In a recent viewer engagement study conducted by Nielsen, Spanish TV viewers placed Vme ahead of the three largest Spanish networks for "higher quality programming," as "more in-line with their lifestyle" and for "offering a positive portrayal of the Latino community." Viewers in the study also ranked Vme at the top for offering "unique programming that they can't find elsewhere" and saying that "Vme programming is more engaging."


Ten Brand Entitlements


With its extensive original programming line-up, Vme is offering ten brand entitlements where brands can organically integrate into the set, become part of the program and share in the name of the show. With programs in every genre, Vme is creating a forum in which brands can showcase their attributes and connect with Hispanic consumers of all ages and demographics through relevant content.


"In today's landscape, brands are looking for content and properties that they can own and Vme has answered this demand with more entitlement opportunities than any other Spanish-language network," said Patty Marrero, SVP and director of sales. "With production studios in Miami, Vme also has the capability of doing branded integrations, customized vignettes, prommercials and hosted pitches all of which provide numerous branding options and value to our marketing partners."


2011-2012 programming highlights


Exclusive Dramas and Specials


Vme presents the Spanish-language exclusive of Los Kennedy, an eight-part docudrama, originally created by The History Channel, chronicling the Kennedy family's key triumphs and tragedies from the 1930s to 1968. The special covers all the historical moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs Invasion but it also spends time covering the behind the scenes relationships that made this family so powerful. With an all-star cast including Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes, Barry Pepper and Tom Wilkinson, Los Kennedy covers several generations of the infamous Kennedy dynasty.


With a production budget of more than $1 million per episode, Piratas is Vme's newest high-caliber drama. Set in the eighteenth century and recorded almost entirely in natural settings in Spain, Piratas charts a course for adventure and misadventure as an unabashed and philandering member of the nobility is enrolled by force in a mission to infiltrate the pirate crew of the legendary Captain Bocanegra. Filled with beautiful ships, sword duels, dungeons, executions, rescues, battles and the race for treasures, Piratas has all the ingredients of a great pirate drama.


Targeting Bicultural and bilingual Hispanics


With Hispanics over-indexing in the use of video games of all kinds, especially bilingual, bicultural young Hispanic males, Vme has developed, in partnership with 40 Principales, another market first – a weekly interactive show for gamers. Premiering later this year, GAME40 will look at the hottest new releases in the video game market in a fast-paced interactive fashion.


For a new twist on extreme sports, Vme presents Red Bull's Cliptomaniacs the most original, unique extreme sports show ever. Hosted by professional adrenaline junkies who don't just present extreme sports -- they live them. Each week Cliptomaniacs will present a different hair-raising stunt from locations around the globe.


E3, a new original production coming July 18, will deliver the latest entertainment news with an all-access pass to today's entertainment headliners. Not your typical gossip show, E3 show covers the world of entertainment from all angles to keep viewers plugged into pop culture and Hollywood headliners. Hosted by Roser Cabanas, E3 will be the foremost authority for real entertainment news in Spanish.


Vme is extending its Nota Musical franchise, with five music specials premiering in July and August, profiling superstars Shakira, Alejandro Fernandez, Miguel Bose.


Original Programming in All Genres


Vme will be adding the new original program Sazon para el Mundo to its daily cooking block, Vme Cocina. Sazon para el Mundo features Vme's popular host, Chef Hamlet Garcia taking the best of international cuisine and giving it a Latin flavor.


Returning this fall, Vme presents a complete line-up of its extensive original top-quality programming in all genres including: TuBeBe, Spanish TV's only show dedicated to parenting, Planeta Feroz, Vme's exclusive award-winning nature programming franchise, Mi Mascota, for the pets in our lives, Estelares Vme, presenting the world's most intelligent, relevant and thought-provoking primetime dramas and comprehensive current affairs and sports programs with Vme Noticias, Vme Deportes, and Jorge Gestoso Investiga.


Popular Primetime Dramas Return


Every night, Vme distinguishes itself with its scripted dramas and big budget productions. Each of Vme's primetime dramas have consistently been among the network's top rated shows every week since Vme started with Nielsen. The top shows include:


Africa de mi Corazon a family-friendly drama traces the adventures of a regular family that has chosen to devote their life to living with and protecting wildlife in Africa; Cuentame Como Paso, Spain's smash hit that is akin to The Wonder Years, this drama for the whole family, follows the small and large moments a middle class family living through the turbulent 60's and 70's; Comisario Rex, one of the most popular programs worldwide is a clever twist on primetime police drama with a brilliant K-9 as the protagonist.


Following Vme's tradition of launching new series throughout the year, the network just began airing Alerta Cobra in April 2011 and will continue this program for another season. In the spirit of The Fast and the Furious, Alerta Cobra, Europe's top cop show, features the most extraordinary and mind-boggling stunt work of any television program ever.


Another one of Vme's most popular primetime dramas returns for another season, Aguila Roja it's lush, romantic, swashbuckling good vs. evil story captivates audiences everywhere. And, later this year, it will become a major motion picture.


Spanish home for World's top Children's Programming


Vme remains the only Hispanic network that dedicates more than four hours a day, six days a week to preschool programming. With the largest slate of preschool programming already on air, Vme will now be the exclusive Spanish-language home for Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Angelina Ballerina™ and Thomas & Friends™.


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

Univision to launch 3 new channels, expands content

By Los Angeles Business from bizjournals.


Spanish-language media giant Univision Communications Inc. plans to add three new cable networks and expand content next year as part of a bid to solidfy its share of the growing Latino market and compete head-on with the top U.S. networks.


New York-based Univision said next year it plans to launch three separate channels for news and information; sports, with a focus on soccer; and Spanish-language soap operas, or “telenovelas.”


Read full article

Grupo Televisa the Star at Univision's Upfront Presentation

By Laurel Wentz, AdAge.


The star of Univision's upfront presentation was Mexican media giant Grupo Televisa, the Spanish-language network's long-time program supplier, sometime foe and new best friend. Late last year, Televisa took a $1.2 billion stake in Univision, guaranteeing the programming pipeline and expanding it to include digital rights for the first time so Univision can offer integrated deals to advertisers.


"Nothing is bigger than the relationship between Univision and Televisa," said Lucero, a Mexican pop-music singer and star of Televisa telenovelas, at the start of Univision's presentation. "The two companies will be working more closely together."


Univision then reinforced that point with a novela parody called "Unidos Para Siempre" ("United Forever") with English subtitles. In the fake novela, William Levy, who really is the star of a popular Televisa novela airing on Univision, confesses his secret to the heroine: He has a brother. A twin brother. In fact, a Siamese twin brother. Mr. Levy reveals he is conjoined with David Lawenda, Univision's president of advertising sales and marketing. The novela ends, and Messrs. Levy and Lawenda walk on stage together, awkwardly buttoned into a single large raincoat.


Read full article

New Study: Hispanics Top Users of Mobile Tech, Particularly for Civic Engagement

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 17) -- Hispanics outpace other demographic groups as users of mobile phones and social media, according to a report released today by The Hispanic Institute.


"Our research shows that Hispanics are enthusiastic consumers of wireless services," said Gus West, Board Chair of The Hispanic Institute. "Latinos depend on mobile technology to engage with their fellow citizens -- and the political process."


The study -- "Connected Hispanics and Civic Engagement" -- explains how Hispanics have used mobile technology to affect change in three important areas: Immigration, Education, and Voter Registration.


The Latino community has been quick to embrace wireless services in part because of the high premium that Hispanic culture places on civic engagement and neighborly communication. Nearly 90 percent of Hispanics own mobile phones, compared to just 80 percent of whites. And 53 percent of Hispanics use mobile devices to access the internet. Only 33 percent of non-Hispanic Whites do the same.


"At The Hispanic Institute, we've witnessed the power of mobile technology in the Latino community firsthand, with our voter registration and mobilization efforts in Nevada last year," said West.


"Mobile and wireless technology have helped narrow the digital divide for Hispanics," West concluded. "Our new report illustrates how important mobile technology is to the Latino community -- and how Hispanic consumers will use these services in the future."

To download a copy of "Connected Hispanics and Civic Engagement," please visit http://www.thehispanicinstitute.org/.  


About The Hispanic Institute:
The Hispanic Institute (http://www.thehispanicinstitute.org/) is a 501 (c) 3 designated nonprofit organization that provides an effective education forum for an informed and empowered Hispanic America.

Discovery US Hispanic Upfront Lineup Goes “Beyond” with 50 New Series and 30 New Seasons

New York, NY, May 18, 2011 - Leveraging a global content investment of $1 billion dollars across Discovery Communications’ 13 top networks, Discovery US Hispanic today unveiled its new programming lineup and announced that it will also double its production of original current affairs documentaries and series. The result is a powerful content slate for Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia that will give viewers more of what they want: monthly stunts, epic mega productions, 50 new series and 30 new seasons of top rated shows.


This upfront season will be filled with majestic series like FROZEN PLANET, the ultimate portrait of the earth’s Polar regions, DESTINATION 2111, which offers a futuristic picture of what life will be like in Latin America in 2111 and OUT OF THE WILD: VENEZUELA, an eight-part riveting depiction of humankind’s struggle against all that Mother Nature has to throw at them.


Discovery en Español continues to lead with top-notch programs that focus on exceptional storytelling and give viewers a peek into the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The network is a trailblazer with a longstanding commitment to the Hispanic market. Now, after five years of double-digit ratings growth, Discovery en Español is demonstrating its commitment to go “Beyond” for advertisers once again, by being among the first Hispanic pay TV networks to be measured with C3 NTI ratings starting this October.


A pioneer in its own right, Discovery Familia, the only network to deliver a coveted audience of highly-engaged Hispanic moms and their preschool children, is expected to reach 4 million Hispanic TV homes this year. To demonstrate its confidence in its offering, the network will be fully reportable by July 2011. Discovery Familia will also be introducing a number of new programs and series that speak specifically to the needs of Hispanic moms and fit into the network’s key genres of My Kids, My Home, My Time, as well as the Discovery Kids daytime programming block. Among those are new and exciting series including EARLY INTERVENTION, which will document parents as they work with experts to correct their child’s behavioral problems and EXTREME COUPONING, which follows along as savvy shoppers plan and plot their way to unbelievable savings.


What follows are some of the programs, specials and series presented at this year’s upfront event in New York City.


Discovery en Español


FROZEN PLANET


Produced by the Emmy award-winning team behind PLANET EARTH, LIFE and HUMAN PLANET, FROZEN PLANET is a landmark documentary of epic proportions. Four years in the making and shot completely in high definition, this cutting edge series will show life above and below the ice. Viewers will be able to witness the eco-systems and animals of the Arctic and Antarctic, two regions on the front lines of climate change research. The sheer power of the elements combined with the amazing resiliency of the animals that reside there, result in an awe-inspiring natural drama. Until recently, the Russian Arctic has been closed for filming and most of Antarctica has never been recorded, which makes this a groundbreaking effort and an epic series everyone will be keeping their eyes on.


MERMAIDS


In the early 1990s, the United States Navy began a series of covert sonar tests that were linked to mass die-offs of whales washing up on beaches around the world. These beachings were well-publicized, but startling amateur video and photographic evidence – much of it never released until now – suggests that whales were not the only creatures affected by the Navy’s sonar. In 1997, scientists monitoring underwater microphones recorded a mysterious sound deep in the Pacific Ocean. What made that sound, dubbed "The Bloop," has remained one of the greatest mysteries of the oceans, until now… as Discovery en Español presents the CGI, two-hour special, MERMAIDS.


LIVING UNDER THE RADAR - Original Production


A year after Arizona signed its controversial state immigration bill, ordering immigrants to carry their alien registration documents or face immediate detention, the debate rages on. Opponents call it an open invitation to harassment against Hispanics, regardless of their citizenship status. In July, the Obama administration sued Arizona over the law stating it was unconstitutional. However, now other states are following suit. LIVING UNDER THE RADAR provides viewers with a 360-degree look at a debate that has torn US Citizens apart from those who argue for compassion to those who prefer stricter enforcement. This impactful special will focus on the lives of all those that are caught in the crosshairs, from the very real drama being lived by illegal immigrants and their families, to law enforcement agents, to everyday American citizens who are living in fear on the border.


DESTINATION 2111 - Original Production


What will Latin America be like in the future? This will be the question posed in DESTINATION 2111. Over the span of six hour long episodes, the series will journey through the major metropolitan cities of the continent to offer a vision of what life will be like in 2111. Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogota – all these key player cities will come under the microscope as we reveal the until now, unseen future visions of how life will be. In DESTINATION 2111, viewers embark on a fascinating journey towards a possible future that is near and far, believable and incredible.


OUT OF THE WILD: VENEZUELA


Nine ordinary Americans volunteer to participate in one of the world's most intense tests of will in the hit series OUT OF THE WILD: VENEZUELA, an eight-part riveting depiction of humankind’s struggle against all that Mother Nature has to throw at them. The strangers were flown in, dropped off and abandoned in a remote corner of Venezuela's southern frontier – a lost world that once lured explorers in search of El Dorado, the legendary City of Gold. They had only the clothes on their backs and a few basic supplies. Their goal? Find their way back to civilization.


PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION


Ridley Scott, the visionary mind behind iconic works of science fiction including "Blade Runner" and the "Alien" franchise, and epic adventures such as "Gladiator", brings his unique expertise to PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION, a series that explores legendary figures, including Isaac Asimov, Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas, and examines how their work often inspired future discoveries decades before they took place.


SHARK WEEK 25 YEARS


Every summer they return, slashing through a sea of competition to rack up new ratings successes. Grab your scuba gear and climb into the cage, because it's time for SHARK WEEK! Great whites. Hammerheads. Whale sharks. This consistent audience pleaser never fails to reveal remarkable new insights into these magnificent and elusive creatures. SHARK WEEK is television’s longest running programming event and the official mark of summer.


REEL STORY


REEL STORY uncovers the truth behind popular crime-and-justice movies that have become part of the fabric of pop culture. The first episode introduces show host and real-life legal crusader Erin Brockovich, who tells the story of the groundbreaking courtroom battle she won against West Coast energy corporation Pacific Gas & Electric. Using scene reconstruction, interviews with the real people the characters were based on, subsequent episodes reveal what really inspired movies including Monster.


HOMECOMING


HOMECOMING presents a series of surprise military homecomings. Hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus, viewers will watch as soldiers return home to the delight of their loved ones, paying off each personal story with "the" moment so sweet and raw that it cuts through, connecting us as fathers, mothers, husbands and wives.


Discovery Familia


My Kids Programming Block


EARLY INTERVENTION


Each half-hour program of EARLY INTERVENTION will follow one family with a child who is exhibiting problem behaviors. Filmed in observational vérité style, we’ll hear first-person accounts from the parents, the child, and other members of the family directly affected by the problem. These first- person accounts will be punctuated with insight from therapists and top experts in related fields.


My Home Programming Block


EXTREME COUPONING


EXTREME COUPONING follows along as savvy shoppers plan and plot their way to unbelievable savings. Each of the series’ 12 half-hour episodes introduces viewers to America’s most extreme “super couponers,” sharing why they are so driven by the deals.


From seeing their shocking stockpiles of merchandise they rack up, to demonstrating their dramatic shopping skills, to witnessing how some use their amazing couponing skills to benefit local communities, EXTREME COUPONING shares the world of everyday people in pursuit of extraordinary deals.


MAXED OUT


Financially stressed couples, families and singles get "tell-it-like-it-is" advice from Alison Griffiths, financial expert. Alison investigates their lives through their bank and credit card statements, analyzes how, where and what they spend money on and calculates the shocking grand total of their debts. Alison explains the practical steps they need to take to kick their bad spending habits for good. Alison develops plans for the participants to follow so they can pay their debts back faster and work towards a brighter financial future.


My Time Programming Block


LOOK FOR LESS


Because money needs to be spent on your rent, bargain hunting is always in fashion. The host of LOOK FOR LESS shows you how to find today’s most popular looks for a fraction of the cost.


Discovery Kids Programming Block


JUSTIN TIME


Looking for adventure? Well, you are JUSTIN TIME! Watch Justin and his pals Olive and Squidgy become stars in the biggest stories of all time, told from every corner of the world. Preschoolers will be surprised how Justin's imaginative adventures reflect their everyday life. Every time our little explorers set out on a new adventure, children will discover that fun has no expiration date, and that life lessons, good values, and true friendships are timeless!


ROB THE ROBOT


ROB THE ROBOT Join Rob, the galaxy's most curious and adventurous robot as he explores the wondrous planets with his friends Ema, the alien linguist, TK the walking toolkit, and Orbit the quirky artist, in this 3D animated preschool series full of fun and laughter.


About Discovery US Hispanic


Discovery US Hispanic includes the Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia networks. Discovery en Español, providing Hispanic audiences with the best content from the portfolio of top networks from Discovery Communications, launched in 1998 as one of the first US Hispanic pay TV networks in response to the growing demand for Spanish-language programming in the United States. Today, Discovery en Español is the 2nd highest rated Hispanic pay –TV channel in prime time, distributed on 100 % of US. Hispanic digital tiers nationwide. Discovery Familia is the first US. network developed to attract the coveted audience of highly-engaged Hispanic moms and their preschool age children. Discovery Familia is expected to reach 4 million Hispanic TV homes in 2011.

Mega TV to Exhibit at the 60th Annual Cable Show

COCONUT GROVE, Fla., May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS- NASDAQ: SBSA) announced today that Mega TV will be an exhibitor at The Cable Show 2011, cable television industry's premier U.S. event, taking place June 14-16, 2011 , in Chicago. The 60th annual convention and international exposition will be held at McCormick Place.


Last year over 13,000 industry professionals attended The Cable Show for a front-row view of the new opportunities in entertainment, technology, and media within the multi-billion dollar cable industry.


"Based on the emerging 2010 US Census figures, it makes business sense to embrace that 1 in 6 subscriber households in the US are represented by Hispanic consumers. The growth of Mega TV in delivering original HD Spanish language programming, supported by our SBS marketing ecosystem presents a promising value proposition to Pay TV Operators; eager to gain and retain this multicultural demographic," stated Camilo Bernal, Manager of Affiliate Relations for Mega TV. "We're one of the first programmers to launch and grow a unique HVOD (Hispanic Video On Demand) content offer; on pulse with the digital platforms," added Bernal.


SBS leverages its multimedia platforms and diversified media resources to provide marketing, creative and advertising sales support to its affiliate partners: Mega TV, SBS Radio (21 radios stations in the US including Puerto Rico), SBS Entertainment (sold out concerts, events), SBS Interactive (21 websites) and MEGA FILMS.


Since SBS launched Mega TV five years ago, its distribution has expanded to 5.6 million households, via affiliates in 11 cities across the U.S., including Puerto Rico, as well as cable and satellite distribution throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.


Mega TV programming, centered on the strengths of an "entertainment" company, offers a new alternative compared to traditional Spanish language channels. "Mega TV has always been at the forefront, providing the best Hispanic programming in the U.S. targeting an audience that expects a high quality and distinctive product. Mega TV, develops original content for the network in our state-of-the-art media centers, through two television studios in Miami, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with bureaus in New York and Los Angeles," said Albert Rodriguez, Chief Revenue Officer of SBS.

Discovery US Hispanic Takes Branded Entertainment “Beyond”

Award-Winning Discovery Solutions Team Attracts Major Brands Including General Motors, Levi’s, T-Mobile, Sprint and the U.S. Navy

Miami, FL - May 12, 2011 - Today, Discovery US Hispanic announced that it is ramping up its offerings from their award-winning Discovery Solutions team with a number of new creative propositions for advertisers. This innovative group connects visionary brands with consumers through relevant long and short content on Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia. As part of Discovery Communications multi-network, multi-language and multi-platform approach, epic productions that air across Discovery US Hispanic and general market networks such as Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Science will also be available to advertisers for integration and branded entertainment opportunities.

Led by Enrique Montoya, Vice President, Discovery Solutions and Discovery Creative Group, this arm of Discovery US Hispanic enables the successful fusion of content and commerce made possible through the team’s extensive creative agency background. Their primary mission is to amplify and distribute marketing messages targeting Hispanic audiences by providing advertisers access to the world of Discovery assets. This includes an impressive portfolio of original epic productions, customizable formats, digital offerings, marketing outreach and branded entertainment know-how.

"We are ready to unleash a very powerful set of branded entertainment opportunities for our advertisers this upfront. Discovery Solutions leverages many of our company's resources to serve advertisers extraordinary value that goes beyond our competitors’ conventional integrations," comments Victor Parada, Vice President, Discovery US Hispanic Advertising Sales.
Opportunities across Discovery’s portfolio of Spanish and English-language networks have already been embraced by advertisers such as General Motors, through interstitials that ran on both Planet Green and Discovery en Español as well as The U.S. Navy, with At Sea, a series that showcases the global role of the U.S. ships, aircraft, sailors and Marines, including Latino men and women, who risk their lives to protect and ensure peace on the open seas.

This series ran on both the Military Channel and Discovery en Español.
Premier brands, such as Levi’s, Sprint, American Airlines and T-Mobile, have already taken advantage of Discovery Solutions in the form of both integrated custom series and short form content. Currently in production, an insurance advertiser is being integrated into a US Hispanic extension of the format Maxed Out, on Discovery Familia. Premiering in fourth quarter, this program features a financially stressed Hispanic family as they get "tell-it-like-it-is" advice from a financial expert. Other branded entertainment productions in the pipeline for Discovery Familia include Style for a Steal and Money and The Menu. As for Discovery en Español, there are also a number of ambitious factual entertainment projects in the works including: Lockers and Fútbol via the Discovery Lens.

“Discovery Solutions is an idea factory, a creative laboratory, a production center. Last year alone, we successfully conceptualized and delivered over 450 Spanish-language branded entertainment deals focused on generating demand for our advertisers. It’s our track record, our pursuit of success and our commitment to collaborate with our advertisers and agency partners that will drive even more ambitious projects this coming year,” concluded Montoya.

About Discovery US. Hispanic
Discovery US Hispanic includes the Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia networks. Discovery en Español, providing Hispanic audiences with the best content from the portfolio of top networks from Discovery Communications, launched in 1998 as one of the first US Hispanic pay TV networks in response to the growing demand for Spanish-language programming in the United States. Today, Discovery en Español is the 2nd highest rated Hispanic pay –TV channel in prime time, distributed on 100 % of US. Hispanic digital tiers nationwide. Discovery Familia is the first US. network developed to attract the coveted audience of highly-engaged Hispanic moms and their preschool age children. Discovery Familia is on track to reach 4 million Hispanic TV homes in 2011.

Rosetta Stone Selects Alma DDB as Hispanic Agency of Record

MIAMI, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta Stone Ltd., a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, has selected Alma DDB as an official agency of record for the development and national launch of its new U.S. Hispanic marketing campaigns. Rosetta Stone has worked with Alma on a small number of projects in the past and decided to consolidate the relationship.


Juan Carlos Ortiz, President of DDB Latina stated: "The partnership with Rosetta Stone has us very excited. Without a doubt we're talking about one of the most vibrant brands in the United States that will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration and creativity for us all."


"We are very excited about working with Alma DDB on our Hispanic marketing efforts," said Eric Duehring, senior vice president of global marketing, Rosetta Stone. "Their knowledge and expertise will help Rosetta Stone to further connect with this growing and very important consumer audience."


Hispanics in the United States speak the language of optimism and the agency is taking the relationship with Rosetta Stone to the next level. Luis Miguel Messianu, President and CCO of Alma DDB said: "Not only will we be helping them build their brand with this crucial target, but we will be doing something very productive for the community we represent. We're extremely proud of this new partnership!"


SOURCE Alma DDB

R. Paniagua, Inc. Premieres Two New Original Productions on HITN

New York, NY – Hispanic Information and Telecommunication Network, Inc. (HITN), announces the premiere of two original R. Paniagua, Inc. (RPI) productions in New York and the surrounding area. The television shows are sponsored by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism and AT&T Wireless to bring more culturally relevant television to the growing Latino and Dominican population in the tri-state area.


Both shows will bring new weekly episodes to HITN viewers. República Dominicana en 30 Minutos features in-depth breaking news from the Caribbean and Agenda Deportiva tracks headlines made by Dominican athletes around the world.


Shot on location in the Dominican Republic at SIN Studios, and Directed by Rafael Gil and Executive Produced by Ralph Paniagua, the shows cover pertinent issues that concern state-side Dominican Americans. Dominicans now have a definitive weekly television destination to connect with news, lifestyle, and sports and views impacting life back on the Island. This is especially advantageous to islanders abroad looking to cast their votes during the 2012 Dominican Republic Presidential election.


“We’re especially pleased to introduce forward-looking niche content that highlights fresh reporting on the pulse of news, culture, lifestyle and sports from that appeals, not only to the growing Dominican American population, but to all with interest in Latino culture and news from the Caribbean Island of the Dominican Republic,” stated Ralph Paniagua Jr., President and CEO of RPI.


Magaly Rivera, HITN Vice President of Development said, “As a mission driven organization, we are pleased to bring original productions from the country of origin to ensure HITN delivers relevant programs to our audience. These new shows bring visibility to role models, Caribbean culture, and international issues of importance.”


Both programs will air on Time Warner Cable channel 831 in the New York and New Jersey area:

Agenda Deportiva: Saturdays at 5:30 PM and Sundays at 11:00AM.


República Dominicana en 30 Minutos: Saturdays at 5:00 PM and Sundays at 10:30 AM


According to the US Census there are approximately 1.36 million people of Dominican descent living in the United States. Dominicans are amongst the New York’s tri-state area’s top Spanish-language dominant groups. Additionally, Puerto Rico and cities such as Miami, Boston and D.C. are prime areas of expansion. Through RPI’s partnership with HITN-TV, advertisers can reach dynamic Hispanic audiences in approximately 36 million homes nationwide.


About R. Paniagua Inc.:
Since 1985, R. Paniagua, Inc. (RPI) http://rpaniagua.com/home/ has been a pioneer in providing quality, integrated, media-leveraged Latino marketing communication programs. At the heart of its corporate mission, RPI's most unique feature is its track record of tying-in promotional marketing efforts with its publishing, broadcast and grassroots programs that deliver measurable results for their corporate partners.

RPI is among the most unique and innovative marketing firms in the U.S. serving the Latino community for over 25 years. The firm targets U.S. based Latino audiences with exciting media-leveraged event promotions that deliver Latino consumers and a healthy "return on investment" for the corporate sponsors and media partners.

In addition to original broadcast content, RPI properties include http://www.latinoboxing.com/, http://www.latinobaseball.com/, http://www.vivadominoes.com/.  


About HITN:
The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) was established in 1983 as a non-profit organization. HITN’s mission is to advance Hispanics by providing engaging educational entertainment that empowers the community to serve as an ever-growing engine of intellectual power and progress. HITN-TV is the first U.S.-owned, non-commercial, Spanish-language, media company; delivering educational programming to more than 36 million homes nationwide on Satellite and Cable. HITN is also the largest holder of Educational Broadband Spectrum (EBS) in the U.S., supporting the next generation of wireless broadband networks and creating new opportunities to deliver educational content and connect communities. Visit HITN online at http://www.hitn.tv/.  

Discovery US Hispanic Goes “Beyond” To Meet Advertisers’ Needs

Hispanic Pay-TV Pione Goes Above and Beyond with Increased Programming I  investment and Superior Creative Solutions

Miami, FL – May 4, 2011 - Discovery US Hispanic, the home to Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia, today unveiled its 2011/2012 upfront theme – “Beyond.” Powered by Discovery Communications, Discovery US Hispanic offers advertisers the opportunity to “go beyond” and leverage the company’s unmatched ability to create content-driven ideas and synergies that transcend language barriers, travel across technology platforms and deliver a wide range of Hispanic audiences.


This upfront season, Discovery US Hispanic will benefit from the company’s overall content investment of $1 billion across its networks and brands, Discovery’s largest investment in programming in its 25-year history. The result is a powerful line up of original series and specials for both Discovery en Español, and Discovery Familia, to be announced at the Discovery US Hispanic Upfront on May 18th from 9 am to 11 am at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York. David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications, will kick off this event and provide his vision for the growth of the US Hispanic division.


“In 1998 we transformed the Hispanic pay-TV landscape by creating Discovery en Español to provide Hispanic audiences with the best content from Discovery. Now the network showcases the most popular programs from our portfolio including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, ID and Science as well as original productions like our acclaimed Rescued: The Chilean Miner’s Story,” said David Zaslav.


“To extend Discovery en Español’s leadership position as the #1 non-fiction Hispanic network in the United States powered by the #1 non-fiction media company in the world, this upfront season we will deliver more exclusive content, original productions and compelling current affairs specials. Combined with our deep pipeline of U.S. content, this expansion will provide new solutions, branding options and unsurpassed value to our advertising partners seeking to attract the rapidly-growing Hispanic population segment,” Zaslav added.


“This year’s Upfront will be about driving home our competitive differentiators and demonstrating how we will continue to raise the bar beyond expectations. We look forward to showcasing the strength of our new content lineup and award winning solutions that will drive brand awareness and growth for our clients," said Ivan Bargueiras, General Manager for Discovery US Hispanic and Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales for Discovery Networks Latin America/US Hispanic.


About Discovery US. Hispanic
Discovery US Hispanic includes the Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia networks. Discovery en Español, providing Hispanic audiences with the best content from the portfolio of top networks from Discovery Communications, launched in 1998 as one of the first US Hispanic pay TV networks in response to the growing demand for Spanish-language programming in the United States. Today, Discovery en Español is the 2nd highest rated Hispanic pay –TV channel in prime time, distributed on 100 % of U.S. Hispanic digital tiers nationwide. Discovery Familia is the first U.S. network developed to attract the coveted audience of highly-engaged Hispanic moms and their preschool age children. Discovery Familia is on track to reach 4 million Hispanic TV homes in 2011.


About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 200 countries. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Networks International distributes 21 international brands, reaching more than one billion cumulative subscribers with programming available in 43 languages. For more information, please visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com/.