The new Spanish-language streaming service will offer some free content, but mostly will serve as a digital destination for pay TV customers who want to watch shows and telenovelas on demand from the company’s networks including Univision, Galavision, and TeleFutura, execs said in a conference call. They also plan to produce programming for UVideos, with some for genre-specific broadband channels. Along with the new digital initiative, execs on Tuesday will talk up their just-announced joint venture with Disney to create an English-language news channel for Hispanic audiences. CEO Randy Falco says that Univision will urge advertisers to look across all of the company’s broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. The pitch, under the theme “Latinos Live Here,” is that Univision reaches about 20% of marketers’ target audiences with 73% of the Hispanic market. They’ll also note that the average age of its prime time audiences is 36 vs 51 for the major English language networks. About 94% of Univision viewers watch live broadcasts. Among the other announcements: Univision is beefing up its own news operations in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. There’ll be a huge jump in sports programming on Univision Deportes. And Univision has signed a deal to broadcast the Latin Grammy Awards for the rest of the decade.
Here’s the company’s release about its initiatives and programming plans:
NEW YORK, NY, May 15, 2012 – Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, is unveiling its 2012-2013 programming line-up and several new, groundbreaking digital content initiatives that give marketers an even broader and more effective toolkit to reach the growing, engaged and empowered U.S. Hispanic community anywhere at any time.
Headlined by the launch of the UVideos Digital Network, a new video platform that will serve all video content from Univision’s portfolio of television networks, Univision’s Upfront presentation will highlight how the power of its brand, strength of its programming, exclusive partnership with Televisa, continued ratings momentum and steadfast loyalty of its audience come together to enable Univision to deliver even more value and engagement to its audiences and advertising partners than ever before.
In addition to an exciting programming line-up of more than a dozen new primetime programs available across Univision’s television networks including blockbuster telenovela titles and Hispanic America’s most popular reality and entertainment programs, the digital initiatives being announced at Univision’s Upfront presentation include:
· UVideos Digital Network – Where viewers can interact with the best in Hispanic programming, including all of their favorite current shows from Univision’s portfolio of television networks. UVideos includes thousands of hours of on-demand content. It will be broadly accessible via multiple devices and platforms for a multi-screen experience, including game consoles, smartphones, tablets and Internet-enabled TVs. UVideos allows viewers to watch, discuss and share content across any device and will be fully optimized for both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences. It will also feature second screen companion experiences such as TV check-ins, social streams, alerts, and bonus content for viewers to connect with each other and with Univision talent. Currently in BETA, UVideos will launch this summer.
· Distribution and Discovery – Univision continues to expand distribution and discovery across its platforms through partnerships with Dish, AT&T, Hulu, YouTube, Fanhattan, iOS and Android to further drive reach and discovery of its popular content. UVideos allows viewers to enjoy entire series of episodes across several devices anytime, anywhere.
· Broadband Channels – Univision is joining forces with a number of strategic partners to launch new, genre-specific broadband channels that speak to the passions of our diverse audience.
· Webnovelas – For the first time in the digital space, Televisa and Univision Studios are coming together to co-produce a webnovela targeted at U.S. Hispanics to begin production later this fall. Univision Studios is also working with crossover television and motion picture sensation Kate del Castillo, who will not only star in but also make her directorial debut with two premiere webnovelas. The first is based on her best-selling book entitled “Tuya” (“Yours”). The second will showcase her terrific sense of humor in an all-new original romantic comedy. All three webnovelas will be produced exclusively for UVideos.
Univision’s Upfront presentation is taking place this morning at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City and will be hosted by Univision President and CEO, Randy Falco; Univision Networks President Cesar Conde; and President of Advertising Sales and Marketing, David Lawenda.
Falco commented, “As Univision celebrates its 50th anniversary, marketers are facing the stark reality of a rapidly evolving media landscape and consumer base that looks nothing like it did in years past. Today, at least 20% of marketers’ target market is Hispanic, so what was once considered a niche is now an undeniable, mainstream growth opportunity. Over 50 years, one thing has remained the same – Latinos live here, at Univision. Our brand equity is paramount among Hispanic Americans and our 73% market share in Spanish language television is unmatched. The time is now for marketers to connect with the young, engaged, ready-to-interact Hispanic consumer through Univision’s content across traditional, digital and social platforms.”
“We are doubling down our efforts to meet the overwhelming demand from consumers and advertisers for premium, digital content and we’ll be offering much more of our popular TV shows across multiple platforms. Our investment in the absolute best digital content and broad, innovative distribution partnerships is a testament to Hispanic Americans’ incredible level of engagement with Univision on all possible platforms and their hunger for more. Today we are giving them more – UVideos, webnovelas and broadband channels, plus more than a dozen new primetime programs and the next generation of the series and specials that they can’t get enough of,” said Conde. “The offerings on our three flagship networks, nine additional television networks and digital platforms represent the best Spanish-language programming out there – bar none – and reflect the innovative culture at Univision and the strength of our powerhouse partnership with Televisa. This season we
will continue to feed our audiences’ passion points across all screens and foster engagement by dramatically expanding our robust suite of digital offerings and growing our leadership position in linear television.”“Our audience is in the sweet spot of consumerism that clients must target to create sustainable growth in the years to come. With 94% live viewership, 68% unduplicated reach, and viewers visiting us online twice as often as any other network, Univision is engaging our audience in a deeper and more lasting way – in and out of the home – than any of our competitors. Plus, our millennial-heavy audience is a full generation younger than the audiences of the ‘Big Four’ networks,” said Lawenda. “The level of engagement Univision delivers is extraordinarily rare, and marketers are actively re-balancing their media plans to tap into the growth that only Univision offers. Only we can activate the power of our brand, programming and talent to meaningfully mobilize millions of bilingual and Spanish-dominant consumers on behalf of our clients’ brands.”
The Univision Network continues to rank as one of the top five networks in the U.S. and out-delivering one or more of the top English-language networks (NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX) on nearly every single night among Adults 18-34 in the current 2011/2012 season. In fact, during the first quarter of 2012 the Univision Network drew a larger audience than NBC on four out of every five nights in the key Adult 18-34 demographic and on more than half of nights among Adults 18-49. TeleFutura remains a fierce competitor for the #2 Spanish language network position, and Galavisión, which has been at the top of Spanish-language cable for eight seasons, continues to expand its impressive leadership margins in key dayparts and demographics. Univision, TeleFutura and Galavisión together have 73 percent market share among the Adult 18-49 Spanish-language TV audience in primetime. Univision’s broadcast and cable networks, as well as its large group of local television and radio stations and growing range of interactive media options, which engage viewers more often and for longer periods of time than our competitors, deliver unparalleled engagement of U.S. Hispanics.
2012/2013 PROGRAMMING LINEUP
UNIVISION NETWORK
Novelas
Univision novelas guarantee to captivate audiences once again, with the most engaging stories, the most beloved stars, and the most sought-after directors and producers within in the Hispanic community.
“Amor Bravío” (When the Heart Commands) – A love story about resentment and revenge, Camila, a veterinarian, loses her fiancé and takes refuge working on her uncle’s cattle farm. There she meets Daniel, an idealistic Chilean man who is unjustly accused of something he didn’t do and he believes that Camila’s family is responsible for his misfortune. Daniel travels to Mexico and will stop at nothing until his name is cleared. When he meets Camilla it all changes. To find true love they’ll each be forced to face their fears and their past. Featuring crossover heartthrob Christian de la Fuente and novela stars Siliva Navarro, Cesar Evora, Rene Strickler, Leticia Calderon. (Monday- Friday, Primetime – Televisa)
“Por Ella Soy Eva” (For Her, I’m Eva) – A contemporary romantic comedy with a twist, Elena, a successful single mom falls in love with a macho man named Juan Carlos, but when he tricks her to win a business deal her heart turns cold towards him. To win her back he’ll do anything. And so, he is forced to swallow his pride and machismo, by transforming himself. He finds himself involved in a series of situations that force him to live in the heels of a woman named Eva. Featuring novela superstars Lucero and Jaime Camil, this novela is sure to be a comedy hit. (Monday- Friday, Primetime – Televisa)
Daytime
“Despierta América Concert Series” – This summer, Fridays are filled with stars on the hit morning program “Despierta América.” With this series of outdoor concerts, fans can rock out to the greatest hits of their favorite artists. (Fridays, 7 a.m. ET/PT, 6 a.m. Central – Univision)
Specials
“Sábado Gigante 50 Year Celebration” – The biggest stars and musical artists will cap off Univision’s celebration of the longest running variety show in television history. With an unprecedented yearlong cross-promotional effort building towards the big event, this special will honor “Sabado Gigante’s” contributions to the Hispanic culture in the U.S. (Primetime – Univision)
“America Celebra A Chespirito” (America Celebrates Chespirito) – A primetime celebration of the ageless Roberto Gómez Bolaños, known best by his stage name “Chespirito,” the creator and actor of “El Chavo.” The most-watched sitcom in Mexican history, “El Chavo” also delighted audiences across all of Latin America, Spain and the U.S. for over 25 years – reaching 350 million viewers worldwide. This highly anticipated special will bring together artists from around the globe to celebrate an icon. (Primetime – Televisa)
“Festival Acapulco: Juan Gabriel” – One of the most successful Spanish-language singers ever, Juan Gabriel has been a prolific force on the Mexican music scene since the 1970’s. With a repertoire that includes ballads, mariachi songs and light Latin pop, Juan Gabriel has been a constant presence on the Latin charts. After writing more that 1,800 songs, selling more than 120 million albums, and many other accomplishments, this celebration of his 40 years in music will be a show stopper. (Primetime – Televisa)
Reality
“¡Mira Quién Baila! 3” (Look Who’s Dancing! 3) – The hit reality dance competition returns bigger than ever in its third season. Hosted by Javier Poza and Chiquinquirá Delgado, this competition pairs a group of Hispanic celebrities with dancers showcasing their moves to a variety of rhythms. Every week, contestants rotate partners and compete in front of a live studio audience, while an expert panel of judges selects the top dancers. The upcoming season will feature more reality elements as viewers will be able witness more from the stars as they prepare for competition. (Sunday, Primetime – Univision Studios and Endemol)
“Nuestra Belleza 7” (Our Latin Beauty 7) – One of the highest rated reality shows on Spanish-language television returns more beautiful than ever in its seventh season. “Nuestra Belleza Latina” features the perfect mixture of reality drama, talent contest and beauty pageant all rolled into one, with the ultimate pay off – viewers vote to decide who stays and who goes. Hosted by Giselle Blondet, viewers enjoy every intimate detail of this exciting reality competition, starting with episodes featuring the cross-country auditions for the next Latin beauty and the grueling process contestants are put through to be selected as the finalists. Renowned beauty coach Osmel Sousa, Mexico’s former Miss Universe Lupita Jones and novela heartthrob Julian Gil return as the panel of judges who, along with viewer participation, determine the winner. (Sunday, Primetime – Univision Studios)
“Parodiando 2” (Parody 2) – A breakout hit in its debut season, “Parodiando,” the sidesplitting comedy show featuring contestants competing as the top celebrity impersonator, returns with non-stop laughs. Renowned actress and comedian Angélica Vale joins Gilberto Gless and Pierre Angelo as the show’s mentors to offer advice and guide contestants through various challenges. Héctor Sandarti hosts and presents the program’s contestants as they deliver hilarious skits and amusing performances, imitating entertainment’s all-time favorite celebrities. With two teams of imitators battling it out, the one standing will get the last laugh. (Sunday, Primetime – Televisa)
“Pequeños Gigantes 2” (Little Giants 2) – Back again for a second season is Televisa’s family-friendly reality show where kids ages 4 to 12 compete in a talent search with hopes of being recognized as the most gifted little entertainer. Hosted by beloved Mexican personality Galilea Montijo, the show brings together 28 children and seven judges to create this unique talent competition. Future singers, actors, dancers and comedians will take the stage to deliver their best, but in the end only one will take home the ultimate prize. And for the first time ever, local auditions where held in four U.S. markets where a selection of gifted young contestants will go to compete in Mexico. (Sunday, Primetime – Televisa)
News
“Immigrant Journey Series” – From Los Angeles to New York to Chicago and Dallas, Maria Antonieta Collins visits small towns searching for Hispanic Americans that exemplify the immigrant spirit. These human interest stories will inspire and move as they follow Hispanics as they work to achieve the American Dream. (Primetime Special – Univision)
TELEFUTURA NETWORK
Dramatic Series
“La Otra Cara” (The Other Face) – This season TeleFutura will feature the first re-imagining of one of the most successful stories in the history of Spanish-language television, Televisa’s hit novela “La Usurpadora” (The Pretender). However this time the novela gets reworked in the edgy, contemporary style of TeleFutura’s biggest hits and through the creative lens of the producer of “La Reina del Sur.” In “La Otra Cara,” twin sisters separated at birth cross paths after many years apart and one blackmails the other so she can take a year-long vacation with her lover. Suspense, intrigue and ruthless deception abound in this delightfully intricate story. (Primetime – TeleFutura)
Movies
The best movies EVERY night! That’s what TeleFutura viewers can expect as they are treated to Hollywood blockbusters seven nights a week. Movie aficionados have at last found their entertainment destination and it’s packed with action, adventure, suspense and drama. Epic movies such as: X-Men. The Last Stand, Pirates of the Caribbean. At World’s End, Tron. Legacy and much more will provide a first-class entertainment experience to viewers. (Primetime – TeleFutura)
GALAVISIÓN NETWORK
Series
“Los Heroes del Norte 2” (Heroes of the North 2) – This comedic adventure narrates the fun of five characters that meet under the worst of circumstances and form a band in their search for stardom within the world of norteño music. Despite adversity, Zacarías interpreted by renowned Mexican actor Miguel Rodarte and his pals El Faquir, Don Apolinar, El Botarga and El Menonita find the key to success within the challenging world of grupero Mexican regional music, showing their fans and the world that even the most common of men can become heroes. (Primetime – Televisa)
“Cloroformo”– Viewers will be filled with adrenaline and the emotions of boxing when “Cloroformo” hits the television screen. Detailing the blows of a boxer from fame and fortune to the agony of defeat, the story follows Joe, who despite wanting to triumph as a boxer, knows that several hurdles stand in his way. International sensations Mike Tyson, Sugar Rey Leonard and Julio César Chávez make guest apperarance in this series about the sport of fists. (Primetime – Televisa)
Docu-Reality
“Mistico” (Mystic) – This original series follows an inquisitive and avid blogger as he travels across the world in search for answers about parallel realities, UFOs, paranormal encounters and other events of life’s unexplained mysteries. On the web, the host’s travel journals create interactions and opinions of eyewitnesses from around the world. (Primetime – Galavisión)
Info-tainment
“Detrás del Saber” (Behind Knowledge) –A dynamic half hour series where viewers are engaged with insightful information and interesting facts of our world and beyond. Perfect for those with insatiable curiosity, this show satisfies the urge to understand the science behind our modern world. (Monday-Thursday, Primetime – Galavisión)
DIGITAL PROGRAMS
Webnovelas – For the first time in the digital space, Televisa and Univision Studios are coming together to co-produce a webnovela targeted at U.S. Hispanics to begin production later this fall. Univision Studios is also working with crossover television and motion picture sensation Kate del Castillo, who will not only star in but also make her directorial debut with two premiere webnovelas. The first is based on her best-selling book entitled “Tuya” (“Yours”). The second will showcase her terrific sense of humor in an all-new original romantic comedy. All three webnovelas will be produced exclusively for UVideos and offer tremendous brand integration opportunities for advertisers.
On the Road – Dedicated to the hottest tours around the country, with a new artist each month, “On The Road” is available at UnivisionMusica.com online and on mobile. Fans get an inside look and extensive coverage of tours with behind-the-scenes photos and videos, artist blogs, tour dates, and an interactive map with upcoming concert locations. Featured artists have included Chino y Nacho, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Prince Royce, with many others to come.
Univision InStudio – Univision InStudio (UnivisionInStudio.com), the highly acclaimed interactive music series, will continue its originally produced, intimate sessions with top artists and up-and-coming performers. The exclusive music sessions feature several songs, some exclusively composed for Univision InStudio, along with artist interviews and fan Q&A. Univision InStudio has included an impressive roster of monthly performers such as Mexican pop superstar Paulina Rubio, Latin urban/music superstar Daddy Yankee, the Prince of salsa Luis Enrique, Mexican music star Diana Reyes, Prince Royce, pop sensations Jon Secada and Dulce María, regional Mexican star Gerardo Ortíz, and urban stars Chino y Nacho.
UnivisionDeportes.com Live Streams – Live online streaming of soccer matches worldwide throughout the year will continue to be available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico at UnivisionDeportes.com, and will feature a Facebook plug-in with real-time commentary from fans. In addition, the site will also provide in-depth coverage as the match unfolds, including online video game highlights, stats and more.
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