Univision will announce three new networks devoted to news, novelas, and sports at its upfront presentation to advertisers Thursday.
The top Spanish-language network will also unveil plans for nearly 500 hours of new original productions scheduled for primetime and late night (see full programming lineup, below). The network, which is consistently in the top five, aims to be the best-rated in any language in the next five years.
Also read: Spanish-Language TV Networks Poised for Big Ad-Selling Season
The network boasts an 8 percent increase in year-over-year audience growth in the 18-49 demo, even as it points to declines for ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. It also claims victories over NBC on half the nights of the week in the demo.
Univision is expected to bring in about $1.3 billion this ad-selling season, while closest competitor Telemundo will tally about $450 million. The networks are expected to take in between 15-20 percent more ad dollars than they did iast year.
"There is a New American Reality and businesses looking to deliver growth need to establish and maintain a relationship with the fastest-growing consumer segment in our nation," executive vice president and chief operation officer Randy Falco said in a statement.
Univision is launching the network devoted to novelas, Spanish-language soaps, even as fans of English-language soaps fear extinction, especially after ABC announced last month the cancellations of "All My Children" and "One Life to Live."
The 2011-12 programming slate for Univision and its Telefutura and Galavision networks, as described by Univision:
UNIVISION
“Protagonistas” (Novela Stars) – More than 60 hours in primetime. Aspiring actors gain the chance to put their talent forward and demonstrate they have what it takes to win viewers’ hearts. From Univision, the network that launched the careers of Blanca Soto and Sofia Vergara, comes a proven reality format featuring contestants living in a house as all their movements are recorded 24/7. Proving they have what it takes to reach stardom, contestants will face numerous challenges and eliminations, while facing the critiques of a panel of experts. Contestants and viewers alike will also be thrilled by the novela stars that stop by to visit the house. (Weekday, Primetime – Coproduction Univision Studios and Imagina US)
“Pequeños Gigantes” (Little Giants) – Twenty-eight children and seven judges come together to create a unique talent competition that seeks to find the most-gifted child entertainers. Future singers, actors, dancers and comedians take the stage to deliver their best, but in the end only one will take home the ultimate prize. Hosted by beloved Mexican personality Galilea Montijo. (Sunday, Primetime – Televisa)
Series
“El Equipo”– Four different lives, four different pasts, sharing one thing in common: all four have chosen a path where each day may be their last. Inspired by true events, we follow the mind-thrilling daily duties of Santiago, Fermín, Magda and Mateo as each federal officer risks their life for the sake of ours.
