Univision Unveils New Lineup, Network

The United States’ mammoth Spanish-language television network entertained advertisers in New York on Wednesday with a presentation titled “Constellation Univision,” celebrating a vast orbit around more than 80% of all Latino homes during prime time. The company, as expected, also unveiled plans for a second television network that has yet to be named while assuring advertisers that not much would change on the original network.

The lineup on Univision for 2001-2002 still relies on a series of hard-hitting news programs and magazines as well as an extensive telenovela and sports schedule. (Advertisers were urged to buy time during next year’s FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in Asia, to which Univision has exclusive rights. It is a monthlong programming property that consistently brings in big revenue).

Although Univision executives did not provide specifics, the new network is designed to attract viewers who currently use Spanish-language television as a “check-in” zone to get updates on sports and view soccer. As with most new platforms launched by Univision’s parent company, this new network will be promoted and pushed on the company’s popular Internet site, cable network Galavision and its existing television network.

“We expect the new network to deliver solid ratings from the start, as schedules and individual programs will be cross-promoted on Univision as well as on Univision.com,” said Mario Rodriguez, president of entertainment at Univision Network. “And the stars and talent will appear on the two networks as if it were one home.”

Many of those stars are well-known faces throughout Latin America. In fact, Univision relies so heavily on imported programming--mostly in the form of telenovelas from Televisa, its production partner in Mexico--that activists criticize the lack of relevant programs for Latino viewers in the U.S.

In the past two years Univision has cautiously experimented with its own U.S.-produced entertainment. This fall it will produce “Marta Susana,” a weekday morning talk show in Miami with medical advice, family therapy and legal counsel.