Univision expands multiplatform ‘Ya Es Hora, ¡Ve y Vota!’.

In an extension of its long-term commitment to engage Hispanic America in the U.S. electoral process, Univision is increasing its efforts as the Midterm Elections approach. In partnership with the “Ya Es Hora” coalition, Univision is dedicating Tuesday, October 26, 2010, to aggressively encourage civic engagement across its television, radio, online and mobile platforms. As part of “Ya Es Hora, ¡Ve y Vota!,” (It’s Time! Go and Vote!), Univision Communications will air special coverage, segments and public service announcements (PSAs) extensively starting at 7 a.m. through midnight, and will leverage digital and social media platforms, with the goal and continued commitment to inform the Hispanic community about the electoral process and the importance of the upcoming elections.

“The success and effectiveness of the ‘Ya Es Hora’ campaign is in large part due to the extensive in-kind promotion by our Spanish-language media partners. Univision’s plans for October 26 are unprecedented and a model of corporate citizenship”

“With ‘Ya Es Hora, ¡Ve y Vota!,’ Univision and its partners strive to inform, engage and empower the Latino community to participate in the electoral process,” said Cesar Conde, president of Univision Networks. “For more than two decades, Univision has worked diligently to help U.S. Hispanics exercise their right to vote by providing them with critical information so that they can make informed decisions – and in doing so, increase their political participation.”

“The success and effectiveness of the ‘Ya Es Hora’ campaign is in large part due to the extensive in-kind promotion by our Spanish-language media partners. Univision’s plans for October 26 are unprecedented and a model of corporate citizenship,” said Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). “Latinos across the country have answered the ‘Ya Es Hora’ call to participate, and our expectation is that they will do so again on November 2.”

Extensive broadcast will begin with the Network’s morning program, “Despierta America” (Wake-Up America), and will continue throughout the day with Univision, TeleFutura and Galavisión shows and newscasts, including “Escandalo TV” (Showbiz TV), “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny), “Primer Impacto” (First Impact), “Noticiero Univision” (Univision Network News), “Aquí y Ahora” (Here and Now), “Ultima Hora” (The Last Hour) and “Contacto Deportivo” (Sports Encounter). Anchors, hosts and reporters from all three networks will inform and share with viewers key points on the importance of voting in the November 2nd elections.

Univision Radio and online and mobile coverage on www.UnivisionNoticias.com will complement the campaign efforts with pieces dedicated to informing the community on the electoral process, the candidates and the issues important to them. In addition, the company will use social media to further engage and expand its reach.

Some of Hispanic America’s favorite personalities will be featured in PSA’s, including Poncho de Anda, Giselle Blondet, Lili Estefan, Melissa Marty, Raúl De Molina, Jorge Pérez-Navarro, Cristina Pereyra, Jorge Ramos, Maria Elena Salinas and Edna Schmidt.