SBS-MEGA TV signs contract with DirecTV.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) announced that it has signed an exclusive contract with DIRECTV, the nation’s leading satellite television service provider. Beginning Oct. 17, MEGA TV will be available nationwide on the DIRECTV Más platform on channel 405.

“This is the first step in our strategy for expansion and growth for MEGA TV in the United States,” commented Raul Alarcón Jr, SBS’s CEO. “We are reaching the Hispanic consumer with greater strength each and every day, and we will continue to integrate radio, TV, and the Internet as part of our overall strategy of disseminating original content through different media outlets.”

“Mega TV will add tremendous value to what is already the most comprehensive Spanish-language programming offer available nationwide,” said John A. de Armas, Vice President of WORLDDIRECT, DIRECTV, Inc. “As an exclusive channel on the DIRECTV Más platform, Mega TV will provide our customers with a unique and compelling viewing experience. We look forward to having SBS join the DIRECTV Más family.”

“We are excited to start our national expansion by partnering with DIRECTV,” said Cynthia Hudson-Fernandez, Executive Vice-President and Chief Creative Officer of MEGA TV. “To be able to offer original programs that deal with topics of national and international importance, while covering the events that truly concern the Hispanic community, confirms that MEGA TV has the quality and originality to become a major player at a national level.”

Hudson also says that several original productions will be incorporated into the new channel concept of “Radio en Television” with hit SBS radio shows such as “El Cucuy” from Los Angeles’ La Raza 97.9 and “El Vacilón de la Mañana” from New York’s Mega 97.9 serving to expand the radio brands onto television. DIRECTV Más customers will have access to exclusive programming from Mega TV, including “María Elvira Live,” “Bayly,” “Paparazzi TV,” “MEGA News” ,The Brazilian MegaSeries: “Chocolate con Pimienta,” “Xpediente,” “El Círculo,” “Lamusica.com,” “Código Astral,” “Handyman,” “Raíces & Recuerdos,” “Mis 15,” “Agenda del Inmigrante” and “MEGA Cine.”