COMCAST adds ESPN Deportes to channel line-up.

Following on the heels of Comcast’s announcement regarding its agreement to add ESPN Deportes to its channel line-up, HispanicAd.com sat down for an exclusive interview with Lino Garcia, general manager of ESPN Deportes.

Q: What does this deal mean for ESPN Deportes?

A: This is obviously a great step forward for us. More sports fans will now have the opportunity to see ESPN Deportes and the incredible line-up of Spanish-language sports programming the network has to offer. This agreement also demonstrates our continued commitment to serving the U.S. Latino sports fans with culturally relevant content and is a great step forward in making the network available to fans nationwide.

Q: Where will the network be made available?

A: ESPN Deportes will be made available to Comcast subscribers in key U.S. Hispanic markets, including Miami, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco.

Q: How will the network be offered?

A: Comcast affiliates will make that decision based on individual market needs.

Q: In how many homes is ESPN Deportes available?

A: Prior to this deal ESPN Deportes was available in approximately 2 million Hispanic homes throughout the U.S.

Q: What’s next for ESPN Deportes?

A: We’re looking to further develop our five consumer platforms (Television, Radio, Magazine, Online and Wireless), including clearing more markets for ESPN Deportes Radio in order to super serve the Latino sports fans. We will also continue to acquire and produce the most compelling sports programming around.

Q: What will Comcast’s subscribers find on ESPN Deportes they can’t currently get on any other Spanish-language network?

A: They will get the most well-rounded coverage of sports on Spanish-language television, including winter baseball from the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela, Mexican First Division Soccer, UEFA Champions League, NBA Basketball , MLB Baseball , NFL Football and NASCAR beginning with the 2007 season.