Telemundo launches emerging platforms division.

Telemundo announced the creation of a new emerging platforms division within its existing Digital Media Group to exploit Telemundo content for direct access and purchase by consumers. The announcement was made today by Antoinette Zel, Senior Executive Vice President, Network Strategy, Telemundo. First on the licensing and merchandising roster are: exclusive DVD Novela boxed sets for “Pasión de Gavilanes” and “El Cuerpo del Deseo,” a book titled, “El Deseo Ajeno”, and a new musical holiday themed CD, Navidad con Telemundo.

“Making Telemundo’s content available for viewers to buy, in any and all forms, is an inevitable evolution of our relationship with our viewers. We know who they are, we know what they like and we will serve up their favorites via platforms that are compatible with the ways they consume media today…that’s the beauty of Telemundo,” said Zel. “We are confident that this new division will continue to take our reach of Hispanics across multiple platforms, and break new ground in this space with bold strategic partnerships.”

The debut of Telemundo’s new branded products will begin to reach consumers this month, in time for the 2006 holiday season.

Exclusive DVD Novela Boxed Set

Based on the blockbuster ratings success of Telemundo’s original productions “Pasión de Gavilanes” and “El Cuerpo del Deseo,” the network entered into a strategic partnership with NBC Universal Studios’ Home Entertainment division to launch two popular telenovelas on DVD for fans across the country to own as part their entertainment libraries. The 5 DVD set will feature 12-14 hours of content including exclusive interviews and features with the cast of the two hit novelas. The new DVDs hit shelves November 7th at select Walmart and Target stores as well as in music retailers including Ritmo Latino, Latin Music Warehouse, Tu Musica and Spec’s Music. Special features for these initial Telemundo’ DVD packages were produced, shot and edited by Masque Entertainment director/producer Gerard Schmidt.

New Book, El Deseo Ajeno

Telemundo has entered into an agreement with Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, to publish “El Deseo Ajeno,” the sequel to “El Cuerpo del Deseo,” written by Taller Telemundo: Escritores graduate, Erick Hernandez Morá. The book will offer a continuation of the seductive novela’s characters and story premise. “El Deseo Ajeno” will be available in Spanish and is scheduled to hit bookstores shelves and other retail outlets in major Hispanic markets nationwide tomorrow, October 17, 2006.

Music CD, Navidad con Telemundo (Christmas with Telemundo)

This holiday season, Telemundo is proud to present a Christmas themed music CD entitled, “Navidad con Telemundo” (Christmas with Telemundo). This one-of-a-kind production features everyone’s favorite Latin Christmas songs performed by Telemundo stars, including classics like “Los Peces en el Río” (performed by Lorena Rojas, “El Cuerpo del Deseo”), Las Posadas (Sergio Catalán, “Tierra de Pasiones”), Felíz Navidad (Ana María Polo, “Caso Cerrado”), Cascabel (Gabriela Spanic, “Tierra de Pasiones”), and Noche de Paz (Itatí Cantoral, “La Viuda de Blanco”), among others. The CD is already available at all Target stores nationwide(“Trim the Tree” and Music sections). This is Target’s first-ever holiday exclusive Latino release and the first to be sold at all Target stores across the country.