Upfront Day 3: Univision 2002 – 2003.

Univision Communications Inc. unveiled its 2002-2003 programming lineup for its Univision Network to more than 1,000 advertisers during its sixth annual Upfront presentation at New York’s Lincoln Center. “Univision’s 2002-2003 schedule, which adds new hits to the Network’s schedule of proven and successful shows, anchors the complete set of top-quality viewing choices that we’ve developed for our viewers, the nation’s 35 million Hispanics,” said Ray Rodriguez, President and Chief Operating Officer, Univision Television Networks. “We’re confident that this new lineup will enable our stations to expand their leadership positions in key television markets in the country, attracting even more viewers from the English-language networks.”

Dennis McCauley, Co-President of Network Sales said, “Through Univision’s multifaceted properties, we have the unique ability to offer advertisers cross platform opportunities, while providing the vastly underserved Hispanic market with the best in Spanish-language information and entertainment – in the language they prefer. In addition, with the expanded programming schedules at each of our networks and with the continued extraordinary growth of the U.S. Hispanic population, Univision is poised for another remarkable year.”

Mario Rodriguez, President of Entertainment, Univision Television Networks, said, “We are extremely excited about the upcoming season in which all three of our Networks will provide alternative viewing formats and the most diverse Spanish-language programming. With Univision’s impressive roster of returning favorites now enhanced by our very own version of the enormously popular European variety program, “¿Quién Dijo Miedo?,” our fresh new beach comedy “Playa Tropical,” an expanded lineup of gripping primetime novelas, and additional weekend broadcasts of our hit newmagazine, “Primer Impacto,” the 2002-2003 season is guaranteed to be another hit.”

New Programs — Sunday nights Univision will debut “¿Quién Dijo Miedo?” (“Who’s Afraid?”) a two-hour, outrageously wacky game show that will dare contestants to win cash by performing wild and challenging feats, hosted by irrepressible funny man Fernando Arau. Also premiering on Univision every Saturday night will be “Playa Tropical,” (“Tropical Beach”) an original comedy set in a tropical paradise where sun and fun abound. Combining a stellar cast of talented comedians, “Playa Tropical” will offer viewers a new brand of hilarious comedy. On the weekends, direct from Univision’s award-winning news division, is “Primer Impacto Fin de Semana” (First Impact Weekend Edition), an extension of the Network’s successful weekday reality newsmagazine, featuring a new weekend anchor team, innovative segments and a totally new attitude.

Novelas — The 2002-2003 season will sizzle with more of the most popular programming on Spanish-language television, novelas, than ever before. Premiering in daytime is the U.S. produced drama “Gata Salvaje” (“Untamed Heart”), which tells the story of family rivalry in a modern-day plantation setting. In addition, Univision will feature new teen, family and adult novelas in primetime, providing audiences of all ages with more lovable heroes and complex villains than ever. Following on the phenomenal success of the runaway hit teen novela, “Amigas y Rivales,” Univision’s new lineup will include “El Juego de la Vida” (“The Game of Life”) which explores the life and love stories of four teenage girlfriends and the lessons they learn on and off the soccer field. Destiny unites the characters in “Vías del Amor” (“Highways of Love”), an enthralling teen love story that will keep viewers fascinated with the many exciting twists of fate that unfold as the story develops in underground tunnels of the subway. “El Manantial” (“The Spring”), one of Univision’s new family novelas, is a modern-day “Romeo and Juliet” saga that follows the story of two rival families and the forbidden passion shared between young lovers. The thin line between love and hatred has never been more apparent than in “Entre el Amor y el Odio” (“Between Love and Hatred”), a riveting adult novela that delves into the classic themes of love, greed, passion and deception with a cast of unforgettable characters.

News and Newsmagazines — Univision’s award-winning early evening news program,”Noticiero Univision,” returns for another year of extensive coverage of worldwide news. The number one Spanish-language daily newsmagazine “Primer Impacto” will also return, bringing viewers hard-hitting news stories and informative segments they have come to expect each weekday from anchors Myrka Dellanos and Barbara Bermudo. Hosted by Teresa Rodriguez, the weekly primetime newsmagazine “Aqui y Ahora” also returns for another season of investigative reports and revealing interviews with the newsmakers of the moment, and “Ultima Hora,” a late-night newsmagazine hosted by Enrique Gratas returns to give viewers a wrap-up of the day’s events. Univision’s successful monthly reality series, “Ver Para Creer,” hosted by Myrka Dellanos, returns with more incredible and amazing video clips from around the world.

Returning Favorites — Having celebrated its fifth anniversary in April 2002, Univision’s highly successful morning program, “Despierta América,” hosted by the charismatic Fernando Arau, Giselle Blondet, Ana Maria Canseco and Neida Sandoval, will continue to brighten mornings for Hispanic Americans with the show’s unique balance of humor, entertainment and information. Marta Susana Gomez Zabala returns to host her successful morning talk show, “Marta Susana,” which presents real-life stories to provide effective solutions and uplifting messages. “Sábado Gigante,” the longest-running and most successful show in the history of Spanish-language television returns with the incomparable “Don Francisco” to liven up Saturday nights for Hispanic viewers. Spanish-language television’s preeminent talk-show host, Cristina Saralegui will continue to dazzle audiences with “Cristina,” a weekly primetime show, where astounding revelations and surprises from intriguing guests never cease. Viewers can look for the return of the star-studded “Don Francisco Presenta” in its primetime slot, as well as Rafael Jose and an inimitable cast of imitators in last season’s outstanding hit comedy “Los Metiches,” a unique Univision-produced comedy that parodies the hottest celebrities and most talked-about newsmakers. Mexico’s David Letterman, Adal Ramones, returns in his off-the-wall late night talker “Otro Rollo.” When talking about celebrities and gossip, no one does it better than the dynamic duo of Raul de Molina and Lili Estefan, who return weekday afternoons in “El Gordo y La Flaca” to give viewers exclusive scoops and latest gossip, as well as news from around the entertainment industry. Also starring de Molina and Estefan is “Pica y Se Extiende,” the weekly primetime show that features interviews with famous personalities, as well as Raul’s infamous in-studio Jacuzzi, where he invites guests to take a dip. Comedy is king in three hilarious programs returning next season, “Cero en Conducta,” starring one of Mexico’s leading comedians, Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo and “La Hora Pico,” where lively sketches featuring top comedic actors keep viewers rolling with laughter. Youth-targeted programs also make a triumphant return with two audience favorites, the teen-oriented magazine program, “Control,” hosted by the vivacious Karla Martinez and “Caliente,” with Charlie Bravo and Sandra Muñoz, a dance program featuring the best Latin music hits, taped on-location in beautiful tropical settings around the world. Airing on weekend mornings is the children’s block “Planeta U,” which includes “Plaza Sésamo” and “Juanito Jones,” among other segments, comprising Univision’s lineup of educational and fun children’s programming.

Premio Lo Nuestro 2003 — Celebrating its fifteenth edition, musical production “Premio Lo Nuestro” is far and away the most popular program on Spanish-language television. In fact, the program outdelivers Billboard’s “Latin Music Awards” three to one. “Premio Lo Nuestro 2003,” which culminates two weeks of Latin music programming on Univision, will once again honor the best in Spanish-language music by awarding the prestigious “Premio Lo Nuestro” award in numerous categories and several musical genres including Pop, Tropical and Regional Mexican music. Broadcast live and including performances by top Hispanic-recording artists, “Premio Lo Nuestro” has become the premier star-studded annual event Spanish-language viewers across the country most eagerly await.

Sports — Univision will continue to bring fans of Mexican League soccer all of the action during its broadcasts of winter, summer and playoff games with its notable coverage of “Fútbol Liga Mexicana.” Also returning in its third successful year, is “República Deportiva,” a two-hour unique sports “infotainment” program hosted by Fernando Fiore, Rosana Franco and Jorge Gomez, Univision’s expert and entertaining trio of sports anchors.

New Productions — Currently in production is “Te Amaré en Silencio” (“I Will Love You in Silence”) the first novela to be entirely produced and shot in Los Angeles. “Baldo,” a popular comic strip read by millions each day about the day-to-day life of Hispanic-Americans in the United States, will soon come to life in an animated comedy series produced by some of the most gifted writers and animators in the industry. Teen-aged “Baldo,” little sister Gracie, great aunt Carmen and father Sergio will overcome unusual obstacles in each episode, providing fun entertainment for the whole family.

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