Agency

Univision Communications Inc. announced that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved its acquisition by Broadcasting Media Partners Inc. (“BMP”), an investor group that includes Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Thomas H. Lee Partners, and Saban Capital Group. The acquisition, at a price of $36.25 per Univision share in cash, is expected to close this month.

For the month of January 2007, commercial foodservice sales rose a modest two percent over January 2006, a slower rate of growth than in any of the five prior months, according NPD Group. This slowdown partially reflects the comparison to a very strong January 2006, when the nation saw its mildest temperatures in 112 years.

New segmentation analyses from Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI) delve beyond demographics to provide marketers with a deeper understanding of the lives of U.S. teenagers. Based on the latest MRI Teenmark study, the various segments focus on the attitudes that often dictate youthful consumer behavior.

Humor can be an effective way to reach young acculturated Hispanics, but using stereotypes can backfire, suggest the results of new market research conducted by New American Dimensions.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau urged Congress to protect consumers’ access to information and entertainment on the Internet, and to guard against interest-group pressure to pass ill-considered “spyware” legislation that would hinder Internet commerce and the free exchange of information.

Rarely had the prestigious British publication, The Economist, taken time to look into Puerto Rico’s economy. This time, it focused on several aspects of which Puerto Ricans are certainly not very proud. Lower levels of employment than in the states and high levels of public aid and welfare enrollment are undeniable. However, once the poorhouse of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico became the shining star of this area.

Recent growth has given Latin America the economic health to tackle its pressing challenges: poverty, educational needs, and business-choking red tape.

AARP announced it will host its first ever National Hispanic event, Feria de la Segunda Juventud (Festival of the Second Youth), on May 5–6, 2007, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.

Developments in digital marketing and media are happening at such breakneck speed that marketers must prepare to navigate them–or be left behind. The same goes for the agencies that advise them. But the consensus among a panel of experts appearing at OMMA Hollywood earlier this week is that they’re not ready, not by a long shot.

RCN Corporation announced that it appointed New York-based advertising agency OLE to create marketing programs in support of its industry-leading Hispanic offerings.

Casanova Pendrill launched a new Super Lotto Plus campaign for its client The California Lottery which encourages Hispanic consumers to “Live Their Dreams”. Casanova Pendrill, AOR for the California Lottery, has successfully evolved the dream concept over the last several years in response to changes in the marketplace, new insights into the consumer and enhanced brand attributes. Commercial viewing available.

Jackie Bird, President and CEO of Winglatino announced the opening of a new office in Miami and key leadership appointments.

The new Winglatino office, its third unit now in Miami, will provide channel planning and activation services for clients who seek expanded opportunities to connect with Latinos in the U.S. via culturally relevant, in-context marketing outreach. Key clients to be served include: Goya Foods, Time Warner Cable / Los Angeles and US Bank, among others.