Billboard 2001 Latin Music Awards A Big Hit @ Telemundo.

The Telemundo Network’s exclusive broadcast of the “Billboard Latin Music Awards 2001” (Sunday April 29th 8-11:30PM EST) delivered its highest viewing audience yet when more than 1.3 million Hispanics tuned-in to watch the spectacular gathering of the Latin entertainment industry’s top music artists and celebrities.

Telemundo’s 3rd annual broadcast of the Billboard Latin Music Awards, produced by the network, increased its total television audience by a notable 25% – adding 266,000 more viewers compared to last year’s broadcast. The event delivered a 9.1 household rating, which translates to 815,000 homes, an increase of 15% over last year’s ratings performance. Among adults 18-49, the most sought-after demographic by advertisers, the 2001 awards increased its ratings by 11%, delivering 726,000 adults 18-49 and capturing 43% of Spanish-language TV viewing.

The “Billboard Latin Music Awards 2001” increased its ratings performance in all top Hispanic markets (Nielsen metered markets) compared to the 2000 awards. In Los Angeles, the energetic broadcast posted a 37% increase in household ratings. In New York and Chicago, the gala event boosted last year’s ratings by one third and out-delivered Telemundo’s main competitor. In Miami, where the event was held, last year’s ratings doubled and Telemundo captured a soaring 72% of Spanish-language television viewership.

The pre-special “Rumbo a Billboard 2001” (7-8PM EST), showcasing the celebrities’ exciting arrival at South Beach’s Jackie Gleason Theater and presenting interviews on the red carpet, more than doubled its viewing audience to 815,000 viewers – 458,000 more than a year ago. “Rumbo a Billboard” delivered a 5.8 household rating, 87% higher than the 2000 awards; and among adults 18-49, “Rumbo” increased ratings by an amazing 150%.

The pre-special also delivered incredible audience increases in the local markets. Telemundo’s household ratings for “Rumbo” nearly doubled in Los Angeles (+97%), more than doubled in New York (+116%) and more than tripled in Miami (+250%).

“The remarkable ratings increase generated by our presentation of the ‘Billboard Latin Music Awards 2001’ and ‘Rumbo a Billboard 2001’ simply is a reflection of what is taking place at Telemundo in general,” says Telemundo Communications Group president and CEO, James McNamara. “As the Spanish-speaking community in the U.S. continues to expand at a tremendous rate, so do our ratings and our influence as a new broadcasting leader.”