Discovery en Español Launches Networks For Women, Children & Families.

Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks is expanding its product offerings for the U.S. Hispanic audience beyond its existing network, Discovery en Español, by launching two new networks, creating the first Spanish-language channels to focus on the interests of women, children and families. Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will provide stimulating programming in the Discovery tradition of excellence, giving viewers more choices in the family-friendly and lifestyle entertainment categories.

Building upon Discovery’s expertise in providing culturally relevant programming in 23 Spanish-speaking countries worldwide, coupled with the popularity of Discovery en Español in the U.S., the content is closely tailored to meet the viewing preferences of the Hispanic audience. Discovery Kids en Español and Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) will each feature a mix of original productions and some of the best Latin American shows making their U.S. debuts. The networks are not SAP feeds of their English-language counterparts; rather they are unique channels that directly speak to the U.S. Hispanic audience with “transcreated” programming, corresponding to their interests through language, music, graphics and popular Latin American personalities.

“By expanding our portfolio of Spanish-language networks and services, we are strengthening our commitment to the U.S. Hispanic audience to provide the best and broadest choices in real-world entertainment,” said Luis Silberwasser, senior vice president and general manager of Discovery U.S. Hispanic Networks. “Children’s and educational content and travel-and-lifestyle programming represent two substantial areas of interest that have been unavailable to these discerning viewers.”

Discovery’s effort to provide greater programming diversity for U.S. Hispanics is validated by a recent survey conducted by LatinoEyes, a division of C&R Research, among bilingual and Spanish-dominant Latinos who watch Spanish-language television. A large majority of respondents said they want to see higher-quality programming dealing with travel, history and culture, as well as more educational shows for children. They also want the programming to be culturally relevant and to portray Latinos more accurately. Specifically:

– 91% of respondents rated “Have more educational programs for children to learn about Hispanic culture and language” as a “High Importance” program attribute.

– 86% rated “Have more educational programs for adults to learn about Hispanic culture and language” as being of “High Importance.”

– 85% gave a “High Importance” rating to “Have more family-friendly Spanish television shows.”

– 85% listed “Portray women in a better light” as a “High Importance” item.