LATV adds to fall lineup.

LATV Networks announced that it was expanding its programming lineup to include an additional 10 hours of original first-run content each week within a novel television format. Beginning today, its new segment based programming block, LATV Central, will be the cornerstone of the network’s programming fare. In a concurrent announcement, LATV detailed its coup in landing the rights to produce the first animated “Homies” show based on the worldwide figurine phenomenon created by Dave Gonzales.

LATV Central premieres as a three-hour primetime programming block made up of three one-hour episodes wrapped by original music videos hours. Each hour of the prime-time innovation originates from LATV’s west coast studios, incorporating taped field segments, taped tosses, performances and live cut- ins. LATV hosts will introduce the three-to-five minute taped lifestyle segments which are structured to have live news breaks in the format.

“LATV Central incorporates elements that have been part of LATV since its inception, resonating with our audience and affiliates. It’s all about original content, interactivity, relevant issues and music produced from our unique, independent perspective. It’s about the audience it serves–the young bilingual U.S. Latino,” said Danny Crowe, president of LATV. “This is a natural and creative evolution for LATV. The very exciting result is more original first-run programming, more of what has made LATV such a fast-growing network across the country.”

“We’re building these segments to be mini-pilots so the ones that strike a chord with our viewers can be spun off into their own series. Much of it is music-based but not musical performance based. Our roots are in music and at least 60 percent of our content will continue to be music,” said Howard Bolter, president and COO, LATV.

In addition to LATV Central, LATV will air the exclusive premiere of The Homies Hip-Hop Show based on the two-inch figurines that have a worldwide following. After receiving an extraordinary response to its Homies segments this summer, LATV is now extending it to a comedic, stop-motion one-hour animated series. Each show will consist of eight to 10 sketches with interlaced music videos. “Creator Dave Gonzales and LATV’s Rick Najera take the home-boy neighborhood stereotype and turn it upside down and inside out,” said Mr. Crowe. “Like some rap lyrics and street art, there is more that meets the eye with these complex and provocative characters.” Premiering on Thursday, The Homies Hip-Hop Show will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. PT.

“We see this as a partnership, working with our affiliates to produce local content,” adds Mr. Bolter. “By collaborating with us on the shows and promotions, they can add local flavor and be an integral part of this bilingual phenomenon.”