Telemundo On The Fast Track.

Telemundo Network concluded the February 2002 sweep period (1/28-2/24/01) emerging as the Fastest growing Spanish network among adults 18-49 in the recently expanded Spanish-language television environment.

Telemundo, even with the challenge of added competition, continued its sign-on to sign-off (M-Sun 6A-6A) ratings growth, posting a 15% increase in its adult 18-49 ratings compared to January ’02, when the new Spanish-language network premiered. As a result, Telemundo captured 25% of the coveted adult 18-49 viewers to Spanish-language television in the current sweep, increasing 2 share points compared to the 23% share garnered just one month ago.

Compared to last February ’01, Telemundo, notwithstanding new competition, managed not only to maintain but increase its A18-49 ratings by 3% in primetime (M-F 7PM-11PM). Contrarily, with continued rating declines, Telefutura completed the current sweep losing a full one-third of its audience from January ’02 to February ’02.

Some highlights in prime time include “El Clon” (M-F 10PM-11PM), Telemundo’s most recent novela seen by more than ½ million adults 18-49 every night, has increased the time period performance by an incredible 57% compared to last February ’01. In fact, “El Clon” is slightly exceeding the performance of the legendary “Xica” two years ago in the equivalent life cycle; in February ’00, “Xica” achieved a 3.2 Rtg among adults 18-49 while “El Clon” delivered a 3.3 Rtg in the current sweep – an additional 85,000 viewers.

On weekends, “Cinemundo Premiere” (Sun 9PM-11PM), showcasing Hollywood movie hits, increased November ’01 A18-49 ratings by an incredible 55%, garnering a 38% share of Spanish-language TV viewing in the time period. Telemundo’s presentation of “Jennifer Lopez en Concierto” (Sun Feb 17th, 7PM-8:30PM EST), her first concert performance, was the #1 television show in the time period among Hispanic homes in every measured overnight market1 – Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago and San Antonio. And “Sin Fronteras” (Sun 7PM-8PM), a Telemundo news production, increased its A18-49 audience from January ’02 by 20%.

In early fringe, “Laura” (M-F 4PM-5PM) continues attracting audiences. Compared to January ’02, its A18-49 ratings performance increased by 25% and its share of viewing by 6 share points; in the current sweep, “Laura” garnered a 37% share of Spanish viewers during the time period. Similarly, the proven news veteran “Ocurrio Asi” (M-F 5PM-6PM), captured an additional 5% of A18-49 and advanced its share of viewing by 2 share points compared to just one month ago.

Telemundo’s court show offerings delivered record-rating performances for a major sweep period. In the current sweep, “La Corte de Familia” (M-F 3PM-3:30PM) and “La Corte del Pueblo” (M-F 3:30PM-4PM) reached its highest adult 18-49 ratings since their debut in the time period, while “Sala de Parejas” (M-F 2PM-3PM) tied its own record rating most recently set in November’01.

Telemundo continues to be the leader in sports. “Boxeo Telemundo” (Fri Feb 22, 11:30PM- 1AM) beat Telefutura’s “Solo Boxeo” (Fri 9PM-11PM) in the target men 18-49 demographic. Furthermore, sports newscast “Titulares Telemundo” (Sat-Sun 11PM-11:30PM) delivered nearly triple the male 18-49 audience than new head-to-head competitor “Contacto Deportivo” (Telefutura). In soccer, Telemundo’s World Cup preparation match “Rumbo al Mundial” (Wed Feb 13th, 11:30PM-1:41AM EST) defeated Univision’s “GF: Copa Oro 2002” (Sat Feb 2nd, 3PM-5PM EST) by a significant 67% among men 18-49.

Source: Nielsen NHTI; All Shares are Among Spanish-Language Broadcast TV Networks 1 NHSI Metered Markets