Telemundo Posts Ratings Growth In July Sweeps.

Telemundo Network announced it posted steady ratings growth during the recently concluded period of July Sweeps 2005 (6/27/05-7/31/05), compared to the last sweeps period of May 2005. Renowned for providing innovative high-quality original programming for U.S. Hispanics, Telemundo has maintained a steady pace in attracting more viewers to its screen since May 2005, ratifying once more its solid position as the #2 Spanish-language network in the U.S.

The network continues its upward trend this summer in Monday through Friday primetime (7-11pm); averaging a 2.5 rating among Adults18-49 (A18-49) in July 2005, 4% higher than last May 2005 and growing its A18-34 rating by 9%. Among W18-49 and W18-34 the network posted increases of 4% and 9% respectively; while its M18-49 and M18-34 ratings showed gains of 5% and 14% respectively, compared to the last sweeps period in May’05. Results confirm Telemundo remains well-ahead of its closest competitor in M-F prime, delivering A18-49 prime time ratings 79% higher than Telefutura’s average rating in that key demo and posting a 71% advantage in A18-34.

During July sweeps all Telemundo weekday primetime programs posted ratings growth. In its premiere week, “El Cuerpo del Deseo” (launched July 18, 2005) averaged a 3.2 rating in A18-49; a 7% increase over the time period’s average in June 2005. The novela’s appeal was also evident among adult Women 18-49; averaging a 4.2 rating in its premiere week, 14% higher than June 2005’s delivery. At 7PM “Amarte Asi” gained +5% in A18-49 since May’05 and +22% in A18-34. The novela made impressive gains among M18-34, up +30% vs. May’05. At 9PM Plateados gained 5% in A18-34 since May’05 and a 15% increase in W18-34. Ratings for Telemundo’s nightly series “Decisiones” have been on the rise since its premiere (May 9th, 2005) and showed a 21% increase in A18-49 ratings over May 2005 and a 28% gain in among A18-34. Ratings among M18-34 also grew significantly with a 33% increase since May’05.

“These numbers are the first results of some of the major changes we have been implementing in the last few months. We reorganized our senior management team, brought in some of the strongest development and production executives in the industry, and had one of our strongest novella launches with ‘El Cuerpo del Deseo’,” said Don Browne, President, Telemundo. “Our commitment to producing high-quality original content tailored for our viewers is stronger than ever and with these results, together with what we have in the pipeline for next few months, we’re confident we’re on the right path.”

Telemundo stations also posted growth in their local markets. In New York City, Telemundo’s WNJU Channel 47 is the clear preference among Hispanic Adults 18-34; with the station capturing the #1 spot in M-F primetime with a 6.3 rating and a 20% share. Chicago’s WSNS, Telemundo 44, showed a gain of 25% in the aforementioned demo; while Miami’s WSCV-Ch.51 increased it’s ratings by 13% among Hispanic households.

*Source: Nielsen Media Research, NHTI 6/27/05-7/31/05, NHSI 6/30/05-7/27/05