Telemundo Unveils 2005-2006 Programming & Tools For Advertisers.

Telemundo unveiled its 2005-2006 programming line-up including novelas, talk and reality shows, news, sports, drama series, and entertainment specials at its Upfront presentation held at New York City’s Fredrick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Upfront presentation was hosted by Don Browne, President, Telemundo, Ramon Escobar, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, Telemundo, and Steve Mandala, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Telemundo and NBC Universal Networks.

Building on the strength of its long-term original programming strategy, the network introduced unique marketing platforms and branded content opportunities especially tailored to advertisers’ needs, and unveiled its new consumer branding campaign, “Hecho Para Ti” (“Made For You,”) reinforcing its position as the Spanish-language network for all U.S. Hispanics.

“Having delivered on the promises we made last year, this coming season we are building on the strength of our commitment. Thanks to our primetime strategy, we have transformed Telemundo into one the largest producers of original Spanish-language content in the world,” said Browne. “Telemundo and NBC Universal’s long-term and unwavering commitment to all U.S. Hispanics, coupled with our exceptional production capability, positions us to continue serving our clients and viewers like no one else, for the next season and years to come.”

Mandala added, “Thanks to our original programming strategy, in addition to offering relevant content, we are uniquely positioned to deliver exclusive marketing platforms and branded content opportunities to our clients. As viewing to Spanish-language television continues to grow and Hispanics become the engine driving growth over the coming years, we want to partner with our clients to provide them with the high-value media and research tools they need to reach these consumers.”

New Tools Offered to Advertisers

Telemundo offers a “first” in Spanish-language television, a research tool developed by Simmons and Nielsen that will help advertisers better understand the underlying value of rating points and examine consumer behavior for specific dayparts and programs. The network also announced new opportunities to advertisers including new 360? marketing platforms developed around specific themes such as financial planning, childcare, education and a tribute to Hispanic mothers. Each platform will employ a year-round approach, utilizing network media, branded content, online sponsorship and public relations.

“This year we are re-affirming our commitment to first-run, high-quality programming, tailor made for our audience. Anchored by strong research, we understand our audience and have made a connection with them. By hiring the biggest stars, writers, and producers we will deliver the highest quality production values in Spanish-language television today,” said Ramon Escobar. “Our programming pipeline is stronger than ever and we are extremely confident that our new ‘Hecho Para Ti’ branding campaign will deeply resonate with our audience.”

Monday-Friday PRIMETIME

Novelas

Coming this fall, Telemundo presents four brand new originally produced novelas: At 7pm comes “Segundo Tiempo,” a story about opening yourself up to second chances right when you think your life is over; starring Itati Cantoral (El Alma Herida) and Alberto Casanova (Como en el Cine). Telenovela heartthrob, Mario Cimarro (Pasion de Gavilanes) gives life to a man that proves not even death can separate him from the woman he loves in “El Cuerpo del Deseo” (8pm); the novela that marks the return of Mexican icon, Andres Garcia to the small screen. Also starring the beautiful and talented Lorena Rojas (Ladron de Corazones). Continuing the star-studded lineup comes “Encrucijada” at 9pm, with Gabriel Porras (El Alma Herida) and Danna Garcia (Pasion de Gavilanes). Can two star-crossed lovers endure the cruel twist of fate that turns them into enemies? Closing-up this passionate primetime block at 10pm is “La Tormenta” (The Storm), with Natalia Streignard (Anita No Te Rajes) and Christian Meier (Escandalo). A sophisticated city girl and a humble yet strong-willed farmer get caught up in a storm of passion as they fruitlessly fight to stay out of each other’s way.

Three more novelas are slated for later in the season; they are: “Polvorita” (starring Erick Elias and Stephanie Cayo), the story of how a sweet girl’s explosive nature steals an uptight businessman’s heart; “Corazon Indomable” (with two of the biggest stars Saul Lisazo and Gabriela Spanic), a rebellious and wild woman who doesn’t believe in love will meet her match when the man she least expected melts her cold heart; and “Reinas” (with Marcela Gardeazabal, Michel Brown, Javier Gomez, and Juan Alfonso Baptista), a behind-the-scenes look into what really happens during beauty pageants.

Mini Series

Set in the New York streets of El Barrio, Telemundo brings the multi-part series “Pedro Navaja,” a story of love, betrayal, murder and a very special family loyalty. Based on the ever popular 70s hit song Pedro Navaja by legendary Ruben Blades, this weekday primetime mini series will appeal to Latinos from the U.S. and all of Latin America.

Monday-Friday DAYTIME

Another novela from Brazil’s TV Globo comes to Telemundo daytime next season, “Senora del Destino,” the story of a mother who will not give-in to destiny’s will and fights to recover the child that was kidnapped from her arms as a newborn.

Daytime favorites, “Cotorreando,” “Rocio,” and “Caso Cerrado,” also return this season to keep the audience entertained with up-to-date entertainment news, heartwarming advice, and servicing the letter of the law.

EARLY FRINGE

Telemundo’s early fringe touches the hearts of U.S. Hispanics with two incomparable women: Laura and Maria Celeste. Famous for revolutionizing people’s lives with her unique style, “Laura” is back with Casos Resueltos, a weekly segment featuring her team of professionals as they help the neediest. Also,Los Talleres de Laura empower thousands by teaching them skills and getting them jobs so they can live with dignity. Telemundo’s exciting early fringe continues with “Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste,” offering the compelling stories that U.S. Hispanics want to see every day. With a poignant weekly segment Reencuentro, the newsmagazine reunites families that have been separated by the need to make a better life for themselves.

WEEKEND PRIME

Drama Series -NEW FORMAT

Telemundo introduces the Drama Series, a new 13-episode format to its programming repertoire that promises to deliver gripping stories of love, conflict, and resolution.

Telemundo presents two dramatic series that highlight real-life stories: “Loteria” and “Envios.” “Loteria” takes a look at what happens to people who become millionaires overnight by simply winning the lotto. The series highlights the radical changes in people’s lives this event creates; proving once again that money is not always the key to happiness. “Envios” touches upon the lives of immigrants in the United States and how they work to support their families out of the country by sharing the money they earn.

Reality

As pioneers in the reality genre, Telemundo presents two new shows that appeal to everyone’s aspirations. A long-time Latin family tradition comes to the small screen in “La Quinceanera,” the show that gives deserving young girls the “quinceanero” they always dreamed of. The special day all Latin girls look forward to and never forget will be filled with excitement as relatives fly-in for an unforgettable celebration and families are reunited. The season finale includes a first-ever network television special, “The Miss Quinceanera Pageant,” where contestants not only vie for the title, but for a scholarship as well. No matter how big or small your dream is Telemundo makes it come true in “”Suenos y Sorpresas,” where a production team of dream makers join forces with the family and friends of lucky participants to turn their biggest dreams into reality. From family reunions to trips around the world and encounters with celebrities, nothing is impossible.

Specials

Telemundo specials are better than ever this season with shows no one will want to miss. “En Concierto,” Telemundo Network’s music-concert series returns, featuring special concerts with some of everyone’s favorite stars like, Lupillo Rivera, the first Angelino artist to sell out the Universal Amphitheatre, performing some of his greatest hits; and the Mexican music legend, Vicente Fernandez. Other specials include: “Noche de Paz,” a music special that introduces Telemundo viewers to the Special Olympics Organization’s remarkable efforts by the hand of some of Latin music’s top stars; “Lupillo y Amigos,” where Norteno music icon, Lupillo Rivera, shares his poker table with celebrity guests playing for their favorite charity; and “”Fiesta de Ano Nuevo” a special that celebrates the New Year in a star-studded concert set against the magnificent backdrop of Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

WEEKEND DAY

Turning two this year is “Todo Bebe,” the must-see show for mothers and mothers-to be, that answers all the questions about pregnancy and parenting. Hosted by Jeannette Kaplun, Maggie Jimenez and Adriana Abascal, every weekend the show offers expert advice and trends on everything from fashion to how to raise and entertain your child.

Home Improvement Shows

Telemundo’s popular series of home improvement shows is back, helping deserving Hispanic families in the U.S. remodel, redecorate and/or build. New this season, “S.O.S” focuses on the community; helping improve public places like community centers, schools, and assisted living facilities, among others. The series tells the stories of people who already assist others, in an effort to help not only the individual, but the community as well. In “El Regalo Final” designers help friends and families give a deserving relative one last gift for a big occasion like a wedding, baptism, or birthday: the remodeling of one area or room in that person’s home. Returning this season is “Lo dejo en tus manos”, the show where total strangers take over your redecorating project, but only some of the “candidates” are professional designers.

Music Shows

Telemundo’s exciting music shows return this season bringing the best in Latin music entertainment. Hosted by Gloria Aura, “Frecuencia” is a magazine show for the young and hip; featuring the latest on fashion runways, entertainment news, celebrity interviews and gossip as well as the top 10 Billboard music videos. Everything that’s cool is on “Nitido!” It is a fun and dynamic program filled with the best in extreme sports action, the latest technology, and out of the ordinary jobs or hobbies; hosted by Natalia Villaveces (Cotorreando).

Cinemundo Premiere

This season viewers get an in-home movie pass to some of the biggest blockbuster hits in Hollywood; among them, “Meet the Parents,” “Kill Bill: Vol.1 and Vol.2,” “The Mummy Returns,” “Babe: Pig in the City,” “Nicotina, “S.W.A.T.” and more. The Wonderful World of Disney returns to Telemundo with movies for the entire family like “Mulan and Mulan II,” “Fox and the Hound,” “Return to Neverland,” “Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World,” “Lizzie McGuire: The Movie,” and many other Disney favorites.

SPORTS

Deportes Telemundo is the home of the best sports programming in Spanish-language television. This year, the network presents a new and exciting sports schedule with shows like “FIFPRO World XI Player Awards;” a historic event that gives viewers a front row seat next to their favorite soccer players like David Beckham, Ronaldo, and Rafa Marquez, among others, as 11 players from across the globe are chosen by their peers as the best in the game; the “FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup,” which invites viewers to hit the beach and experience all the excitement of their favorite sport outside the field; the “PBR” (Professional Bull Riders), delivering all the heart-stopping action of bull riding, one of the world’s most dangerous sports; as well as returning flagship shows like “Rumbo al Mundial”, bringing viewers all the excitement of both the Mexican and the U.S. national soccer teams; “Titulares y Mas,” now airing Friday nights, and the ever favorite sports-highlight show, “Titulares Telemundo.” Finally, building on the successful coverage of the 2004 Olympics from Athens, Telemundo’s Emmy award-winning team heads to the Italian Alps for the broadcast of the “20th Olympic Winter Games” from Turin, Italy; coming February 2006.

NEWS

Backed by the most experienced news team in Spanish-language television and the world-wide resources of NBC News, Telemundo is the leader in news. The latest in breaking national and international news is featured in “Noticiero Telemundo;” where veteran and Emmy award-winning news anchor Pedro Sevcec, informs viewers with his unique style and human touch. The weekend edition is anchored by seasoned journalists, Ilia Calderon and Rogelio Mora-Tagle. Compelling news stories, investigative reporting, and star power are combined into one gripping hour of television in “Sin Fronteras”. Hosted by renowned journalists Ana Patricia Candiani and Pedro Sevcec the program has become a Sunday night staple, going beyond news headlines to bring viewers poignant stories that give a voice to Hispanic communities nationwide. In addition to early fringe’s “Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste”, other news programs include: “Hoy en el Mundo;” the daily newscast that highlights the latest worldwide events, hosted by renowned journalists Jose Diaz-Balart and Marian de la Fuente; “De Mananita,” an energetic morning show that delivers entertainment news and useful everyday information, hosted by Roberto Angelelli, Kenya and Poncho de Anda; and the monthly public affairs program, “Enfoque”, anchored by Jose Diaz-Balart.

mun2

mun2 is the network that celebrates the lifestyle of U.S. Latino young adults, 12-34. The new programming line-up debuting in fall/winter 2005-2006 is a tangible demonstration of the mun2 mission. mun2’s original program offerings are authentic, innovative, quality driven and reflect the true voice of our Latino audience. Coming soon is “VivoLive,” a weekly variety showcase filmed on the grounds of Universal City Walk in Los Angeles, California. mun2 is also extending its unique connection to Latino young adults via two coveted acquisitions. Making its U.S. network premiere as an animated series on, “Huevocartoon” is about a group of irreverent, hip, smart talking eggs. mun2 has also acquired rights to air the highly-rated “WWE RAW” franchise and will begin airing it this fall.