WPIX-TV Goes Bi-lingual In NYC.

In a move that will triple its bi-lingual program offerings, Tribune Broadcasting’s WPIX Channel 11 (The WB11), the New York affiliate of The WB Television Network, will televise four and one-half hours of early and late evening programming each weekday in Spanish translation via the SAP (Second Audio Program) channel. (All TV sets sold in the US for the past several years are capable of receiving audio via the SAP.)

In addition, WPIX has arranged to broadcast a Spanish-language version of “Greetings From Tucson,” the new WB Television Network series which premieres on Friday, September 20 at 9:30 pm.

Beginning Monday, September 23, no fewer than six, off-network half-hour strips will be broadcast by WPIX in Spanish as well as English in early fringe and prime-time access. Three half-hours will be treated to bi-lingual broadcasts in late fringe as well as one in late night. For this purpose, WPIX has obtained Spanish audio versions of the programs from their distributors. The early fringe and prime-time access programs are: “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” (5 pm), “Dharma & Greg” (6 pm), “Wil & Grace” (6:30 pm), “Friends” (7 pm), and “Everybody Loves Raymond” (7:30 pm). The late fringe programs are: “Friends” (11 pm), “Everybody Loves Raymond” (11:30 pm), and “Wil & Grace” (midnight). “Suddenly Susan” at 2 am is the late night program.

The WPIX move is a nod to the burgeoning Hispanic population in the New York tri-state area. According to the 2000 US Census, New York City is 27 percent Hispanic. The New York TV market as a whole is 18.6 percent Hispanic.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy WB11 programs to the fullest,” said WPIX Vice President and General Manager Betty Ellen Berlamino. “Where Spanish-language versions of our programs are available, we make an effort to get them. The distributors have been happy to cooperate,” she added.

WPIX dipped its toes in the bi-lingual stream almost two years ago at the start of the 2000- 2001 TV season. Then, the station was able to obtain Spanish-language versions of “Friends” and “Suddenly Susan.”