Article

Univision Unveils 2003-2004 Programming Lineup

May 14, 2003

#1 Spanish-Language Network Launches First-Ever Interactive Novela, Hispanic Teen Award Show and Primetime Scripted Series

New York, NY — Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE: UVN) today unveiled an expanded 2003-2004 programming lineup for its flagship Univision Network during its seventh annual Upfront advertising presentation in New York.  Coming off a record 2002-2003 season with audience increases in every daypart across the entire broadcast day, Univision, “the Home of the Stars,” is the most-watched Spanish-language network in the U.S. with the #1 Spanish-language station in every market it operates.   As the fifth most-watched full-time network overall, competing head-to-head with the English-language television networks in primetime seven nights a week, Univision is the leading source of Spanish-language news, entertainment and sports for the nation’s largest minority group.  In the current season, Univision broadcast 95 of the top 100 Spanish-language programs to this diverse community of more than 37 million.

Univision’s innovative and never-before-seen concepts for the upcoming 2003-2004 season include the first-ever interactive novela “Rebeca”, where viewers decide how the story ends; epic period drama “Amor Real” (“True Love”), expected to be the blockbuster novela of the season; Spanish-language television’s first Teen Award Show, “Premio Juventud”; and a new primetime scripted series “Al Filo de la Ley” (“At the Edge of the Law”), based on real-life cases handled by a Hispanic law firm in California. Also adding to our new lineup is a long list of award-winning Spanish-language theatrical releases on “El Gran Estreno,” our movie premiere showcase, and our exclusive broadcasts of the crown jewel of soccer in this hemisphere, “Copa America 2004.”

“Next season’s lineup includes returning favorites and new programs that reflect the Pan-Hispanic culture and traditions now permeating the country,” said Ray Rodriguez, President and Chief Operating Officer, Univision Television Networks.  “Over the past ten years, our programming has evolved to adapt to the changing preferences of our audience, yet has remained consistent with our strategy to broadcast only culturally relevant topics, themes and talent.  This strategy has clearly paid off – over the last ten years, Univision’s Adult 18-49 total day audience has grown 186%, while the average ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX audience declined 25% during the same period.  In addition, by counter-programming our three networks — Univision, TeleFutura and Galavisión — viewing to Spanish-language television is now at an all-time high.”

Tom McGarrity, Co-President of Network Sales said, “Univision has a unique ability to offer cross platform opportunities through its three television networks, online division, music group and local media extension through the Univision/TeleFutura television group.  While delivering culturally relevant and distinctive programming to a market segment whose buying power is growing at twice the national average, the Univision assets present a significant opportunity to advertisers and the chance to build a relationship with the growing Hispanic community.”

Mario Rodriguez, President of Entertainment, Univision Television Networks said, “We are looking forward to another blockbuster programming season as the Univision Television Networks continue to complement each other by offering alternative formats and distinctive programming in Spanish-language entertainment to all audiences, from the broadest base of viewers to the most elusive hard-to-reach Hispanics.  This strategy, coupled with the Networks’ production synergies, have further defined and fortified our Networks’ individual personalities.  With the most competitive primetime novelas and innovative programming concepts, the 2003-2004 season will ensure our continued market leadership.”

New Programs

Novelas
Signature Univision Network programming includes blockbuster teen and family novelas, which feature Latin America ’s most celebrated stars and culturally relevant themes, making novelas the most popular genre among U.S. Hispanics of all ages, with Super Bowl ratings every night.  Premiering in daytime is the multigenerational novela “Bajo la Misma Piel” (“Under Your Skin”) which tells the story of unpredictable love and irresistible passion.  Filmed in exotic locations throughout Venezuela and the outskirts of the Amazon, “Engañada” (“Deceived”) is a compelling drama about love and deception featuring an up and coming cast of actors.   “Niña… Amada Mia” (“Precious One”), Mexico’s #1 novela, is sure to be the primetime blockbuster of the season telling the original tale of three sisters and including an all-star cast and featuring a pop-music score with classic tracks from Alejandro Fernandez.  This season, the Univision Network will also present the first novela to be entirely produced and filmed in Los Angeles, “Te Amare en Silencio” (“I’ll Love You in Silence”), the story of a young, beautiful deaf woman and her pursuit for love and happiness amidst heartbreak and tragedy.  Also in primetime, from the creators of “Gata Salvaje,” Univision brings viewers “Rebeca,” the first-ever interactive novela on Spanish-language television, where the viewers – not the writers – decide how the novela ends.  “Rebeca,” produced entirely in the U.S., tells the story of a wealthy father and son who vie for the love of one woman.  And, from internationally acclaimed producer Carla Estrada comes “Amor Real” (“True Love”), a true masterpiece novela about a young women who broke the social code of the era and the price she paid for true love.

Dramatic Series
Also debuting on Univision is the compelling scripted original prime time series starring Cynthia Klitbo and Jorge Reyes, “Al Filo de la Ley” (“At the Edge of the Law”), which tells the story of a U.S.-based law firm that only handles the most difficult immigration cases.

Movies
The Univision Network will now have the largest collection of Spanish-language titles ever assembled in the U.S.  Each week, Univision will offer Hispanic movie buffs something they won’t be able to get on any other network: first-run, award-winning, Spanish-language theatrical productions. Hispanic TV viewers will be able to enjoy top films from Spain’s highly acclaimed “new cinema” and contemporary hits from Latin America. “El Gran Estreno” (“The Big Premiere”), “La Super Pelicula” (“The Super Movie”), and “Cine Especial” will feature everything from action-packed adventures to poignant dramas and hilarious comedies.

These original Spanish-language movie presentations, which complement the TeleFutura Network’s Hollywood blockbusters, include “Belle Epoque” with Penelope Cruz; “Todo Sobre Mi Madre” (“All About My Mother”) directed by Oscar Award Winner Pedro Almodovar; “Tacones Lejanos” (“High Heels”) with Golden Globe nominee director Pedro Almodovar; Oscar nominated “Fresas y Chocolate” (“Strawberries and Chocolate”); international box office hit “El Amor Perjudica Seriamente a La Salud” (“Love Can Seriously Damage Your Health”); Antonio Banderas in “De Amor y Sombra” (“Of Love and Shadows”); Oscar nominated Best Actress Salma Hayek in “El Coronel no Tiene Quien Le Escriba” (“No One Writes to the Colonel”); Gael Garcia Bernal in “Sin Noticias de Dios” (“No News From God”); and Oscar nominated Best Actor Javier Bardem in “Entre las Piernas” (“Between The Legs”).

Returning Favorites
The most-watched morning news-variety program on Spanish-language television, “Despierta América” (“Wake Up America”), hosted by Fernando Arau, Giselle Blondet, Ana María Canseco, Raúl González and Neida Sandoval will continue to brighten mornings for Hispanic Americans during the 2003-2004 programming season.  Marta Susana also returns to host her successful morning talk show, “Marta Susana.”
“Sábado Gigante” (“Gigantic Saturday”), the longest-running program on primetime television returns with the legendary “Don Francisco” to liven up Saturday nights for Hispanic viewers.  Award winning talk-show host Cristina Saralegui will continue to entertain audiences with “Cristina,” a weekly primetime show, where viewers can go for candid discussions on a variety of topics.  Viewers can also look for the return of “Don Francisco Presenta” (“Don Francisco Presents”) in its primetime slot, as well as Rafael Jose and an inimitable cast of imitators in Univision’s star-studded hit comedy “Los Metiches” (“The Busybodies”), a unique Univision-produced comedy that parodies the hottest celebrities and most talked-about newsmakers.

Raul de Molina and Lili Estefan, return weekday afternoons in the #1 entertainment magazine “El Gordo y La Flaca” (“The Scoop and the Skinny”) to give viewers the latest news about celebrities and the latest gossip, as well as news from around the entertainment industry.  Also starring de Molina and Estefan is “¡Sueltalo!” (“Let Loose!”), the weekly primetime show that features interviews with famous personalities.

The very best in music and beauty also returns this Fall with “Caliente” (“Hot”), the dance program featuring the best Latin music hits, hosted by Rafael Mercadante, as well as teen-oriented magazine program, “Control,” hosted by the vivacious Karla Martinez.

Comedy’s finest returns with “La Hora Pico” (“The Peak Hour”) and its fast-paced mix of performances by some of the funniest comedians in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as “La Parodia” (“The Parody”), parody at its greatest – with top-notch comics and actors taking aim at everything from movies and TV shows to politicians and famous celebrities.

News and Newsmagazines
Univision’s Emmy award-winning newscast and the #1 source of news for Spanish-language viewers,  “Noticiero Univision” (“Univision News”) anchored by the most respected names in Spanish journalism, Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas along with weekend anchors María Antonieta Collins and Sergio Urquidi, will return for another season of up-to-date views of the world.  Univision’s late-night newsmagazine “Noticiero Univision Ultima Hora” (“Univision News Final Hour”), anchored by news personality Enrique Gratas also returns with wrap-ups of the day’s events.  The number one Spanish-language daily newsmagazine “Primer Impacto” (“First Impact”), hosted by Myrka Dellanos and Bárbara Bermudo, and its weekend edition, “Primer Impacto Fin de Semana” (“First Impact Weekend Edition”), hosted by Fernando del Rincón and Carmen Dominicci, also make a welcomed comeback this season.  Hosted by Teresa Rodriguez, the weekly primetime newsmagazine “Aqui y Ahora” (“Here and Now”) is back for another season of investigative reports and revealing interviews with the newsmakers of the moment.  In addition, Univision’s successful weekly reality series, “Ver Para Creer,” (“Seeing is Believing”), hosted by Myrka Dellanos, will return with more incredible and amazing video clips from around the world.  At different times throughout the year, Univision’s award-winning news department also presents “Noticias Univision Presenta,” (“Univision News Presents”), one-hour specials focusing on news of particular interest to the Hispanic community.

Premio Lo Nuestro 2004
This year, Univision’s “Premio Lo Nuestro a La Música Latina,” (“Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards”), the #1 show on Spanish-language television, will celebrate its sixteenth edition.  “Premio Lo Nuestro 2004,” will once again honor the best in Spanish-language music by awarding the prestigious “Premio Lo Nuestro” award in numerous categories and several musical genres including Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Urbana and Rock music.  Broadcast live and including performances by top Hispanic-recording artists, “Premio Lo Nuestro” has become the premier star-studded annual event Spanish-language viewers across the country most eagerly await.

Specials
The Univision Network has more special events and programs than any other U.S. Spanish-language network, broadcasting the most important musical events, festivals, beauty pageants and award ceremonies in the Spanish-speaking world.  This year’s upcoming spectacular productions are top-rated audience favorites.  For the first time in Spanish-language television history, Univision will present the U.S. produced “Premio Juventud” (“The Youth Awards”), presented by up-and coming teen stars. “Festival de Viña del Mar” is recognized internationally as the biggest and most important song festival in Latin America. Produced by “TV y Novelas” magazine, “Premios TV y Novelas” awards ceremony honors the most popular actors, comedians, anchors and show hosts on Spanish-language TV. “Nuestra Belleza de México” is a glamorous event where beauties from every Mexican state compete for the title of “Our Beauty, Mexico”.  The all-star awards ceremony, “Premios Furia Musical,” gathers the best in Tex-Mex Banda, tropical, and traditional Mexican music.  “Premios El Heraldo” recognizes the most popular personalities in Mexican show business featuring appearances and performances by famous stars. Hosted by Mexico’s National Academy of Music, “Premios Oye!” recognizes the very best talent in the international music industry.  Univision’s entertainment experts Lili Estefan and Raúl De Molina host a series of specials that bring viewers every exciting detail of some of the most high-profile weddings taking place among Hispanic celebrities on “Qué Bodas.”

During the Holiday season, Univision transports viewers to Florida’s Walt Disney World to enjoy “Navidad Disney,” an exclusive Christmas production, narrated in Spanish by popular Hispanic personalities. The hottest New Year’s celebrations in the Spanish-speaking world will also take place on Univision with Hispanic-America’s #1 New Year’s fiesta, “Feliz 2004!” that rings in the new year from different time zones in the U.S. and abroad and “Desfile De Las Rosas,” live coverage of the breathtaking New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade.  In addition, Univision will broadcast Emilio Estafan’s star-studded Christmas extravaganza, “Nuestra Navidad.”

Sports
The Univision Network will continue to feature coverage of Hispanic America’s favorite pastime, soccer, with rights to Mexico’s premier division, the #1 Pro Soccer League on the continent. “Fútbol Liga Mexicana” will once again be hosted by Pablo Ramirez and Ricardo Mayorga.  Highlights from these events and others will be brought to Hispanic America by “República Deportiva” (“Sports Nation”), the two-hour sports “infotainment” program hosted by Fernando Fiore, Rosana Franco and Jorge Gómez.  Capping the 2003-2004 season is Univision’s exclusive coverage of “Copa América” from Peru next July.  The oldest soccer tournament on the planet and the championship of all of Latin America, “Copa América” is sure to exceed the record ratings set by Univision’s broadcast of that event from Colombia in 2001.

Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE: UVN) is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States.  Its operations include: Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 97% of U.S. Hispanic households; TeleFutura Network, the new 24-hour general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching 75% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 23 Univision Network television stations and 1 non-Univision television station; TeleFutura Television Group, which owns and operates 29 TeleFutura Network television stations; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Music Group, which includes the Univision Music label, Fonovisa Records label, and a 50% interest in Mexican based Disa Records label as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier internet company in the U.S. Hispanic market located at www.univision.com.  Univision Communications is headquartered in Los Angeles with network operations in Miami and television stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.

Contact: Stephanie Pillersdorf/Stephanie Sorrentino/Brooke Morganstein
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
212-687-8080

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