Univision, the leading Spanish-language network, plans to launch its first late-night show, the network said at its upfront presentation Wednesday in New York.
Other Spanish-language broadcasters also announced programming plans last week.
Univision’s “Ay Que Noche” (“Oh What a Night”), a variety program with a live audience, will air from midnight to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday starting in the fall. A host has not yet been selected.
The network is also launching a Sunday-morning public affairs program, “Punto de Encuentro con Jorge Ramos” (“Meeting Point With Jorge Ramos”). Univision also acquired the broadcast rights to the Latin Grammy Awards, beginning with this year’s ceremony in November. The most recent Latin Grammys were carried by CBS.
Univision executives said the network expects the broadcast to draw record ratings, proving their contention that Hispanic viewers prefer to watch Spanish-language telecasts rather than English-language telecasts.
Telemundo said it plans to present four new novelas and a miniseries entitled “Pedro Navaja” in the fall. It also will unveil a new branding campaign using the slogan “Hecho Para Ti” (“Made for You”).
The network is introducing the 13-episode format to its air with the drama series “Loter%ED;a” and “Envios.”
S%ED;TV, an English-language cable network for younger Hispanic viewers, said it will launch nine original shows next season.
One, “L:-)L, Laugh Out Loud,” is a sketch comedy show that includes “The Big Fat Giant Gigante Show,” a spoof of Univision’s popular “Sabado Gigante.”
Other shows include “Party With Miss Bacardi,” which follows rum heiress Carolina Bacardi behind the scenes in Hollywood, and “Road Whores,” which looks at the life of three Latino comics trying to make a living on a tour of one-nighters.
As part of its presentation, S%ED;TV released research showing that 53 percent of Hispanics ages 18 to 34 polled ranked S%ED;TV as one of their favorite TV channels.
ESPN Deportes announced that it will add Spanish-language broadcasts of “Monday Night Football,” “X Games 11” and the Breeders Cup to its schedule.
It also is launching a Spanish-language version of ESPN’s “Dream Job” under the working title “Dream Job: Reportero.” The winner gets a chance to report on the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
ESPN Deportes also said it will offer extensive coverage of qualifying and friendly matches leading up to the World Cup.
The World Cup is going to be covered by Univision, which will air all of the matches live on either its main broadcast channel or its cable outlet Galavision.