The first indication that KEYE TV (CBS) was planning Spanish Language programming and news was notices posted on the Texas Association of Broadcaster’s web site looking for an experienced Spanish-language reporter, producer, and meteorologist. I was told that the search had begun for employees for a possible broadcast, but contracts had not been signed.
This afternoon (Monday, August 31, 2009) Amy Villarreal, president and general manager of KEYE, made it official. October 1, 2009, Telemundo programming will be broadcast on KEYE TV.2. KEYE TV.2 is presently broadcasting the RTN network, reruns of old series. RTN will no longer be seen on KEYE.2 after September 30, 2009.
“Telemundo is a leading producer of high quality content for Hispanics in the United States and is recognized for its originally produced primetime novelas, news, and weekend primetime movie showcases, Villarreal says. KEYE-TV 42.2 will also carry o Telemundo Sports, including in-depth soccer coverage including Futbol Liga Mexicana on Futbol Estelar and Futbol Telemundo, as well as the most Mexican League Soccer broadcasts including, the home matches of Atlas, Tigres, Monterrey, U.N.A.M., Atlante and defending champion Toluca. The addition of the Telemundo programming underscores KEYE-TV’s commitment to the local market and the station’s strategies to increase viewership and expand and improve service for its advertisers, Villarreal said.
“Approximately 23 percent of viewers in Central Texas are Hispanic and this demographic continues to grow. KEYE-TV’s Telemundo programming will ensure that the market’s Spanish speaking audience is both entertained and informed. In addition to airing 125 hours of Telemundo programming weekly, KEYE –TV will produce two local newscasts in Spanish which will air weekdays at 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm,” Villarreal adds.
This announcement comes less than a week after KVUE TV announced that it would soon begin carrying programming from “Estrella” on KVUE.2, instead of the weather. KVUE does plan to produce local news, but not right away, according to Patti Smith, KVUE president and general manager.
Telemundo, a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is the essential entertainment, news, and sports source for Hispanics and a leading international player in the entertainment industry with presence in more than 100 countries worldwide. Broadcasting unique national and local programming for the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, Telemundo reaches 93% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 16 owned-and-operated stations, 45 broadcast affiliates, and 800 cable affiliates. Telemundo is wholly owned by NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
Univision broadcasts Spanish programming and local news, weather, and sports on UHF channel 62 in Austin. It has made noticeable gains in ratings. So, for a short while longer, Univision will have the airwaves to itself. “Estralla” starts on KVUE.2 September 7, 2009, and Telemundo begins broadcasting on KEYE 2.0 October, 1, 2009.
© Jim McNabb, 2009>