DIRECTV to Launch Azteca Mexico (AZM): Exclusive Channel

Thu Jun 5, 2008 9:00am EDT
 
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Will Air Nationally on DIRECTV Mas Channel 442
LOS ANGELES--(Business Wire)--
Azteca Networks, the provider of the fastest growing Hispanic
broadcaster Azteca America and DIRECTV, Inc., provider of the nation's
leading satellite television service, announced today the launch of
Azteca Mexico, a brand new 24-hour satellite-only channel to be aired
through DIRECTV Mas in the United States. Azteca Mexico will offer
exclusive programming from TV Azteca's three Mexican networks: Channel
7, 13 and Proyecto 40 and will differ from programming viewers receive
on broadcast network Azteca America. Azteca Mexico will air on Channel
442 nationwide and be identified in programming guides as AZM 442,
starting Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

   Azteca Mexico will offer viewers programs in the U.S. many of
which will be shown at the same time as they air in Mexico on TV
Azteca. These shows include hit Mexican novelas Todo por Amor and
Vivir Por Ti, news from TV Azteca's own Hechos and the hottest reality
and entertainment shows like Poker de Reinas, a racy, fun morning show
featuring four beautiful Mexican hostesses and Venga la Alegria, TV
Azteca's leading morning show.

   "Azteca Mexico will complement our successful broadcast network
and together, the two channels will form Azteca Networks, the most
sought-after Mexican programming package in the United States,"
assured Azteca Networks CEO, Adrian Steckel. "Azteca Mexico is aimed
at a specific segment of the market - the viewer who craves that daily
Mexican connection, with newscasts, novelas and entertainment programs
offered the same day they air in Mexico."

   "Now for the first time ever, friends and family in Mexico and the
U.S. can watch top-rated Mexican programming at the same time. No
other Spanish-language content provider can offer this experience,"
said John de Armas, vice president, WORLDDIRECT, DIRECTV, Inc. "The
addition of Azteca Mexico to DIRECTV's robust Spanish and English
programming packages gives the U.S. Latino community an exclusive
television experience in the comfort of their own home."

   To celebrate the new network's launch, Azteca America and DIRECTV,
Inc. will co-host a star-studded, private VIP reception on Thursday,
June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, CA. Stars will arrive on the red carpet
and enjoy an evening of cocktails and entertainment. Celebrities
scheduled to attend include: Pati Chapoy (Ventaneando America), Renan
Almendarez Coello "El Cucuy" (Azte Pa' Ca), Javier Alatorre (Hechos),
Yahir (La Academia), Claudia Alvarez (Bellezas Indomables), Diego
Olivera (Vivir Por Ti), Omar Fierro (Vivir Por Ti), Fernando del Solar
(Venga la Alegria), Monica Castaneda (Famosos en Jaque), Eduardo Xol
(ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), Emiliano Diez (formerly with
The George Lopez Show). There will be red carpet fashion commentary by
Patti Lopez (93.9 FM) and more! For press credentials please see
contacts below.

   The distribution agreement is a major win for Azteca Networks,
following the March 2008 agreement to nationally distribute Azteca
America's Pacific feed on DIRECTV Channel 441. Azteca Mexico
programming will be available nationwide and accessible to DIRECTV Mas
customers at no additional charge.

   Top programs:

   Hechos: Three times a day, Azteca Mexico will air Mexico's news
leaders: Hechos AM, Hechos Meridiano and Hechos de Noche. Hechos de
Noche is anchored by veteran journalist Javier Alatorre. For over
twenty years, Alatorre and TV Azteca's stellar reporting team have
been recognized as the premiere source for news delivered to the
Mexican public. (TVA 13)

   Venga la Alegria: Hosted by Fernando del Solar, Ingrid Coronado,
Raul Osorio and Sergio Sepulveda, Venga la Alegria is the morning
magazine show that makes you feel at home. Full of recipes, gossip and
surprises, this program is a fun, energetic way to start the day!
(Live from TVA 13)

   Todo por Amor: A TV Azteca classic novela. After 26 years of
marriage, Carmen (Angelica Aragon) finds that her husband, Enrique
(Fernando Lujan), is unfaithful. Carmen's marriage falls apart, but
her fight to survive gives birth to new hope. Co-starring: Plutarco
Haza, Cecilia Suarez and Ana de la Reguera. (TVA 13)

   Vivir Por Ti: Beautiful, middle-aged housewife, Natalia (Elizabeth
Cervantes), rediscovers herself after leaving her unfaithful husband,
Juan Carlos (Diego Olivera). In the arms of Roberto (Omar Fierro) and
later with Emiliano (Jose Angel Llamas), Natalia finds new love, but
then her husband wants her back. Vivir Por Ti takes viewers on a
rollercoaster of emotions as they question why destiny always plays
with those who are perpetually searching for love. (TVA 13)

   Poker de Reinas: Hosted by Rossana Najera, Luz Blanchet, Anette
Michel and Andrea Escalona, "Queen's Poker" is not a card game, but a
morning show that provides an entertaining safe-haven for women to
"let it all hang out!" The beautiful hosts share their innermost
secrets, advice, personal stories and even tips on the best weekend
getaways. A hit in Mexico, Poker de Reinas is sure to attract
women--and men--from coast-to-coast in the U.S. (Live from TVA 13)

   Informativo 40 (Edicion Tarde): With a fresh, casual and
professional approach, Oscar Mario Beteta and Paulina Sodi bring
viewers up-to-date on the latest political and economic events in this
Afternoon Edition. (Proyecto 40)

   Info 7 Tarde: This innovative newscast is prepared exclusively for
a dynamic audience. Here, entertainment and technology combine to
deliver news at a fast pace. With high ratings on Mexican TV, Info 7
Tarde offers news from different angles making the program a favorite.
(TVA 7)

   Buenas Noches con Edith Serrano: Immediately following Hechos with
Javier Alatorre, Azteca Mexico offers a 15-minute informative brief of
the day's most upbeat stories. The idea is to end the day on a
positive note, hosted by the talented, beautiful Edith Serrano. (TVA
13)

   Los Protagonistas: Monday through Friday, enjoy the best daily
sports recap on Spanish-language TV on Los Protagonistas. With the
most outrageous commentaries and in-depth analysis, no other show
brings viewers more sports news! (TVA 13)

   A Quien Corresponda: Mexico is a country of constant change,
growth and development; nevertheless, it is also a country of social
imbalances and marginality. After 17 years on the air, A Quien
Corresponda has become one of the most respected shows in Mexico and
offers an outlet for the average person to be heard and understood
while seeking answers to the countries' pressing issues. (TVA 7)

   Por Fin el Fin: Hosted by Betty Monroe, Franc Meric, Jessie
Cervantes, Alejandro Suarez, Omar Fierro and Cristopher Nigel, Por Fin
el Fin is a morning weekend magazine show that brings viewers the best
entertainment without ever having to leave the house. (TVA 13)

   Animal Nocturno: Animal Nocturno is an entertainment and political
magazine show hosted by journalist Ricardo Rocha and actress Patrician
Llaca and brought to the U.S. by Azteca Mexico to offer a different
perspective on music, theater, dance, movies and art. With different
sections, Animal Nocturno is truly a multi-faceted show. (TVA 13)

   Deportes Azteca Mexico: Created exclusively for DIRECTV Mas,
sports fans will enjoy this weekend sports roundup with witty
commentary, final stats and play-by-play analysis of the week's most
exciting players and games.

   About Azteca America

   Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television
for Spanish-speaking families residing in the United States. As the
fastest-growing Hispanic network, Azteca America now reaches 89% of
Hispanic households in the U.S., operating in sixty two markets
nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441
(AZA 441). Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V,
Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's
three national networks including a library with over 200,000 hours of
original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states.
The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up
of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the
finest programming to Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising
solutions to partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the
country.

   About DirecTV Mas(TM)

   DIRECTV Mas(TM) offers the widest array of Spanish and
English-language programming available and the latest satellite
technology, all combined to provide viewers with digital-quality
picture and sound at competitive prices. The service provides access
to more than 45(a) Spanish-language channels including top programming
from Mexico, Central and South America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican
Republic and Spain. DIRECTV Mas(TM) programming offers sports, movies,
music, news and educational networks, and access to more than 250
English-language channels of DIRECTV(R) programming, featuring the
largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming
available. For pricing please visit DIRECTVmas.com or call
1-866-501-1Mas (627).

   (a) Includes English-Language broadcast channels with alternate
Spanish audio.

Azteca America
Monica Taher, Director of Communications, 818-415-7297
mtaher@aztecaamerica.com
or
DIRECTV, Inc.
Naomi K. Rodriguez, 310-964-4821
nkrodriguez@directv.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008

 

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