¡Sorpresa! Ups Programming Exec

NEW YORK, May 12: Maria Badillo has been promoted to the role of senior VP of programming at ¡Sorpresa!, with continuing responsibility for the creation and implementation of the channel’s new programming, scheduling and on-air initiatives.

Badillo joined the Spanish-language children’s network last year as the VP of programming, responsible for acquisitions and co-productions. In addition to bringing programs such as Cubeez, Lola & Virginia and Erky Perky to the channel, Badillo also established a multiplatform partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) to promote healthy lifestyles to kids through broadband, programming and grassroots efforts. Prior to joining ¡Sorpresa!, Badillo worked at Discovery Kids Latin America.

“Maria has successfully developed and implemented an array of exciting programming initiatives for ¡Sorpresa!,” commented Stuart B. Rekant, the network’s president and CEO. “Our new partnership with MLS is just one example of the great work Maria does for this network. We feel Maria’s established relationships with quality producers and distributors, coupled with her excellent instinctual ability, have significantly enhanced ¡Sorpresa!’s programming lineup and the network’s attractiveness to our distribution and marketing partners.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski