Discovery en Español Presents New Lineup

NEW YORK, May 17: Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group has unveiled Discovery en Español’s new programming slate for the 2007-2008 season, which includes more than 100 hours of original programming created for Spanish-speaking audiences.

This year’s new programming lineup includes documentaries such as Viviendo En Las Sombras, which chronicles the life and challenges of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. today. Maras Sin Fronteras is a look at the methods, members and leaders of the modern Maras gangs, which have impacted the lives of countless young men from El Salvador to Los Angeles. Collision Over the Amazon offers a detailed investigation into the worst air accident in South American history, while Proyecto Malvinas takes a hypothetical look at what might have happened if Argentina had defeated the U.K. in the Falkland Islands war.

Má³ Que Una Fiesta features visually stunning parties and festivals that celebrate the Hispanic heritage. Voces De Cambio features personal stories from Hispanic artists about their commitment to giving back to their communities and raising awareness of important issues. The series will feature stars such as Carlos Santana, who will discuss his quest to help impoverished children around the world and Edward James Olmos, who is dedicated to helping rehabilitate gang members. In terms of culinary series,  in Relatos Con Sabor, chef Marcela Valladolid brings viewers into the kitchens of Hispanic homes across the country to show how traditional family recipes are being revived and preserved. Finally, Espacio Vital uncovers the latest breakthroughs in beauty treatments.

“This year, we are deepening our commitment to Hispanic audiences by increasing our investment in Spanish language original productions that showcase fascinating and inspiring stories from Latin America and the United States,” said Luis Silberwasser, the senior VP and general manager of Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group.

In addition to its slate of new original programming, the network will also air global content from Discovery that has been customized for Spanish-speaking viewers, including Discovery Atlas, which brings viewers into the heart of some of the world’s most breathtaking and fascinating countries, continues this year with an exploration of India, South Africa, and Mexico. Discovery Atlas: Mexico Revealed will feature stunning views of Mexico, from the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza to the ancestral Mexico City.

Silberwasser told World Screen Newsflash that the U.S. Hispanic audience has a desire for high quality content beyond telenovelas. He cites the network’s recent opinion study Moving Forward: Thought Leaders Share Their Views on Issues Facing U.S. Hispanics. “The study was designed to provide more debate about the issues that are important to Hispanics today,” said Silberwasser. “It allows us to know the consumer better [in order] to create more original and relevant programming.”

In 2006, Discovery en Español achieved the highest primetime ratings gains of any U.S. Hispanic network, including a 54 percent increase among total households and a 50 percent increase among adults aged 18-49. In the first quarter of 2007, Discovery en Español witnessed a 42 percent gain in households and a 33 percent gain among adults 18-49, marking the network’s fifth consecutive quarter of year-on-year gains. The channel is currently in 40 percent of all U.S. Hispanic pay-TV homes within the Nielsen Hispanic Home Index, reaching 8.3 million total subscribers annually.