Univision to Debut New Kids’ Block

MIAMI, April 4: U.S.
Hispanic network Univision will roll out Planeta U (Planet U), a new Saturday morning educational programming block for kids of
all ages, ranging from shows like the preschool-targeted Dora the Explorer to the teen-skewing science series Beakman’s
World.

Kicking off tomorrow, the
new block will air on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Univision. The programming
is designed to appeal to preschoolers all the way to high schoolers. In
addition to Dora the Explorer,
other preschool series on the lineup include Go Diego, Go! and the return of Pinky Dinky Doo. The roster for Planeta U also consists of Jakers!, which is aimed at children 4- to 8-year-olds
and focuses on building
relationships between children and adults. Older-skewing series include Inspector
Gadget’s Field Trip, featuring
live-action geographical footage showcasing foreign lands, and Beakman’s World, highlighting comical demonstrations of
experiments and scientific concepts.

Additionally, Planeta U includes segments that promote literacy, reading,
problem-solving skills, respect for others, self esteem and pride in the
Hispanic identity. For example, there will be a segment titled “Hoy en la
Historia,” (Today in History) that will reveal historically relevant facts in
creative ways. Finally, a host of Hispanic celebrities, including recording
artists Juanes, Fanny Lu, Jenni Rivera, and Olga Tañón, among others, who will
share inspiring, thought-provoking messages as well as eco-friendly tips urging
Univision’s young viewers to make a positive difference in our environment.

“Univision’s longstanding
commitment to its viewers is to provide relevant programming that educates and
informs. Planeta U, with its
stellar line-up of children’s programming, does just that,” said Otto Padrón,
the senior VP of programming and promotions at Univision Network. “We hope that
Planeta U will inspire children
and their parents to take pride in their Hispanic heritage as well as play an
active role in positively impacting the environment. Our slogan ‘Tu Planeta…Tu
Vida…Tu Mundo’ (Your Planet…Your Life…Your World) reaffirms our goals.”

—By Irene Lew