TELEVISA AND UNITED MEDIA PARTNER TO SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GROWING U.S. LATIN MARKET
Largest Media Company in Spanish-speaking World Taps United Media to Represent its Popular Children's Telenovelas and Long-Running Hit Television Series "El Chavo"
New York (February 17, 2005) - United Media, a leading licensing syndication company, and Televisa the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world, today announced a new strategic alliance, wherein United Media will represent the U.S. rights to Televisa's children's telenovelas, aired daily in prime time on UNIVISION, as well as its long-running hit television series "El Chavo," starring Mr. Roberto Gomez Bolaņos. The partnership is well-timed as the Hispanic population within the U.S. continues to grow at exponential rates, allowing United Media to capitalize on Televisa's status as the number one broadcast channel in the market.
A primary area of focus for United Media's licensing strategy for Televisa will be on its incredibly successful children's telenovelas which are currently watched by over seven million kids in the U.S. The telenovela format that was created by Televisa is longer than a mini-series and runs for about six months. Often telenovelas are dramatic as a soap opera, yet the children's versions which United Media will represent, are appropriate for an audience of all ages. United Media will seek out key licensing relationships for these telenovelas which include direct-to-retail product opportunities that specifically correlate to apparel, accessories and other items worn or used by characters in the show. Target age range is 8-12 years.
"El Chavo" is a classic live action sitcom with over 1300 episodes in existence. With multi-generational appeal, it remains a well-loved icon within the U.S., Mexico and the nine other countries where it is broadcast. Focusing on successful video sales within U.S. retailers, United Media's licensing concentration will be leveraging the successful video sales with U.S. retailers in creating "El Chavo" merchandise.
"There exists significant opportunity in marketing to the substantial and growing Hispanic population in the U.S.," said Doug Stern, President and CEO of United Media. "Retailers are particularly aware that this market represents real growth. Televisa, which is the leader in the U.S.'s Spanish speaking broadcast arena, will enable us to tap into its audience and create meaningful licensing opportunities."
"Merchandise derived from shows like "El Chavo" and our telenovelas has been incredibly successful at retailers in Mexico, and we have good indications that consumer interest will be similar here in the U.S" said Mary Carmen Rotter Managing Director of Televisa's Licensing Division.
"With United Media's expertise and ability to penetrate the U.S. market, utilizing its broad range of relationships with potential licensees, marketing partners, and retailers, we're poised for significant growth" said Manuel Gilardi, EVP of Advertising and Promotions at Televisa.
Grupo Televisa S.A., is the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world, and a major player in the international entertainment business. It has interests in television production and broadcasting, programming for pay television, international distribution of television programming, direct-to-home satellite services, publishing and publishing distribution, cable television, radio production and broadcasting, professional sports and show business promotions, feature film production and distribution, and the operation of a horizontal Internet portal. Grupo Televisa also has an unconsolidated equity stake in Univision, the leading Spanish-language television company in the United States.
United Media (UM) is a worldwide licensing and syndication company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content. The company recently signed on to manage D.I.C.E. and Tamagotchi Connection, two new properties from industry toy giant Bandai America, Inc. United Media licenses and/or syndicates other properties, including, PEANUTS, Precious Moments, Copyrights at United Media (The World of Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, etc.), Raggedy Ann & Andy, Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, Arthur, and Dilbert. United Media is an E.W. Scripps Company.
