CNN en Español will launch CNN Latino, a new Spanish language programming block custom made for the U.S. Hispanic market, it was announced today by Cynthia Hudson-Fernández, SVP and general manager of CNN en Español and Hispanic strategy for CNN/U.S. CNN Latino is a new brand extension that targets the growing and diverse U.S. Hispanic market, delivering a broad spectrum of programming that will cover news, lifestyle, documentary, talk and debate as an alternative to traditional Hispanic networks.CNN Latino will first launch in Los Angeles late January 2013 on KBEH-DT Channel 63, which is owned by HERO Broadcasting. The station will carry CNN Latino from 3pm-11pm (PT) and will include a locally produced debate show, along with unique lifestyle, documentary and talk programs and will engage with its audience through social media, local events and website. CNN Latino and its affiliate stations will have their own dedicated section on the world-wide Spanish-language site {www.cnnespanol.com}.”The U.S. market is so diverse and so large that there is room for two distinctive content options. There is a real demand for relevant, dynamic, quality programming and CNN Latino is a unique product designed specifically for the growing U.S. Hispanic audience, representing the dual reality of U.S. Latinos today who are multi-generational and proud to be bilingual. The launch of CNN Latino is the first step to bringing this syndicated programming block to local broadcast stations in key Hispanic media markets across the country, said Hudson.”CNN Latino will be a unique television broadcast offering for a significant viewership in the U.S.,” said Tony Maddox, EVP and managing director of CNN International. “We are excited to be the flagship station for this new concept. The Los Angeles market is ready for CNN Latino, a news and entertainment destination that offers CNN-quality programming, and is accessible to a larger audience via KBEH’s powerful broadcast signal,” Robert Behar, president & CEO, HERO Broadcasting.
