Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Azteca America Consolidates To Single U.S.-Mexico Binational Newscast

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Azteca America announced today that it is consolidating its national network newscast into a binational newscast from the studio of its sister network Azteca 7 and the FIA team, based in the Azteca news center in Mexico City.

FIA, the news gathering team of TV Azteca, has unmatched reporting capacity in Latin America. The service has correspondents in all 32 Mexican states and throughout Latin America to support U.S. coverage.

"The move is an efficient way to continue offering the quality information that our audiences expect from us," said Adrian Steckel, CEO of Azteca America.

The network continues to explore opportunities with several key partners to further bolster overall news coverage and present cost-effective local news in Los Angeles, which has been suspended for the moment.

The programming changes are part of efforts that include extended sports coverage, including exclusive boxing and UFC mixed martial arts events to support the network's unmatched Mexican soccer broadcasts. The network also features new entertainment shows such as "El Show de Niurka," as well as top- quality novelas and a newly launched inspirational single-episode series called "Milagro de los Santos."

"We have a renewed focus on attracting new viewers to Azteca America," said Alberto Santini, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production. "Our goal is more programming for better television, as we continue to consolidate our position as the best option of Spanish-language television in the United States. Ratings results in recent weeks have yielded historic figures and we're well on our way to this goal."

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest- growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.