Azteca America Orders Four New Series, Launches Telenovela Channel – Upfront
Azteca America Spanish-language broadcaster Azteca America unveiled its 2018-2019 programming line-..
Azteca America
Spanish-language broadcaster Azteca America unveiled its 2018-2019 programming line-up at its upfront presentation Wednesday in New York City. Its slate includes new reality series Lights, Phone Action, and horror show Mas Alla del Miedo (Beyond Fear), four specials, including the return of the Miss Universe pageant for the fourth consecutive year, new game show Mi Pareja Puede, based on the international format My Man Can, and boxing competition series Al Ritmo del Boxeo, hosted by Roberto Durán. In addition, Azteca America announced the launch of AZ Corazon, a 24/7 telenovela channel.
The broadcasters upfront comes on the heels of its acquisition by HC2 Holdings subsidiary HC2 Network, which provides expanded distribution and scale across its linear and digital channels. Azteca America continues to have access to TV Aztecas current programming and library in Mexico, including top entertainment shows, talk shows, reality programs, network and local news, as well as telenovelas and other scripted series.
“This is an exciting time for Azteca America as we take the network to the next stage with the backing and support of our new parent company, HC2 Holdings Inc.,” said Manuel Abud, President and Chief Executive Officer, Azteca America. “Azteca Americas deep understanding of the Hispanic media landscape and unparalleled content pipeline, coupled with HC2s commitment to broadcast television in the U.S., places us in a unique position to become a greater competitive force in the marketplace. This dynamic partnership and collaboration expands Azteca Americas broadcasting and distribution footprint to better serve our viewers, reaching a broader spectrum of U.S. Hispanics across our linear and digital channels.”
“Todays consumer is in complete control and to find success, we must look beyond GRPs to cultural relevancy and provide content and environments across all screens to connect with and engage viewers,” added Craig Geller, Executive Vice President, Network Sales, Digital and Marketing. “We are strategic risk-takers, and we are heading into the new season establishing collaborative new partnerships between programming and sales. By creating new content to capture the hearts and minds of our valuable audience, we are able to deliver to our clients deeper audience engagement, allowing them to gain a bigger return on their investment.”
NEW PROGRAMMING ON AZTECA AMERICA FOR 2018-2019:
ORIGINAL PRODUCTIONS
Lights, Phone, Action!: The first reality show to prove that a production no longer requires a significant investment when a smartphone is nearby. Through creativity, talent and charisma, the participants will develop and produce audiovisual projects using only their smartphones. Over the course of their productions, contestants will encounter several challenges that will prove who deserves to win.
“Mas Alla del Miedo” (“Beyond Fear”): The most gruesome stories made for Hispanic television come to life in this breakthrough horror show filled with mystery, suspense and the struggle for survival against the most evil and ruthless criminals. Cults and mentally unstable criminals are some of the main subjects portrayed in this episodic series that is sure to keep viewers up all night.
SPECIALS
MISS UNIVERSE: This season, Azteca America returns for the fourth consecutive year as the exclusive U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster of the MISS UNIVERSE® Competition, one of the most-viewed live events on television each year. Viewers will watch as 2017 Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, crowns her successor. Once again, this years program also will feature a prime time special, “Camino a la Corona,” showing behind-the-scenes footage of contestants preparing for their chance at the crown.
EL GRITO: On September 15, 2018, Azteca America will commemorate Mexicos Independence Day by presenting the beloved Ceremony for the Cry of Independence!, also known as El Grito. Broadcast from the beautiful National Palace to the sounds of bell tolls and fireworks, it will be a sole cry for liberty that can unite the entire Mexican community, wherever they may be, and bring them closer to home.
AZTECAS NEW YEARS SPECIAL: Live from both New York and Mexico City, Aztecas New Years celebration will be filled with lights, music and fireworks as we bid farewell to the old year and ring in the new with love, laughter and family!
LAS MAÑANITAS A LA VIRGEN: Live from La Basilica in Mexico City, the Azteca America family proudly joins the musical celebration of singing Las Mañanitas to the Virgin of Guadalupe, the sacred patron of Mexico. It is a tradition dating back generations, featuring our very own Azteca America on-camera talent who will be paying special tribute to the patron saint.NEW GAME SHOW
Mi Pareja Puede (based on the international format “My Man Can”): Four couples gamble on the abilities of their partners, putting their significant others courage and skills to the test. Hilarious challenges range from: which partner can eat the greatest number of chili peppers to who knows the most about cosmetics, and who can make a bed the fastest. One player sits at a gambling table and bets that his/her partner can accomplish certain tasks better than the competition. Which couple will walk away with the cash prize? Facundo hosts this fun-filled game show.
NEW REALITY COMPETITION
Al Ritmo del Boxeo: This hard-hitting reality series, hosted by Roberto Durán, infuses the sport of boxing with the live sounds of Latin Pop artists. Performances are expected by Yandel from the group Wisin Y Yandel, creating the first-ever Latin boxing tournament. Twenty talented Latin boxers from around the world will audition in front of a panel of judges for the opportunity to be chosen to compete on the show. The series aims to take viewers into the world of sports and music by examining the lifestyles and training regimens of the boxers as they prepare to fight their rivals from different cities. Whats at stake? Boxeos Latin World Championship belt, instantly qualifying the winner to be listed as a top ten contender in one of the top four sanctioning bodies.
