Convergence Conference Hispanic Media, Entertainment,Technology and Advertising

Conferencias sobre negocios en el Mes de la Herencia Hispana

2011-10-02T18:56:00.000-04:00

Sep 30, 2011 | En el marco del Mes de la Herencia Hispana de Nueva York la comisión de medios y entretenimiento latinos tiene planeada una serie de eventos que mostrará el talento, el crecimiento y la diversidad entre los hispanos.

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Nueva York lanza la Semana Latina con eventos empresariales

2011-10-02T18:53:00.000-04:00

NUEVA YORK, Sep 27, 2011 - La ciudad de Nueva York lanza el lunes próximo la segunda edición de su Semana Latina, con un programa que incluye conferencias empresariales, conciertos, presentaciones de filmes, obras de teatro y hasta un circo.

La Semana de los Medios y el Entretenimiento Latinos (LMEW, según sus siglas en inglés), que tendrá lugar del 3 al 9 de octubre, "mostrará el talento, el crecimiento y la diversidad del Nueva York latino", con el objetivo a largo plazo de que la ciudad "se convierta en el centro global latino económico y cultural", indicaron los organizadores en un comunicado.

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Rosetta Stone Selects Alma DDB as Hispanic Agency of Record

2011-05-11T17:09:00.000-04:00

MIAMI, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta Stone Ltd., a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, has selected Alma DDB as an official agency of record for the development and national launch of its new U.S. Hispanic marketing campaigns. Rosetta Stone has worked with Alma on a small number of projects in the past and decided to consolidate the relationship.

Juan Carlos Ortiz, President of DDB Latina stated: "The partnership with Rosetta Stone has us very excited. Without a doubt we're talking about one of the most vibrant brands in the United States that will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration and creativity for us all."

"We are very excited about working with Alma DDB on our Hispanic marketing efforts," said Eric Duehring, senior vice president of global marketing, Rosetta Stone. "Their knowledge and expertise will help Rosetta Stone to further connect with this growing and very important consumer audience."

Hispanics in the United States speak the language of optimism and the agency is taking the relationship with Rosetta Stone to the next level. Luis Miguel Messianu, President and CCO of Alma DDB said: "Not only will we be helping them build their brand with this crucial target, but we will be doing something very productive for the community we represent. We're extremely proud of this new partnership!"

SOURCE Alma DDB

Heineken and the Tribeca Film Institute Partner in Support of American Latino Filmmakers

2011-04-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

Heineken Voces Grant established to help Hispanic film and video artists living in the U.S. gain exposure in the industry

Download image NEW YORK, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Heineken USA is expanding its longstanding partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival by establishing the Heineken Voces Grant in support of American Latino filmmakers. Heineken Voces is a grant under the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund, that will carry the mission of encouraging Hispanic filmmakers to redefine, invent, explore and create visions and stories that reflect their diverse cultures. The grant will further the fund's reach by supporting specifically American Latinos, not only Latin America-based talent.

"At Heineken, we are excited to elevate our partnership with Tribeca to honor the contributions of American Latino filmmakers and give them access to new resources," said Carolyn Concepcion, Brand Manager of Heineken. "Whether it is through music, art or film, we are proud to develop ways to help emerging talent realize their creative journey. We know there is a need for Hispanic talent in the U.S. to be given the opportunity to showcase and perfect their artistic creations."

The Heineken Voces grantees will be selected by the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund selection committee made up of notable talents in the field. Grantees will receive unique one-on-one guidance and consultation from the Tribeca Film Institute, as well as funding to help their film reach completion and enter the marketplace in the best possible position. Submissions for the 2012 grant will be accepted in September 2011 via www.tribecafilminstitute.org, and the grantee will need to currently be in production of a feature length film.

"At the Tribeca Film Institute we pride ourselves in creating strong relationships with filmmakers. Through this partnership with Heineken we are able to address the needs of the thriving and talented community of American Latino filmmakers," said Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programming at the Tribeca Film Institute. "We look forward to helping the selected grantees by providing benefits that will include rough and fine cut screenings, notes session, buyer screenings and festival and distribution planning, among many other elements."

Heineken and the Tribeca Film Institute will announce an open call for entries within the coming months. Selection criteria will include project's fulfillment of the mission of the program. All submitted films will be screened and reviewed by a screening committee, who will narrow the selection to ten finalists.

About Heineken USA
Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premier beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Light; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; Newcastle Brown Ale, the leading imported ale in the United States; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Tecate Light, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For a safe ride home, download the Heineken USA-sponsored Taxi Magic™ application from your smartphone at taximagic.heineken.com. Please visit http://www.enjoyheinekenresponsibly.com/.

About the Tribeca Film Institute
The Tribeca Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) year-round nonprofit arts organization founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in the wake of September 11, 2001. TFI empowers filmmakers through grants and professional development, and is a resource for and supporter of individual artists in the field. The Institute's educational programming leverages an extensive network of people in the film industry to help New York City students learn filmmaking and gain the media skills necessary to be productive citizens and creative individuals in the 21st century.

SOURCE Heineken USA

Businesses and celebrities unite for St. Jude’s Gala por la Vida in New York, April 28th - Few tickets left!

2011-04-22T15:43:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK, NY (April 22nd, 2011) – The leadership and influence of recognized Latino business professionals, celebrities and executives in New York has set the tone for the launch of the second annual “Gala por la Vida” (Gala for Life) event, a night of hope for children who are suffering from cancer and other catastrophic diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the nation’s top children’s cancer hospital. The gala will take place on April 28, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the exclusive Angel Orensanz Foundation Center for the Arts in New York. This year, the gala will honor prominent minority-owned business and non-profit leader George A. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Health, for his commitment and dedication to improving the lives of minority groups in the healthcare community. Well-known local news personality, Sandra O’Neill, from Univision 41 will host the evening’s event.

“The members of the committee are putting forth their best resources and contacts to provide hope to the thousands of children who need treatment at St. Jude,” said Liliana Gil, chair of the Gala por la Vida committee and XL Alliance Managing Partner. The committee counts on the generous support of dedicated volunteers such as Chris Valletta, ex NFL player and former cast member of the NBC’s “The Apprentice”; Cesar Camacho, the event's creative director and producer; fashion consultant Valentina Henao, Karen Hoyos, Mark Antonacci, Carlos Vasallo, David A. Chitel, Karla Micalizzi, Diane Rankin, Gabriela Nevez, Michael A. Fernandez, Kelly Ramirez, Martha Llamoza, Mary C. Miqueli, Monica Dias, Warren Peña, Gabriela Poler, Jesús Maldonado and Windy Lopez.

The gala will include an exclusive fashion show by renowned Colombo-Venezuelan designer Raul Peñaranda. Peñaranda, who has worked with world-renowned fashion houses, including Oscar de la Renta, Kellwood and Tommy Hilfiger, will be showing his Fall 2011 collection at the Gala por la Vida. The exclusive fashion show will be sponsored by Vanidades magazine and styled by Camilo Vergara.

“We want to help St. Jude in their continuous quest in helping children fight cancer and our participation in this year’s Gala allows us to be a part of their worthy cause especially as it relates to the Hispanic community,” said Madelin Bosakewich, US and International Sales Director of Televisa Publishing + Digital.

The gala’s 300 guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening accompanied by top Latin music and television stars, and New York’s philanthropic community as they walk the red carpet. The evening’s events will include silent and live auctions featuring items like a personal donation from Gala por la Vida’s supporter, John Leguizamo, who has donated a personal backstage experience to his new Broadway show, Ghetto Klown.

Live performances will feature recording artist Fragancia, former member of the group DLG, new bachata sensation Yunel Cruz and as well as entertainment by DJ Kazzanova, from Univision Radio’s x96.3. Guests will also taste a menu exclusively designed for the gala by Salvadorian celebrity chef and Food Network star Ricardo Cardona. Some of the participating sponsors include Shoprite, Vanidades, Univision, Johnnie Walker, Wines of Argentina, MISSION Athlete Care, Starlite Media, The Kimball Family Foundation, Toma Vodka, Hispanolia Rum, d’expósito & Partners, XL Alliance, among others.

Thanks to events like Gala por la Vida, St. Jude is able to continue providing lifesaving medical treatments to children fighting cancers like leukemia, regardless of a family’s inability to pay. For more information on purchasing tickets to the gala, sponsorships or donating silent auction items, please contact (212) 239-3239 or visit www.stjude.org/galaporlavida. This year, we also ask the community to take part in a text messaging campaign benefiting St. Jude by texting the word “VIDA” to 90999 to donate $10 for the children of St. Jude.

Marketing online to the Hispanic and Latino communities at SES New York 2011

2011-04-19T11:45:00.000-04:00

Hispanic Population Explodes— Will Ad Dollars Follow?

2011-04-19T11:33:00.002-04:00

By Laura Martinez -- Broadcasting & Cable

The nation’s largest minority is younger and bicultural, and poses a huge marketing challenge

During the week of April 4, two of the nation’s largest media players, News Corp. and NBC Universal, separately announced their own initiatives to better serve the needs of marketers and advertisers trying to reach the U.S. Hispanic market. That Monday, News Corp.-owned Fox Networks announced with great fanfare the creation of Fox Hispanic Media (FHM), a media unit housing three Spanish-language cable networks, as a way for advertisers to reach a larger range of Latinos. The next day, NBC Universal touted its newly created “Hispanics at NBC,” a sales and marketing initiative aimed at connecting marketers with the nation’s 50.4 million Hispanic consumers.

News Corp.’s Fox and Comcast-owned NBC are two of the largest non-Hispanic networks that are vying to capture a higher share of advertising dollars in a market that is too large— and too important—to ignore: U.S. Hispanics represented an estimated purchasing power of $1 trillion in 2010, a figure that is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion in 2015.

This vital picture became clearer in late March, when the U.S. Census Bureau released its national findings, showing that U.S. Hispanics now represent the nation’s largest minority, surpassing the 50 million mark and growing at unprecedented rates (more than 100% over the last decade, in some markets), not only in those states that have traditionally attracted Latin American immigrants, but in seemingly unexpected places such as Vermont, Maryland, Tennessee and even Alaska.

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.Online Ad Revenues Hit Record High in 2010‎

2011-04-18T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Hollywood Reporter.

Revenue jumped 15% to $26 billion last year, putting the Internet ahead of newspapers for the first time.
Advertisers spent a record $26 billion in the U.S. marketing their wares online last year, putting the Internet ahead of newspapers for the first time.

The 15 percent year-over-year surge in online advertising put the Internet second to television as the leading medium for generating ad revenue.

Television, which includes local, cable and broadcast spending, brought in $68.7 billion. Newspapers took in $22.8 billion.

The data was released Wednesday in a 26-page report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

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Cartagena named VP Corporate Marketing at Univision.

2011-04-18T15:31:00.000-04:00

HispanicAd.com

Univision Communications Inc. announced the appointment of Chiqui Cartagena as vice president, Corporate Marketing. Cartagena will be responsible for developing and implementing corporate marketing strategies, positioning the Company’s broad portfolio of brands and creating proprietary consumer research tools and ethnographies. She will be based in New York and will report to Ruth Gaviria, senior vice president, Corporate Marketing.

“We are proud to have a skilled media and marketing pioneer like Chiqui Cartagena join Univision’s marketing team,” said Gaviria. “Her profound understanding of Hispanic consumers will help Univision on our quest to ensure all stakeholders understand the value of the fastest growing consumer group in the nation.”

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Liliana Gil, one of two Colombians selected by the World Economic Forum as 2011 Young Global Leader

2011-04-12T11:02:00.002-04:00

April 11th, 2011
The World Economic Forum, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and its exclusive community of Young Global Leaders have announced the class of 2011 Young Global Leaders.

Each year, the World Economic Forum identifies 200-300 extraordinary individuals worldwide. Together, they form a powerful international community that can dramatically impact the global future. Nominated under 40, these young leaders are proposed through a qualified nomination process and assessed according to rigorous selection criteria that creates a diverse and truly representative body, while accepting only the very best leaders who have already demonstrated their commitment to serving society at large.

After tracking and monitoring over 5,000 candidates worldwide, Liliana Gil was selected by a committee chaired by Queen Rania of Jordan and prominent business leaders, politicians and media leaders who appointed a select group of 190 Young Global Leaders.

Liliana is one of two Colombians, next to Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno, chief of staff to the President of Colombia, and one of 17 from Latin-American, who was hand selected to join this elite group of business and community leaders. She joins a select group of honorees that represent the future of leadership, coming from all regions of the world and representing business, government, civil society, arts & culture, academia and media, as well as social entrepreneurs.

Watch David Aikman, head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders, talk about this year's selection.

The YGL class of 2011 is composed of 190 Young Global Leaders from 65 countries and all stakeholders of society (business, civil society, social entrepreneurs, politics and government, arts and culture, and opinion and media). The new class represents all regions: East Asia (50), South Asia (18), Europe (42), Middle East and North Africa (13), sub-Saharan Africa (14), North America (36) and Latin America (17). This year's selection has more gender parity than ever, with 44% women.

"I am honored and humbled to be part of this select group of young leaders. More than ever, I now feel responsible, yet empowered, to amplify both social and business priorities that impact my home country Colombia and the Latino community in the U.S." says Gil. "To this day I am not sure how the nomination process came about.but, it is great to see that all the hard-work and passion I've been sharing all these years, has caught the attention of global leaders at the World Economic Forum."

After a prominent career that made her one of the youngest executives at Johnson & Johnson, Liliana is now an entrepreneur, media contributor and co-founder of XL Alliance, a unique Cultural Marketing & Consulting firm that focuses on advising corporate leaders and businesses to better reach the fast growing multicultural market, particularly Latinos, in America.

About the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit foundation in 1971, and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Forum is tied to no political, partisan or national interests. http://www.weforum.org/

Celebrated Latin Superstar Anthony "Romeo" Santos Signs to Sony Music

2011-04-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

The Renowned Singer - Songwriter Of Dominican And Puerto Rican Heritage Is The Voice Of The Famous Bachata Group Aventura (Premium Latin)

Download image NEW YORK, April 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- It was announced today that renowned singer, composer and producer Anthony "Romeo" Santos has signed to Sony Music Latin and Jive Records. One of the most important figures in Latin music today, the multi-faceted musician joins their roster of world-famous artists.

As the lead vocalist of the chart-topping Bachata super group, Aventura, Anthony "Romeo" Santos has been embraced by millions of fans worldwide. Last year, the group earned nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, including the prestigious Latin Album of the Year and Digital Album of the Year awards for their most recent multi-platinum studio album, The Last (Premium). Over the years the quartet has established a global following, selling out major arenas around the world including four sold-out headlining shows at Madison Square Garden last year, while their latest album, The Last, spawned four No. 1 singles and spent 22 weeks at No.1 on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart.

Santos is an accomplished songwriter in his own right penning hit singles for Latin superstars such as Thalia and Wisin & Yandel. The Bronx native has received recognition for his writing, winning several awards including a Billboard Award for Latin Composer of the Year in 2007 and Santos has the distinction of being the first Hispanic/Latino songwriter to have a song win an ASCAP award in the U.S. market Pop category, for his smash single, "Obsesion."

Commenting on the new association with Santos; Ruben Leyva, President of Sony Music US Latin states, "For our company it is truly a proud moment as we sign Anthony 'Romeo' Santos. He is the face of the today's young, ethnically diverse America. Anthony has demonstrated that his music has no borders, achieving international success across Europe and Latin America."

Anthony "Romeo" Santos' signature blend of Bachata, hip-hop and R&B music has made him a sought-after composer and one of the premier musicians of Latin music today.

SOURCE Jive Records

Bloomberg Sports, ESPN Deportes, Soccer United Marketing, NFL, and NBA executives to be among speakers at LatinVision’s “Marketing to Latinos Sports” conference, April 7 in New York

2011-04-05T11:34:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)—LatinVision Media Inc., a New York based organizer of conferences and networking events focused on marketing to U.S. Hispanics and Latin American executives, today announced its second annual “Sports” conference.

The event will be held at The Harvard Club in New York City on April 7, 2011. The speakers will address sports marketing issues relevant to the Hispanic community and will discuss best practices to reach Hispanic consumers using sports multimedia platforms.

"Sports is one of the most attractive and effective industries to reach Latinos consumers. No marketer can ignore the fact, the U.S. Hispanic consumer is one of the fastest growing markets in the nation with more than $1 trillion in purchasing power,“ said Carlos Vassallo, CEO of Latin Media Inc.

“In an ever-changing Latin market place marketers must stay on top of current topics and trends as well as success stories and best practices of current players who successfully are leveraging and taking advantage of this Latino passion.”

The one-day conference will feature a morning-evening format, with the morning session bearing the panels and presentations from 8:00 AM until 12.45PM, an afternoon session, and after work from 6PM to 8:30PM, designated for networking and one-on-one exchanges.

The panel presentations will be streamed live to Latin America, Spain and Portugal by LatinVision’s partner NetStairs and promoted in English, Spanish and Portuguese by partners Business Wire and Business Wire’s LatinoWire.

The panelist Lineup includes:

Chris Russo, CEO, Big Lead Sports
Bill Squadron, Sports Chief, Bloomberg Sports
Anthony Eros, Founder, Eros Company
Michelle Bella, VP Marketing, ESPN Deportes
Marcus Jimenez, Partner / Principal, Huemanitas
Hugo Hernandez, Director Sports Initiatives, Impremedia
Seneca Mudd, Director, Interactive Advertising Bureau
Carlos Vassallo, CEO, LatinVision Media
Jean Jimenez, Business Development & Sales, Mobile Messaging Solutions
Saskia Sorrosa, Senior Director of US Hispanic Marketing, NBA
Manuel Garcia, Director Latino Affairs, New York Yankees
Alvaro Saralegui, SVP, NFL
Oscar Allain, Account Director, Multicultural Marketing, Octagon
Javier Farfan, Director of Cultural Branding at PepsiCo, Pepsico
Juan Delgado, Managing Director North America, Perform Group
Chris Lencheski, Founder & CEO, Phoenicia Sport & Entertainment
Joseph Schramm, Managing Partner, Schramm Marketing Group
Russell Findlay, Chief Marketing Officer, Soccer United Marketing
Vicente Navarro, Director of Hispanic Marketing, Sports Endeavors, Inc.
Liz Sarachek Blacker, Chief Revenue Officer, Terra Networks
Daniel Traver, Director of Business Development, Traver Hispanic Marketing Group

For more information about the conference, to register and sponsor: www.latinvision.com/conference/sports and http://www.latinvision.com/conference/sports/sponsors.pdf

To learn more about LatinVision Media 2011 Conferences Series: www.latinvision.com/marketing

About LatinVision Media
LatinVision Media, Inc. is a New York-based company that operates business portals targeting U.S. Hispanic and Latin American entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and professionals in small and medium-sized companies. LatinVision portals include: http://www.latinvision.com/; www.latinvision.com/finance; www.latinvision.com/jobs; www.latinvision.com/digital among others. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/LatinVision

About Business Wire
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 as the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations and investor relations professionals rely on Business Wire for both broad-based and targeted market reach. A recognized disclosure service in the United States, Canada and a dozen European countries, Business Wire handles XBRL tagging, document formatting and regulatory filing into EDGAR, SEDAR and other systems. Business Wire provides online newsroom hosting and integration services as well as search engine optimization, mobile distribution and detailed measurement on every press release. Its patented NX delivery platform provides simultaneous full-text posting of Business Wire content to news systems and websites in virtually any country or language. With 32 bureaus worldwide, Business Wire offers local service and global reach.

Learn more at BusinessWire.com and the BusinessWired blog; follow updates on Twitter: @businesswire or on Facebook.

About NetStairs.com
NetStairs® celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since 2000, the company has pioneered and built open standard media infrastructures and platforms for ad agencies, global brands, publishers, TV stations, broadcasters, event promoters, content aggregators, and enterprises with CMS Web 2.0 / Web 3.0 sought solutions. As an intelligent media delivery enabler, NetStairs platforms are founded on industry standards with focus on interactive, live, on demand, and streaming protocols. For more information, visit: http://www.netstairs.com/.

U.S. Census Is All About Hispanic, Local

2011-03-24T11:46:00.001-04:00

By Karl Greenberg, MediaPost.

This is a very big year for the Census and not just for the obvious reason that new national Census numbers are forthcoming. The new data, which will be trickling out in coming days, reveal some profound shifts in demographic trends that will have major implications for marketers: You had better start thinking local.

It might help marketers that for the very first time, the Census will be putting out annual small-area data. The yearly data will look at occupational distribution, educational attainment, commuting patterns, housing, and socioeconomic status, according to Robert Groves, director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

"This has never happened before," noted Groves. "In prior years, we offered a big dose of data every 10 years, which became less and less valuable as the years passed." He said the new product, The American Community Survey, is based on ongoing polling of three million households.

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Latino Men: Why the Original Metrosexuals Should Be Attractive to Marketers

2011-03-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

By Chiqui Cartagena, AdAge.

Over the past couple of years, a ton of research has been released about the power of Latina women. And honestly, the focus on Latinas was long overdue. But while women are, no doubt, important to marketers, we seem to have lost sight of our men. Hispanic men, after all, make up 20% of the total U.S. population and while they may not have total control of the Hispanic "purse strings," they do have a say in what is bought for the household, especially when it comes to personal care. So the research shared by Univision last week felt like a breath of fresh air.

During an invitation-only breakfast at the Bryant Park Grill in New York, Univision Senior VP-Corporate Marketing Ruth Gaviria unveiled the results of a new study* called "Why Latinos Look So Good" and moderated a panel discussion on the subject with marketers and TV personalities: Cristian de la Fuente (who is hunkier in person than on TV, if you can believe it!); Univision's own Giselle Blondet; David Salazar, multicultural manager for Target Guest Insights; celebrity stylist Samy; and Daniel Villarroel, assistant VP-experiential and diversity marketing, Maybelline New York/Garnier.

As a Latina, the findings totally resonated with me. I've always known that my men love to "primp and groom." They just like to look good. I don't know if it's that "Latin lover" thing, but gay or straight, Latin men do the whole nine: mani-pedi, hair, cologne. It's what this study called celebrating their "vanidad" (the good kind of vanity with a small "v") over "machismo."

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Latino Kids Get More Media Exposure Than Any Other Ethnic Group

2011-03-18T16:29:00.000-04:00

By Bryan Llenas, Fox News Latino.

Could Latinos be falling on the wrong side of another digital divide?

Possibly. According to a new report from education organizations Joan Ganz Cooney Center and the Sesame Workshop, Latinos kids have more media exposure than any other group. They also had the biggest growth in media consumption between 2004 and 2009. In fact, they’re clocking the kind of hours that raise eyebrows among child development experts.

The report is a sweeping look at seven recent studies that indicate young children are increasingly consuming media from all types of sources, from MP3 players and video games, to the Internet, TV, cell phones and even books. The most striking numbers, of course, are the ones rung up by digital media: About 25% of three-year-olds go online at least once a day, for example. By age five, that figure is 50 percent.

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Vme Partners with White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

2011-03-16T11:18:00.000-04:00

Multifaceted programming partnership seeks to encourage innovative ideas on improving educational success of Latinos

WASHINGTON, and NEW YORK, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With Hispanics comprising more than twenty percent of the public school population, the White House is focusing on Hispanics, declaring that, "to meet national goals for improving academic achievement, success of the Hispanic community is key." To explore the state of Hispanic education and bring this message to Spanish speaking America, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics is partnering with Spanish broadcaster, Vme to develop programming for television, online, mobile, and community engagement events.

As part of its partnership with the initiative, Vme will create an original special, El Futuro de la Educacion Hispana. This wide-ranging special will explore challenges to Hispanic education from early childhood learning to higher education. Through interviews with education leaders and experts, students, parents, demographers, advocates and others, this program will discuss the critical role education plays in the advancement of Hispanics, the success of the U.S. educational system, and readiness for the future workforce of America.

Hispana premieres in April, 2011 as a multi-screen event broadcasting simultaneously on-air, online, on Facebook and on mobile phones. Additionally viewers will participate in a live-chat on Facebook during the broadcast of the program.

Vme will also provide news coverage, interviews and updates on the progress of the White House Initiative in a new weekly series called Contigo por la Educacion . These weekly updates will document key issues and feature live footage from the White House Initiative's national listening tours that ask educators, businesses, community leaders, parents, and others on the front lines of this challenge how Latino education can be improved and what the initiative should be doing to spearhead those efforts. Led by the Vme Noticias team, Contigo por la Educacion will highlight sustainable and effective approaches that will increase high school and college graduation rates, improve overall school readiness and promote the fundamental importance of education. The updates will be available online and on television.

"President Obama has called on us to forge partnerships that link key organizations from outside the education system in our Race to the Top goals," said Juan Sepulveda, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. "Given the critical role Hispanics play in our national education goals, this new collaboration between the White House Initiative and Vme helps us deliver the message to Vme's national audience and create a national dialogue about Hispanic education."

"Dramatically improving the performance of our kids in school is not only fundamental to the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S., but to America's future prosperity and growth," said Carmen DiRienzo, President and CEO "Vme is excited to partner with the White House Initiative to shine a spotlight on the critical role that Hispanic academic success plays in Race to the Top and our national goals for improving academic achievement."

Vme was selected for this unique partnership because of its strong commitment to education. Everyday, Vme helps children prepare for school with the country's only daily block of educational preschool programming in Spanish. Presented in partnership with public television, this high-quality preschool programming encourages early learning and development. Vme's commitment to preschool education fits squarely with the White House emphasis on school readiness, which leads to long-term school success.

In nearly 40 markets, Vme is available free over-the-air, and on basic digital cable. Vme is also carried nationally via satellite in the basic and Hispanic packages of Dish Network and DirecTV. In some areas, Vme is available on Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-verse. For local channel information go to vmetv.com/estaciones.

About Vme – Vme has made the promise to be Contigo to Hispanic families delivering drama, music, sports, news, current affairs, Latin cinema, food, lifestyle, nature and educational preschool content. The 24-hour Spanish network, partnered with public television stations, is currently available in more than 10 million Hispanic homes. Vme is the first venture of the media production and distribution company, Vme Media Inc. To find out more please visit http://www.vmetv.com/

SOURCE Vme

Spanish Broadcasting System Appoints Donny Hudson to Vice President of Sales

2011-03-15T17:16:00.002-04:00

MIAMI, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Spanish Broadcasting System Inc., ("SBS") (Nasdaq: SBSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Donny Hudson to Vice President of Sales for Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) -Radio/TV/Digital and Entertainment. Mr. Hudson will be responsible for growing and overseeing the revenue in all of the company's divisions.

At the same time, he will continue to assume his responsibilities as Sales Manager for WXDJ-El Zol 95.7 FM and WRAZ-La Raza 106.3 FM, two of SBS's radio stations in South Florida.

"My appointment of Donny Hudson to a senior leadership role in SBS, represents complete confidence that he will do an excellent job," states Albert Rodriguez, Chief Revenue Officer of SBS's consolidated operations, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mega TV.

"I feel very proud and excited for Donny; he is and will always be, a great asset to SBS," adds Jackie Nosti-Cambo, SBS Forensic Operation Manager & VP/GM Miami & New York Radio Stations.

Donny has been with Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) since November 2001. Prior to this appointment, he was Sales Manager for WXDJ- El Zol 95.7FM and WRAZ-La Raza 106.3FM in Miami, and Director of Local Sales for WSKQ-Mega 97.9FM and WPAT-Amor 93.1FM in New York. In 2002 he was also overseeing the local sales for WRMA-Romance 106.7FM and WCMQ-Clasica 92.3FM. In 2005 during his tenure as Local Sales Manager for WXDJ-El Zol 95.7FM, the station was ranked as #1 in billing with the highest annual revenue ever achieved by any South Florida radio station.

"We are excited that Donny has earned a well deserved promotion and will be assuming the responsibilities of the newly created Vice President of Sales position. He has a proven track record and a profound knowledge of our business," adds Marko Radlovic, SBS Chief Revenue Officer (Radio Division).

Prior to joining Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), Hudson worked in sales at HBC for WRTO-98.3FM, WAMR-107.5FM and WQBA-1140AM, and then as General Sales Manager of WRTO-98.3FM. He started his radio career at WSUA-Radio Caracol after graduating from the University of Miami in 1989 with a Degree in Broadcasting. He is a proud Miami native.

Tony Garcia, president of Menda Group Advertising adds, "Donny and I have been working together for more than 20 years now, and aside from being the ultimate professional, he is an incredible person, father and friend. His ability to lead and raw talent to succeed in everything he does, is a testament to his unending dedication to his company, his co-workers and his clients. I am very proud to call Donny my friend, and even more proud to see him achieve this incredible milestone in his professional life."

"I am extremely excited for this opportunity; I will be able to continue to use my experience and relentless drive to grow SBS shares in every market, together with the great team and family that we have at SBS," states Donny Hudson.

About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States. SBS owns and/or operates 21 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Mexican Regional, Spanish Adult Contemporary and Hurban format genres. The Company also owns and operates Mega TV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events throughout the country and operates http://www.lamusica.com/, a bilingual Spanish-English online site providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. The Company's corporate Web site can be accessed at http://www.spanishbroadcasting.com/.

http://www.mega.tv/
http://www.spanishbroadcasting.com/
http://www.lamusica.com/

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System Inc.

Univision Announces Departure of Joe Uva, President and CEO

2011-03-14T14:52:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Univision Communications Inc., the premier media company serving Hispanic America, announced today that Joe Uva, President and Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors that he has chosen not to renew his employment agreement in order to be able to seek other opportunities.

Haim Saban, Executive Chairman of Univision said, “On behalf of the Univision Board of Directors, we would like to commend Joe for his tremendous contributions over the past four years. Univision is a better company today due to Joe’s efforts in building a strong leadership team and positioning Univision for long-term success. Univision’s business is strong, and the entire management team remains focused on delivering value to its customers and stakeholders. We wish Joe the best in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Uva said, “My four years as President and CEO of Univision have been extremely exciting and rewarding. I believe our team can be proud of the accomplishments that we achieved during my tenure. Although I will miss working with the many talented professionals at Univision, the team is strong and I have decided the time is right for me to capitalize on other opportunities. I know that Univision will continue its great success as the premier Spanish-language media company in the U.S.”

Univision also announced that it will commence a search process for a new CEO immediately. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Saban will assume additional responsibilities in his role as Executive Chairman until a new CEO is appointed.

Mr. Uva’s departure will become effective upon the end of the current term of his employment contract, April 2, 2011.

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the premier media company serving the U.S. Hispanic community. Its assets include Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, reaching 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for the Company’s platforms; Univision Local Media, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations and 70 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Interactive Media, which includes Univision.com, the leading Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings; and TuTv, U.S. outlet for pay television channels of Mexico-based Grupo Televisa. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit http://www.univision.net/.

Google’s Hispanic Strategy Focused on Cultural Identity

2011-03-11T09:40:00.001-05:00

MIAMI – Google’s approach to the U.S. Hispanic market is centered more on the cultural identity of Latinos than on the difference in language.

This is the strategy designed by Mark Lopez, the head of Google’s U.S. Hispanic unit, who from his new offices in Miami is trying to significantly increase the amount of advertising directed toward U.S. digital media in Spanish.

“Of the Hispanic media’s $4 billion in income from advertising, barely 3 percent is going to digital media. In the coming years, there will be accelerated growth,” Lopez told Efe.

Lopez, who was the chief operations officer at Terra Networks USA before joining Google, is the person in charge of putting into practice a new strategy based “on an imaginative and creative view.”

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Why Are Hispanics Missing in Leadership at Media Companies?

2011-03-09T15:14:00.000-05:00

By Rossana Fiske, MediaShift

Business content on MediaShift is sponsored by the weekend MA in Public Communication at American University. Designed for working professionals, the program is suited to career changers and public relations or social marketing professionals seeking career advancement. Learn more here.
Fifty million people. One trillion dollars in buying power. Ad spending up 164% since 2001 to $3.88 billion. Hundreds of Spanish-language TV stations across the U.S.

Those eye-catching numbers represent the immense, and largely untapped, scale and wealth of the Hispanic-American media market. Put into greater perspective, if Hispanic-Americans comprised their own country, it would be the fifth-largest, by population, in the European Union. And this demographic is growing -- rapidly.

Despite these figures, one component is still missing in the media industry's quest for greater diversity: Hispanic leadership in the executive suite at media companies.

As a Hispanic-American executive, who also happens to be female, I have seen first-hand the immense growth and impact diversity is having on the American economy and culture. Media executives, marketers, communicators, lawmakers and all of America are hurtling into an era where the business and marketing of diversity -- particularly the Hispanic-American market -- will be at the forefront of the American conscience.

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Comcast Pitches Español Everywhere

2011-03-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

By Todd Spangler, Multichannel News.

Operator Boosts Hispanic VOD and Online Video Content Available to Subscribers

In a bid to win more Hispanic subscribers, Comcast has tripled the amount of Spanish-language video on demand in recent months and now offers more than 500 movies and shows online for Latino audiences.

The Philadelphia-based operator's expanded bouquet of Spanish-language content is available to subscribers to its Hispanic programming tiers, which offer more than 50 networks. Comcast's standalone MultiLatino packages start at $16.95 per month and may be added to any video subscription plan.

"It's the culmination of the commitment we've made to Hispanic customers," Marcien Jenckes, senior vice president and general manager of video services for Comcast, said. "I like our [Spanish-language] packages as much as or better than anyone in the industry -- and we're differentiated from satellite by being able to deliver on-demand content.

"Sofia Vergara in an ad for Comcast Xfinity TV in SpanishThe Hispanic On Demand service now offers almost 700 video choices, with new content from broadcasting partners including Univision, Galavisión, TeleFutura, Telemundo and mun2. Comcast also is offering more movies in Spanish the same day as DVD, according to Jenckes.

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Indomina and Pinewood Announce New World-Class Studio Facility in Dominican Republic

2011-02-25T11:08:00.001-05:00

Dominican Republic Government Passes New Tax Incentive Legislation to Boost Local Filmmaking in Conjunction With "Pinewood Indomina Studios" Launch

LOS ANGELES, CA and LONDON and SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC--(Marketwire - February 23, 2011) - Indomina Group, the fast-growing U.S. and Dominican Republic based producer and distributor of film, TV and trans-media content, announced today it has entered into a partnership agreement with the world-renowned Pinewood Studios Group, which will operate, manage and market a new state-of-the-art film and television facility in the Dominican Republic. A ground breaking ceremony, inaugurated by the President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández Reyna, is taking place today.

Located in the beach town of Juan Dolio on the Dominican Republic's southern coast, about 40 miles east of Santo Domingo, "Pinewood Indomina Studios" will be a full-service, world-class production facility for film, TV, and other related media content, servicing the growing Caribbean, Southern and Central American markets as well as Hollywood and the rest of the world.

The state-of-the-art film and television production facilities will initially comprise 5,000 sq m of sound stage space along with 15,000 sq m of associated production support facilities. The 35 acre site will include an acre water effects facility including a 75m x 75m exterior water tank with natural ocean horizons, blue screen capabilities and a fully equipped diving and marine department. When completed it will be the only tank of its type and size in the region. Commencement of initial operations is expected by early 2012.

Growth in spending on filmed entertainment in Latin America is expected to rise at a 4.5 percent compound annual rate to $3.1 billion in 2013 from $2.5 billion in 2008. Box office spending is expected to increase from $1.3 billion in 2008 to $1.7 billion in 2013, a 5 percent compound annual growth1. Pinewood Indomina Studios will target production companies wanting access to the Caribbean, Central and South American markets and its population of 580 million2 as well as the 47 million strong Hispanic and Latino market in North America3.

As a production location, the Dominican Republic offers well-established infrastructures, reasonable labor costs, a technically-skilled workforce, and a secure and stable environment. Together with the unmatched production values that the Pinewood name guarantees, Pinewood Indomina Studios promises to be both highly competitive and on the cutting edge of technical and creative content.

In a significant show of support for not only the new studio but the film industry as a whole, the National Congress of the Dominican Republic has passed into law a new bill that will provide a tax credit of up to 25% for feature films and TV series shot in the Dominican Republic (meeting traditional predetermined criteria). The new tax incentive, a first for the Dominican Republic, is now in effect.

Indomina Group Co-Chairman and CEO Jasbinder Singh Mann said: "The ground breaking ceremony for Pinewood Indomina Studios marks a major step forward in Indomina's evolution. Building and operating a world-class production facility in the Dominican Republic has always been an integral part of our vision for the company, and we're delighted to be doing so with a partner as distinguished and experienced as Pinewood."

Commenting on the announcement Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive, Pinewood Shepperton plc said: "This represents further progress in Pinewood's strategy to leverage the strength of our brand internationally and specifically to the growing Latino film and television market. The Pinewood brand stands for excellence in the global film industry and we have strategically targeted regions of the world where significant incremental growth has been forecast."

The formal groundbreaking ceremony takes place today, Wednesday the 23rd of February 2011 at 10:00am local time in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

About Indomina
The Indomina Group is a vertically integrated independent studio launched in 2008 by Co-Founder and CEO Jasbinder Singh Mann and asset manager Vicini.

Operating in Los Angeles and the Dominican Republic, Indomina takes a transmedia approach to collaborating with content creators around the world to bring innovative entertainment properties to the market.

The company's global operations include the production and distribution of motion pictures, television, music, interactive games, and the ownership of world-class studio facilities and production services.

For more information please visit http://www.indomina.com/

About Pinewood
The Pinewood Studios Group is a leading provider of studio and related services to the global film and television industry. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, the impressive heritage of its UK-based Pinewood, Shepperton and Teddington Studios date back to the early 20th Century and are home to some of the most successful feature films and TV shows ever made. Renowned across the globe for excellence in its field, the Pinewood brand is now being exported overseas to studios in Toronto - Canada, Berlin - Germany and Iskandar - Malaysia.

The facilities comprise the best quality sound stages, a globally unique underwater filming stage, a wealth of specialist production resources, state of the art TV studios, post production and digital content services. The studios also offer easy access to the world's most experienced crews as well as the expertise of hundreds of complimentary media companies based at its Pinewood and Shepperton Media Parks.

Recent film and TV productions that have used the Studios' facilities include Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Captain America: The First Avenger; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1; Robin Hood; Moon; Gulliver's Travels; Little Dorrit, Dancing on Ice, The Magicians, ZingZillas, Would I Lie To You and Reggie Perrin. Visit http://www.pinewoodgroup.com/ for more info.

1 Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Global entertainment and media outlook:2009-2013

2 Source: US Aid, Population Reference Bureau, World Population Data Sheet, 2009

3 Source: American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, US Census Bureau, 2008

LatinVision Media Announces “Marketing to Latinos” Conference Series

2011-02-18T12:02:00.002-05:00

Marketing to Latinos Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Conference

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LatinVision Media, an operator of business portals serving the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American entrepreneurs, business owners and executives in small to medium-sized companies, today announced its 2011 Marketing to Latinos Conference Series aimed at helping marketers reach and engage US Hispanic consumers and businesses.

In partnership with Business Wire, Business Wire LatinoWire and NetStairs, LatinVision Media will host four industry-specific sessions, beginning with “Marketing to Latinos Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Conference” on February 24, 2011 in New York City. Other sessions include Sports, Latinas, and Banking/Finance.

“The Census of 2010 results will confirm the U.S. Hispanic Market is the most attractive one for advertisers and marketers with a purchasing power above one trillion dollars,“ said Carlos Vassallo, CEO of LatinVision Media. “The exponential growth of the Hispanic Market as a segment is changing the rules forcing marketers to change their approach, strategy and tactics if they want to maintain their share in the business. The approach used 10 years ago is no longer relevant neither effective. This is our second series edition, this year the main focus will be on these changes and how companies and individuals can use these changes to engage this audience in a proactive, interactive and unique way.’’

The conference series will feature panels and presentations in the morning and after work sessions in the evening for networking and one-on-one exchanges. As with all LatinVision events, there is a dedicated website for each event where attendees can find detailed information, including conference schedule, registration, program and other details. Each conference will be will be live streamed and profiled in social networks and a Business networking event will follow after in the afternoon.

To learn more about the conference, to register and sponsor: www.latinvision.com/conference/travel and www.latinvision.com/conference/travel/mediakit.pdf

To learn more about 2011 Conferences Series: www.latinvision.com/marketing

About LatinVision Media
LatinVision Media, Inc., a New York based company, is a premier organizer of conferences and business networking events, gathering U.S. Hispanic and Latin American executives, professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

About Business Wire
Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 as the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations and investor relations professionals rely on Business Wire for both broad-based and targeted market reach. A recognized disclosure service in the United States, Canada and a dozen European countries, Business Wire handles XBRL tagging, document formatting and regulatory filing into EDGAR, SEDAR and other systems. Business Wire provides online newsroom hosting and integration services as well as search engine optimization, mobile distribution and detailed measurement on every press release. Its patented NX delivery platform provides simultaneous full-text posting of Business Wire content to news systems and websites in virtually any country or language.

With 32 bureaus worldwide, Business Wire’s service hallmark is defined by local service coupled with global reach, a combination unique in its industry. Learn more at BusinessWire.com and the BusinessWired blog; follow updates on Twitter: @businesswire or on Facebook. Photos/Multimedia Gallery available here

About NetStairs.com
NetStairs® celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since 2000, the company has pioneered and built open standard media infrastructures and platforms for ad agencies, global brands, publishers, TV stations, broadcasters, event promoters, content aggregators, and enterprises with CMS Web 2.0 / Web 3.0 sought solutions. As an intelligent media delivery enabler, NetStairs platforms are founded on industry standards with focus on interactive, live, on demand, and streaming protocols. For more information, visit: http://www.netstairs.com/.

Hispanic Market Overview 2011, Presented by Telemundo, Now Available at No Charge to U.S. Hispanic Market Professionals

2011-02-17T12:10:00.002-05:00

MIAMI, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hispanic Market Overview – 2011, presented by Telemundo, the highly anticipated follow-up report on how marketers and advertisers can best-target Latino consumers, has been released by the Adam R Jacobson Editorial Services and Research Consultancy and HispanicAd.com, the tool for the Hispanic advertising and media professional.

Distributed exclusively in the U.S. Hispanic market by HispanicAd.com, this year's edition includes enhanced content and detailed information on population trends and consumer activity among Latinos, provided through a strategic partnership with business intelligence and multicultural market research firm Geoscape.

Available as a free download from JakeAdams.net and HispanicAd.com, Hispanic Market Overview 2011, presented by Telemundo includes a detailed look at the U.S. Hispanic consumer, with Geoscape-provided data on population, language preference, income trends and spending. This year's edition also features insight and analysis on Hispanic advertising from key leaders in the industry, representing multicultural agencies, Spanish-language television, Spanish-language radio and Hispanic print and online media.

Hispanic Market Overview 2011, presented by Telemundo also shines the spotlight on the out-of-home segment, Direct Response advertising and the growing call for Spanish-language call centers. New for 2011 is a breakout section on the rapidly growing Hispanic health and wellness category, which has seen new radio and television programming and the rise of an internet portal devoted specifically to the hot topic.

Also new in Hispanic Market Overview 2011, presented by Telemundo is a streamlined, easy-to-read Hispanic DMA Grid powered by Geoscape.

"This year's report, the fourth in our year-old series of free-of-charge Overview reports, is without a doubt our best one yet," said Jacobson, who launched his consultancy in January 2010 following his departure as senior associate editor of Hispanic Market Weekly. "It is chock-full of great information and packaged in an easy-to-read format. Best of all, we're helping to share the powerful opportunities for savvy marketers and advertisers that exist throughout the U.S. Hispanic market. And, there is no subscription needed to access this vitally important data."

Other partners for this year's report include Azteca America, CallZilla, Dr. Felipe Korzenny, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, GLR Networks, Hola Networks, impreMedia, Posterscope, SaludyVida.com and Zipcast.

A sold-out webinar hosted by Geoscape's Savvy University, set for 2PM Eastern on February 15, 2011, will be available on-demand shortly. For further details, visit http://geoscape.com/savvyu.asp.

SOURCE Adam R Jacobson Editorial Services and Research Consultancy

How to reach a growing Latino community

2011-02-09T15:02:00.000-05:00

By Scott Krauss, The Morning Call

The folks at the Crayola Factory in Easton know there are a growing number of Hispanic families in the Lehigh Valley who might enjoy a trip to their kid-friendly attraction.

They're just not sure how best to get the word out, said Crayola spokeswoman Sue Kiefner. Should they target moms, dads, grandparents?

"The challenge in reaching any market is making sure you market to the right person," said Kiefner, one of about 80 Lehigh Valley business people who heard Wednesday from Mia Mendoza, a Delaware County-based Hispanic marketing expert and CEO of the Mendoza Group.

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Google US Hispanic Marketing Forum Event

2011-02-08T10:26:00.002-05:00

impreMedia Reports Strong Growth in Readership and Online Audience

2011-02-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hispanics are Increasingly Online and Engaging in Print and Digital Content

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--impreMedia, the Leading Hispanic News and Information Company, reports impressive double-digit growth in readership for its weekly publications, El Mensajero, La Raza and La Prensa. Its portal, impre.com, and its newspaper websites also reported a substantial increase in unique visitors and page views.

According to Scarborough’s 2010 R2 Hispanic custom study, San Francisco’s El Mensajero’s monthly readership increased 11% while Chicago’s La Raza grew an impressive 10% compared to 2010 R1. Orlando’s La Prensa also saw an increase of 10% in its monthly readership.

“Readers are looking for unique, quality content that is both engaging and informative and that’s exactly what we provide them,” stated Monica Lozano, CEO of impreMedia. “The increased readership in El Mensajero, La Raza and La Prensa proves that we continue to grow and engage with Hispanic audiences within a competitive media landscape.”

Ms. Lozano also commented, “We are well positioned for the future. The 2010 Census is expected to report that Hispanics are leading the country in population growth and the future of this country is inextricably linked to the prosperity and success of this community. We are uniquely situated to play a vital role in that development.”

Founded in 1987, El Mensajero is one of the leading Spanish-language newspapers in the San Francisco Bay area, and serves San Jose, Oakland, and 11 surrounding cities. The newspaper is also the recipient of the award for “Best Spanish Language Weekly” by the National Association of Hispanic Publications. The recent data release places El Mensajero’s monthly audience at 145,302, an increase of 11%.

La Raza is the number one Spanish-language weekly newspaper in Chicago. It has been recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Publications as the “Best Spanish Language Weekly” five times over the past decade and was named by Editor & Publisher as one of “Ten That Do It Right.” The recent data release places La Raza’s monthly audience at 403,634, an increase of 10%.

La Prensa is the premier Spanish-language newspaper in Florida. La Prensa connects its readers to the community by delivering unsurpassed award-winning journalism in both online and print. The recent data release places La Prensa’s monthly audience at 109,191, an increase of 10%.

impreMedia’s portal, impre.com, and its publication’s websites also reported substantial growth in traffic over the last six months almost doubling monthly audience and reaching 1.2 million unique visitors in December 2010 according to Omniture. The websites surpassed 5 million page views in a month and continues to steadily grow and expand its digital footprint.

“The increased traffic to our network sites is a clear indicator that Hispanics are increasingly online and are engaged with the content that we provide,” said Ginger Neal, SVP for impreMedia Digital. “They value our brands as trusted sources for news and information and our content verticals are destinations for Latinos from distinct demographics.”

Hispanics online are showing a higher level of engagement with Spanish-language websites such as impre.com. The company’s initiatives such as “Piensa Digital/Think Digital,” an information campaign designed to educate and empower Hispanics and “El Futuro es Ahora/The Future is Now,” a groundbreaking, bilingual series about the 2010 Census data, enable Hispanics to become better connected, informed and engaged online.

About impreMedia
impreMedia is the leading Hispanic News and Information Company in the U.S. in Online and Print. impreMedia’s multi-platform offerings range from Online to Video, Social Media, Mobile, Audio, Newspapers and Magazines, including the http://www.impre.com/ portal. 25.5% of U.S. Hispanic adults use an impreMedia network product. The network is also the nation’s largest Hispanic newspaper publisher with newspapers in top U.S. Hispanic markets, reaching 15 markets total that represent 59% of the U.S. Hispanic population. Its leading publications include La Opinión in Los Angeles and El Diario La Prensa in New York. For more information, visit: http://www.impremedia.com/.

ImpreMedia portals and publication websites are: http://www.impre.com/, http://www.laopinion.com/, http://www.eldiariony.com/, http://www.hoynyc.com/, http://www.laraza.com/, http://www.laprensafl.com/, http://www.elmensajero.com/, http://www.rumbotx.com/, http://www.vistamagazine.com/, and http://www.contigola.com/, http://www.lavibra.com/, http://www.impreautos.com/.

Why Digital Ads Are the Way to Reach U.S. Hispanics

2011-02-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

By Courtney Rubin, Inc.

U.S. Hispanics have about a trillion dollars in purchasing power—and they're far more likely than the general population to buy something after seeing an online ad.

U.S. Hispanics are 58 percent more likely to click on search ads than the general population, says a new study from Google and global research firm OTX.

In general, U.S Hispanics are more likely to remember online ads—especially video ads—when shopping. And three out of five bought something after seeing online ads while they did research—22 percent more than the national average.

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Google US Hispanic Marketing Forum: Four Truths about US Hispanics Online

2011-01-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

www.latinvision.com

AP names new deputy editor for Spanish services

2011-01-26T14:19:00.000-05:00

MEXICO CITY

Alejandro Manrique, a veteran journalist for newspapers, television and radio in the United States and Latin America, has been appointed Deputy Latin America Editor for Spanish Services for The Associated Press.

Manrique will be based in Mexico City and oversee a team of about 30 editors, translators and reporters in Latin American and the United States. His appointment was announced Monday by Latin America and Caribbean Editor Marjorie Miller, who directs the Spanish service for the news cooperative.

"Alejandro Manrique has extensive journalistic experience in Spanish-language media and markets across the Spanish-speaking world," Miller said. "He loves news and he's competitive. He will help us achieve our goals of delivering ever-smarter, faster and more compelling news coverage in Spanish."

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U.S. Latinos Online: a driving force –Data on Hispanics Online from the IAB Multicultural Council

2011-01-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

The Hispanic division of the IAB Multicultural Council consolidated data from different resources to convey a clear message about the size, growth and dynamics of Hispanics online as well as how to most effectively talk to them in-language and in-culture. This document specifically covers the Hispanic dominant/Spanish preferred and bicultural/bilingual segments. The document will serve as a centralize resource for publisher, agencies, and marketers to reference for data on the relevant segments.

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Hollywood goes bananas for stereotypes

2011-01-13T11:39:00.001-05:00

By Dolores Prida, NYDailyNews.com

Every contemporary Latina writer in the U.S.A. has been wrestling with the ghost of Carmen Miranda since the day we composed our first sentence.

We despised the Hollywood conception of Latin womanhood that since the 1940s haunted, maraca in hand, the days of our lives. We fought against the turbans decorated with tropical fruit and the platform shoes and the clownish smile and the extra thick accent and the swaying hips and the rapid-fire, unintelligible speech.

We believed it was our sacred mission to present a new Latina image where sexy-sultry-exotic singing and dancing spitfires, hot tamales and firecrackers were never ever seen nor heard. We tried and on many occasions succeeded on the stage or on the pages of a book to bring to life real, fascinating Latinas. But on the movie screens, with very few exceptions - actually only one comes to mind immediately, so let's hear it for HBO and Josefina López's "Real Women Have Curves" - the ghost keeps winning.

Since I wrote my first play, "Beautiful Señoritas," more than 30 years ago, I've been approached by movie and TV people on several occasions and even received money for rights, but nothing ever came of it because I was unwilling to change characters and plot to fit a pre-determined idea of what Latinas are supposed to be.

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Getting the message across: Hispanic marketing strategies

2011-01-11T11:38:00.001-05:00

By Alicia kelso, QSRWeb.com

Habla Espanol? Most quick-service chains are brushing up on their Spanish. And for good reason.

A 2009 analysis by the Latinum Network found that while the American economy floundered, the spending growth by U.S. Hispanics was twice the growth of general market spending.

Considering one-third of the nation’s population 19 years old and younger is expected to be Latino by 2015, this trend only appears to be accelerating.

Restaurants have taken note and have scrambled for creative ways to pique the interest of this spendthrift demographic – hiring separate agencies of record for Spanish-speaking markets, launching Hispanic-specific promotions and sponsoring Latino-focused events, for example.

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El Mensajero Introduces Product Redesign

2011-01-10T15:17:00.000-05:00

Expands Content Offering and Advertising Opportunities

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--El Mensajero, the largest Spanish-Language newspaper in the San Francisco Bay Area, unveils an exciting redesign that includes a fresh new look, new editorial formats and expanded content. The redesign supports El Mensajero’s commitment to remain the Bay Area’s favorite Hispanic publication.

The redesigned publication was released January 9, 2011, and includes a magazine-like design, vibrant color integration and a more user-friendly format. The new layout introduces a more streamlined and reorganized format that highlights special editorial sections, better use of graphics to ease navigation and a more concise and modular design.

“We are excited to offer our audience a new redesign of ‘El Mensajero’,” said Maria Mejia, Managing Editor for El Mensajero. “The strong reputation and loyalty that we have with our readers is important in what we do and the redesign is a reflection of our commitment to them to provide the best newspaper at all times.”

“As an integral part of the redesign we also incorporated changes that reflect advertisers needs to deliver results,” stated Michael Howard, General Manager for El Mensajero. “El Mensajero will now offer advertisers a variety of new modular ad sizes and unique positioning opportunities that no other Hispanic publication does in San Francisco.”

Covering the main cities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, El Mensajero has a history of award-winning editorial including first place awards from the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP). El Mensajero is proud to be the only Spanish-language publication in the Bay area having received such an award.

About El Mensajero
El Mensajero is the number one Spanish-language newspaper in San Francisco Bay area. Serving the cities of San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose it holds a circulation of 103,800 weekly copies (CAC 11/10). El Mensajero has served the San Francisco Bay area for the past 23 years. It is also part of the 7th largest U.S. Latino market. El Mensajero has been recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Publications as the "Best Spanish Language Weekly." El Mensajero is part of impreMedia family of publications. For more information visit http://www.elmensajero.com/.

About impreMedia
impreMedia is the leading Hispanic News and Information Company in the U.S. in Online and Print. impreMedia's multi-platform offerings range from Online to Video, Social Media, Mobile, Audio, Newspapers and Magazines, including the http://www.impre.com portal. 24% of all U.S. Hispanic adults use an impreMedia network product. The network is also the nation's largest Hispanic newspaper publisher with newspapers in top U.S. Hispanic markets, reaching 15 markets total that represent 59% of the U.S. Hispanic population. Its leading publications include La Opinión in Los Angeles and El Diario La Prensa in New York.

For more information, visit: http://www.impremedia.com/.
ImpreMedia portals and publication websites are: http://www.impre.com/, http://www.laopinion.com/, http://www.eldiariony.com/, http://www.hoynyc.com/, http://www.laraza.com/, http://www.laprensafl.com/, http://www.elmensajero.com/, http://www.rumbotx.com/, http://www.vistamagazine.com/, and http://www.contigola.com/, http://www.lavibra.com/, http://www.impreautos.com/.

2011: The Year Of Creative Destruction

2011-01-07T09:27:00.000-05:00

By Jose Villa, MediaPost.

I made the bold prediction almost a year ago today that Hispanic marketing was in for big changes in 2011. I have to admit I think I will be proven wrong.

I think 2011 will result in even more changes than I boldly forecast last year. I think by the time 2012 rolls around, we're barely going to recognize the Hispanic marketing space that has seem tremendous growth -- more people, more media companies, and more agencies -- but changed very little since 2000. Here are my revised, emboldened predictions for Hispanic marketing in 2011:

Prediction #1 The death of the Hispanic advertising agency

2010 was definitely the year of the full-on assault on Hispanic advertising agencies -- starting with the Home Depot controversy in April, Crispin Porter's absorption of Burger King Hispanic in August, and the Association of National Advertisers conference controversy in September. 2011 will no doubt see a continued push by general market agencies into the Hispanic market. Not only will they continue this push by staffing up on Hispanic advertising talent, but also through acquisitions.

Read full article

You Know You Work for a General-Market Agency If ...

2011-01-05T12:52:00.001-05:00

By Rochelle Newman-Carrasco, AdAge.

Never Heard These Phrases? You Haven't Worked in Hispanic

There are limitations and frustrations that impact the day-to-day business life of anyone in advertising. There are color-blind complications and equal-opportunity annoyances. Issues like budget, creative approvals and research -- to name a few -- are all challenging, regardless of how your agency is defined.

The reality is, however, that there are some things that occur (or don't occur) in general-market agency life that might fall under the umbrella of "general-market agency privilege." There are things general-market agency professionals simply take for granted -- things that these agencies never have to think about in their interaction with clients or their overall creative or planning process.

In other words, you might be enjoying general-market agency privilege if:

Read full article

Target Audience: Hispanics Receptive To Interactive Ads

2011-01-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

By David Goetzl, MediaPost.

Digital media producer Terra offered research Monday indicating that Hispanics may be a successful target for interactive TV campaigns. A new study commissioned by the Hispanic-targeted Internet company -- which runs lifestyle site Terra.com -- shows that almost 40% of Hispanics "enjoy" interactive options provided by online video ads.

The research has that figure at 37%, compared to 25% of non-Hispanics. Terra said Hispanics appreciate the opportunity that online video advertising provides for obtaining additional information about a product, which traditional TV ads don't offer.

To be sure, gathering that information can occur more swiftly online, perhaps with only a single click. But advertisers have been experimenting with TV ads that offer some Internet-like capabilities, in which a viewer can use a remote control to order a product sample, coupon or brochure.

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Why Politicians Should Not Dismiss Hispanic Media: Univision demonstrates its ratings steel

2010-12-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

Univision Communications is becoming a potent rival to English-language television networks, which have long dominated prime-time viewership.

The Spanish-language television broadcaster said Tuesday that its program “Soy Tu Dueña” was its most watched telenovela ever, finishing its six-month run with a final episode that drew more than 7.3 million viewers Monday night.

Since its launch in June, “Soy Tu Dueña,” which Univision translates as “woman of steel,” has pulled in an average of 5.4 million viewers per episode, oftengenerating bigger audiences than programs aired by such formidable English-language TV networks as Fox and NBC. The Univision telenovela, or soap opera, revolves around the travails of a scorned woman, once left at the altar, who vows never to love again until she falls for a man she accidentally shot. A literal translation of the show’s title is “I am your owner.”

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U.S. Hispanics Lead in Technology Purchases

2010-12-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

By Fernando Rodriguez, AdAge.

Terra's Fernando Rodriguez Analyzes Study Showing Latinos Plan to Buy Products Sooner Than Non-Hispanics and Are More Open to Marketers' Messages

Results from our new Terra ComScore Ad Value Research Study show that the latest in personal electronics would fill the bill nicely. Hispanics own or plan to own new technology, as shown by their intent to purchase e-book readers, tablet PCs, and 3D TVs, at a higher rate than non-Hispanics.

Nearly one-fifth of respondents, or 18%, own an iPad/Tablet PC, with one-third planning to purchase one (vs. 8% and 21% respectively for non-Hispanics). Nearly 40% have or plan to buy the bleeding-edge 3D TV—8% already own one and 30% said they intend to buy one, vs. 4% and 18% respectively for non-Hispanics. Smartphone ownership tells a similar story, with 43% of Hispanics owning a smartphone/PDA vs. 36% of non-Hispanics.

Hispanics' penchant for all things new and digital stems from their affinity with the consumer electronics category itself and is further evidenced by ComScore's cognographic index. This metric is calculated by combining the reach with the intensity of usage for a category of websites. Sites such as BestBuy.com, also available in Spanish (http://espanol.bestbuy.com/enes/ ), and RadioShack.com, which offers customer support in Spanish, fall into this category. In this case, the Spanish-dominant and bilingual Hispanic internet user segments outperform the rest with a cognographic index of 134, meaning that they are 34% more engaged in consumer electronics compared to the average internet user.

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Hispanics' Mobile Growth = Opportunity Knocking

2010-12-21T11:24:00.000-05:00

By Aaron Baar, MediaPost.

Marketers looking to reach the growing Hispanic community in the United States may want to emphasize their mobile programs. According to new information from Scarborough Research, cell phone usage among the Hispanic population is increasing at a faster rate than it is among the general population.

According to the research, Hispanic cell phone usage increased 25% since 2005, compared with 18% for all adults in the U.S. With nearly exact usage rates among adults (84% of total adults use cell phones, compared with 82% of Hispanic adults), the research suggests not only that the usage rates are increasing among Hispanics, but that they may have reached a saturation point among the general population.

"[Hispanics] are the opportunity market," Alisa Joseph, vice president of advertiser and marketing services for Scarborough Research, tells Marketing Daily. "This is really the ideal niche way to reach the Hispanic market."

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impreMedia Announces Exciting Brand Repositioning Initiatives for Vista Magazine

2010-12-16T10:47:00.001-05:00

New Design, Tagline and Marketing Campaign Reflect Vista’s Ongoing Commitment to Provide New Engaging Content that Inspires Women to Live the Good Life Made Simple

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--impreMedia, the leading Hispanic news and information company, announced today the repositioning of its magazine publication Vista. Capitalizing on more than 25 years as a leading resource for Latinos, the new brand revitalization positions Vista to become the guide for Latinas and their families to manage and enjoy a fulfilling, organized and streamlined life.

The repositioning initiatives include a revitalization of the dual-language magazine’s news-to-use approach, a modernization of its look, and a renewed focus on reaching Latinas who balance contemporary and traditional roles. The refreshed editorial direction will focus on areas central to Latinas’ lives such as health and wellness, family and parenting, finances, education, beauty and style, and spirit. Scheduled to launch in early 2011, cross-platform capabilities for Vista will include 360 degree multimedia offerings such as the bimonthly print edition, downloadable electronic edition, blog, social networking, as well as mobile content and Jag Tag capabilities.

“There has never been a better time to introduce a fresh new face,” says Marissa Rodriguez, editor of Vista Magazine. “This new direction speaks to the realities of our readers’ busy, contemporary lives, and shows them that we offer compelling, and culturally relevant content in multiple formats.”

Vista has developed a strong reputation as a Hispanic magazine with a high rate base of 900,000 across 15 of the top Hispanic markets. As impreMedia continues to grow into the future, so does its brands. Vista is proud to be at the forefront of an innovative approach in Hispanic publishing.

About Vista Magazine
Vista Magazine, acquired by impreMedia in November 2006, is a dual-language, lifestyle magazine with a circulation of 900,000 and readership of 2.8 million. It is distributed via some of the largest Spanish-language newspapers in 15 top Hispanic markets. Vista resonates with readers and engages intelligent, confident and active modern Latinas. Our unique editorial approach inspires readers to live the good life made simple. For more information on Vista, visit our website at: http://www.vistamagazine.com/.

About ImpreMedia
ImpreMedia is the No. 1 Hispanic News and Information Company in the U.S. in Online and Print. ImpreMedia's multi-platform offerings range from Online to Video, Mobile and Print including the portal http://www.impre.com/ and its McClatchy partners. 30% of all U.S. Hispanic adults use an impreMedia product. The company is also the nation's largest Hispanic newspaper publisher with newspapers in the top 7 U.S. Hispanic markets, reaching 16 markets total that represent 63% of the U.S. Hispanic population. Its leading publications include La Opinión in Los Angeles and El Diario La Prensa in New York. For more information, visit: http://www.impremedia.com/.

ImpreMedia portals and publication websites are: http://www.impre.com/, http://www.laopinion.com/, http://www.eldiariony.com/, http://www.hoynyc.com/, http://www.laraza.com/, http://www.laprensafl.com/, http://www.elmensajero.com/, http://www.rumbonet.com/, http://www.vistamagazine.com/, and http://www.contigola.com/, http://www.lavibra.com/, http://www.impreautos.com/.

VoodooVox Announces Hispanic Influencer Program: Advertisers Can now Tap the Power of the Most Recognized Voices in the Hispanic Community

2010-12-14T11:17:00.000-05:00

Dra. Isabel, Julie Stav, top voices and personalities providing brands unparalleled combination of reach, targeting and measurability.

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- VoodooVox, the company whose multicultural marketing and advertising platform reaches over 8 million Hispanics a month through interactive audio and SMS media, today announced its new Hispanic Influencer Program (HIP).

HIP provides brands and advertisers direct access to top Hispanic voices and community influencers through a variety of influencer-related advertising capabilities including: content sponsorships, post-roll messages, talent reads, sweepstakes, endorsements, and talent appearances.

VoodooVox's marketing platform uses interactive audio notifications that alert callers to timely news and informative updates. Hispanic prepaid calling card users can choose which types of notifications they'd like to hear (e.g., sports, news, local deals, etc.).

"Brands are just beginning to grasp the powerful evolution in the prepaid calling card industry," said Gregory Wester, COO of VoodooVox. "With new technologies, these pervasive cards now deliver not only low-cost and convenient telephony, but also real-time news updates, local, time-sensitive deals, and more."

Through HIP, these renowned influencers are voicing their own content programming as well as advertising messages. The HIP media channel will be available to the 8 million Hispanics a month reached by VoodooVox's multicultural marketing platform.

"VoodooVox is providing this very special opportunity for me to expand my connection with my community and enhance my lifelong mission of empowering others to live happier and healthier lives," said Dra. Isabel-Gomez. She continued, "Each month, millions will be able to engage with my message, and yours, through VoodooVox's multicultural marketing platform."

"The response to this new offering has been tremendous", added Mr. Wester. "Consumer engagement with these messages is over 10 percent."

The initial talents being announced today include:

Dra. Isabel: Dr. Isabel Gomez-Bassols, better known to her legion of fans around the country as "la Doctora Isabel, el Angel de la Radio", is the nation's foremost Hispanic radio psychologist.

Julie Stav: Financial expert and New York Times Best-Selling Author. For the more than 41 million Hispanics in the United States, Julie Stav is not only a financial expert and educator, she is considered by many as a leader and inspirational role model.

Maria Marin: the leading motivational icon among Hispanics worldwide. Her message, dedicated to empowering women, reaches millions through her nationally syndicated radio show, weekly newspaper columns, best-selling book, international seminars and network television interviews.

More on VoodooVox

VoodooVox transforms pre-paid calling cards from a commodity telecom product into a mobile media platform providing free news, sports, entertainment, coupons and more to millions of U.S. Hispanics.

Our primary clients are brands and their agencies that seek to reach and engage Hispanics. VoodooVox is privately held, with investors including The Walt Disney Company's Steamboat Ventures and Softbank Capital.

SOURCE VoodooVox

Online Ad Spend Continues Double-Digit Growth

2010-12-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

Large brand marketers and SMBs are major contributors to ongoing increases

The economy may be on an upward trajectory, but continued caution among advertisers will lead to a continued shift toward online advertising, eMarketer forecasts.

eMarketer, which forms its forecast by performing a meta-analysis of research estimates and methodologies from dozens of firms that track ad spending, projects a 10.5% increase in US online ad spending next year, followed by double-digit growth every year through 2014 when spending will reach $40.5 billion.

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Telemundo on the Verge of an Ambitious Expansion

2010-12-09T14:20:00.002-05:00

MIAMI – Telemundo, the country’s No. 2 Spanish-language television network, is on the verge of an ambitious expansion phase to consolidate its market share in the United States and broaden its international alliances.

Telemundo president Don Browne told Efe that the $35 billion merger of Comcast and NBC Universal (still awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission) will facilitate the undertaking of a series of investments the firm hopes will lead to more business.

The new NBC Universal will allow Telemundo “to continue growing with quality content in all the possible distribution platforms,” Browne said.

He said that certainly the new managers at Comcast will need a little time to learn Telemundo’s business and that they will understand the importance of continuing the expansion in the Hispanic market.

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Batanga Network Becomes the First Hispanic-Focused Network to Join the Network Advertising Initiative

2010-12-08T09:21:00.001-05:00

Top-Ranked Network Committed to Development of Industry Best Practices for Rapidly Growing Hispanic Online Market

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwire - December 8, 2010) - Batanga, Inc., the leading Hispanic-focused online media company based in Miami, Florida, today announced its membership in the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), a self-regulatory association representing companies in the online behavioral advertising marketplace. To date, Batanga Network is the only Hispanic-focused online network to have joined the NAI.

As a member of the NAI, Batanga Network commits to abide by the NAI's self-regulatory principles for online behavioral advertising, a code of conduct that has governed members of the trade association since 2000. The NAI's goal is to promote online transparency and choice that fosters both the protection of consumers' privacy interests and the benefits of online advertising.

With marketing dollars increasingly shifting toward targeting the Hispanic community, precision and relevance are increasingly important. The understanding of this community is what has consistently positioned Batanga Network at the top of comScore's ranking of Hispanic networks since the company's inception in 2009 with over fifteen million unique visitors per month.

"At Batanga Network, we have been working to do everything in our power to ensure that our efforts to provide advertisers with the most relevant online placements meets consumers' expectations," said Rafael Urbina, chairman and CEO, Batanga, Inc. "We see membership in the NAI as an important part of this process. For example, the NAI's opt out platform provides consumers with a single place where they can review their status in all major networks and opt-out of any targeting, if they so choose."

Recently, there has been growing concern and awareness among consumers and lawmakers regarding the need for easy-to-use tools that allow consumer choice about behavioral advertising. The industry has recognized the need for continued development of best practices to promote consumer confidence and trust.

"We are continuously working with members such as Batanga Network to promote and protect responsible online marketing practices," said Charles Curran, executive director of the NAI. "As an organization, we strive to protect consumers' privacy by developing standards and policies that reward responsible marketing. We welcome Batanga Network to the NAI and applaud their efforts to promote responsible data use and the long-term growth and viability of the Internet."

"As the Hispanic community continues to be a top target for brands and marketers, the inclusion of Batanga Network on the NAI list of member networks is the next step in gaining recognition for this large portion of the US population," said Urbina. "We are happy to be a part of the NAI and look forward to working with other networks to promote self-regulation that provides consumers with meaningful choices about online behavioral advertising."

About the NAI
The NAI (Network Advertising Initiative) is a cooperative of online marketing companies committed to building consumer awareness and establishing responsible business and data management practices and standards. As increasingly sophisticated online advertising technologies evolve, consumer concerns about their impact on online privacy mount. The NAI is prepared to meet these concerns with both effective industry self-regulation and sensible protections for online consumers. To learn more, visit http://www.networkadvertising.org/.

About Batanga, Inc.
Batanga, Inc. is the leading U.S. Hispanic-focused online media company. The Batanga Network reaches the most U.S. Hispanics online, across all categories and all demographics. Utilizing market exclusive targeting technologies, the network effectively aggregates and delivers online audiences within culturally relevant online environments. Batanga.com, one of its premier online destinations, has consistently been one of the top online destinations for U.S. Hispanics over the past ten years. Batanga, Inc. maintains offices in Miami, New York and Mexico City. For more information visit http://www.batanganetwork.com/.

Why So Many Agencies Are Storming Road to Sao Paulo

2010-12-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

By Laurel Wentz, AdAge.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AdAge.com) -- Move over, China. Ad agencies are flocking to Brazil, lured by a huge market that the global recession largely bypassed, newly affluent consumers eager to shop and the promise of major deals when Brazil hosts both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

Wieden & Kennedy opened in Sao Paulo on Dec. 1, Arnold has picked a Brazilian shop to buy, and Dentsu is looking.

And in one intriguing play to cash in on the coming sports-marketing bonanza, WPP Group is starting a sports-marketing consultancy with soccer legend Ronaldo, who will be CEO of 9ine, named after his shirt number.

"Ronaldo will open doors, win business, participate in presentations, and influence strategic planning," said Sergio Amado, president of Ogilvy Group in Brazil, who will help oversee 9ine and usher clients of parent WPP Group into the venture.

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Case Study: Online Marketing to Hispanics

2010-12-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

By Adele Lassere, The Epoch Times.

Just when you got comfortable with the thought that you know what to do and not to do for Hispanic marketing, there are more trends to consider.

Do not worry; it isn’t as dramatic as it sounds. However, it is important to gain insights that will provide perspective and assist with positioning your brand message online to Hispanics.

This is a fast growing segment online. It can also be very lucrative for small business owners.

Read full article

Support our friends of InTrust Global Investments INDI Fund by voting on its project.

2010-11-24T13:06:00.002-05:00

Please take a minute today to support an initiative that will make a big difference in the lives of indigenous people in Latin American and the Caribbean.

InTrust Global Investments’ INDI Fund initiative has been selected as one of three finalists for the Inter-American Development Bank’s first annual BeyondBanking Awards in the most Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) category.

InTrust Global Investments’ INDI Fund is the first project of its kind: an equity fund that bridges capital with strategic green projects through full and effective partnerships with indigenous peoples in the region. INDI Fund goes beyond microfinance and philanthropy – its aim is to engage and expand the growing entrepreneurial spirit amongst indigenous peoples by providing access to global markets through the sustainable generation of clean energy with the resources they already own or control.

The final stage of the competition is a public vote and I urge you to support the INDI Fund, a Mexican and US initiative.

To vote, please follow the following steps (before December 15^th):

· Click here

· Sign in or register as a new user on the IDB website. Once you log in, scroll down the
list of nominees to the INDI Fund (the second to last) and click on “evaluate”.

· Choose the last star on the pop-up to give our project 10 out of 10 stars

* Note that if you give the same score to all three finalists, the votes will be cancelled

Please spread the word - your friends, family, and colleagues can make a huge difference.

Thanks for your support and have a Happy ThanksGiving!

Univision Radio Signs Agreement for Arbitron Portable People Meter Radio Rating Services

2010-11-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) today announced that Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group in the United States, has signed multi-year contracts for Arbitron's Portable People Meter™ (PPM™) radio ratings services in twelve markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, Dallas, Miami, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Antonio and Austin. These twelve markets are served by 44 Univision Radio stations. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Reliable ratings data are vitally important for all stakeholders in the radio marketplace. Based on the steps taken by Arbitron to date to improve the PPM service, and on Arbitron's commitment to continue its current efforts to improve the service, we concluded that we could begin subscribing to the PPM service again," said Ceril Shagrin, executive vice president of Audience Measurement Innovation and Analytics, Univision Communications Inc. "We remain committed to ensuring that the industry has access to the most reliable ratings data by working closely in partnership with Arbitron."

"Univision Radio's commitment to the PPM radio ratings service is one more vote of confidence in the value and utility of Arbitron's electronic ratings for radio," said Carol Hanley, executive vice president, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Arbitron Inc. "We are grateful for the support and, as part of our renewed partnership with Univision Radio, we will work together to promote the value of radio to agencies, advertisers and the communities it serves."

Univision Radio has been a subscriber to the Arbitron PPM ratings service in Houston and to the Arbitron diary service in Albuquerque, El Paso, Fresno, McAllen-Brownsville and Puerto Rico.

About Arbitron Portable People Meter Radio Ratings Services

The Arbitron Portable People Meter is a portable device that captures a consumer's exposure to media and entertainment by passively capturing an inaudible code that can be embedded in the audio content of terrestrial, satellite and online radio broadcasts, in broadcast, cable and satellite television as well as cinema advertising and many types of place-based digital media. The PPM service is currently commercialized in 43 markets nationwide, and is scheduled to be commercialized in a total of 48 markets by December 31, 2010.

About Univision Communications

Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country's leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces telenovelas, reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for all of the Company's platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico; and Univision Interactive Media, which includes http://www.univision.com/, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S., and Univision Movil, the industry's most comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa's pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.

About Arbitron

Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) is a media and marketing research firm serving the media– radio, television, cable, online radio and out-of-home–as well as advertisers and advertising agencies. Arbitron's core businesses are measuring network and local market radio audiences across the United States; surveying the retail, media and product patterns of local market consumers; and providing application software used for analyzing media audience and marketing information data. The company has developed the Portable People Meter device and PPM 360™, new technologies for media and marketing research.

Portable People Meter™, PPM™ and PPM 360™ are marks of Arbitron Inc.

PPM ratings are based on audience estimates and are the opinion of Arbitron and should not be relied on for precise accuracy or precise representativeness of a demographic or radio market.

Arbitron Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are not strictly historical, including the statements regarding expectations for 2010 and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, the current global economic recession and the upheaval in the credit markets and financial services industry, competition, our ability to develop and successfully market new products and technologies, our ability to successfully commercialize our Portable People Meter™ service, the growth rates and cyclicality of markets we serve, our ability to expand our business in new markets, our ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate appropriate acquisitions, the impact of increased costs of data collection including a trend toward increasing incidence of cell phone-only households, litigation and other contingent liabilities including intellectual property matters, our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and changes in applicable laws and regulations, our ability to achieve projected efficiencies, cost reductions, sales growth and earnings, and international economic, political, legal and business factors. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in our SEC filings, including our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Arbitron Inc.

What Goes Up, Doesn't Come Down: Nielsen Finds TV Defying Multimedia Gravity

2010-11-19T12:21:00.001-05:00

By Joe Mandese, MediaPost.

In a trend that appears to defy media planning logic, if not actual physics, America's consumption of TV continues to expand, despite the expansion of other multimedia options. In an update to its quarterly "State of the Media" reports, Nielsen Co. indicates that U.S. consumption of television continues to expand, albeit with a little help from a frenemy: the DVR.

The rate of TV consumption is, " essentially flat compared to the same period a year ago," Nielsen said, adding that, "the emergence of the DVR as a widely distributed device has changed viewing behaviors in many homes.

"The average person living in a DVR home watched 24.5 hours of DVR playback during this period," Nielsen continued. "Looking at demographic groups more closely, the age group that watched the most television by DVR playback was viewers age 25-34. That demographic watched 29.5 hours of DVR playback per month."

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U.S. Online Hispanic Consumers More Likely to Have Positive Association With Advertising Than Non-Hispanics Online

2010-11-17T15:56:00.001-05:00

comScore to Host Complimentary Webinar, 'A Closer Look at the U.S. Hispanic Online Audience'

Download image RESTON, Va., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released results of a study of U.S. Hispanic consumers, including insights into their online behavior and engagement with advertising. The study found that U.S. online Hispanic consumers' sentiment towards, and response to, advertising often varies significantly from Non-Hispanic online consumers, providing critically important insights for brands looking to reach and engage this dynamic consumer segment. These findings among others will be presented by comScore chief research officer Josh Chasin in a live, complimentary webinar, A Closer Look at the U.S. Hispanic Online Audience, on Thursday, November 18. For more details and to register, please visit:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/454994185

"The U.S. Hispanic online marketplace is a fast growing and potentially lucrative sector that marketers cannot ignore," said Josh Chasin, comScore chief research officer. "Online Hispanics are younger and more acculturated than their offline counterparts and they are quite receptive to advertising when it is sufficiently engaging. What's especially interesting is that engagement with advertising has more to do with narrative elements and storytelling than it does with actually running the advertisement in Spanish."

U.S. Hispanics Online More Receptive to Advertising than Non-Hispanics Online

A look at U.S. online Hispanic consumer sentiment and engagement with advertising revealed often dramatic differences when compared with Non-Hispanic online consumers. U.S. Hispanics were more likely to find advertisements enjoyable and entertaining than their Non-Hispanic counterparts. Specifically, 48 percent of U.S. Hispanic consumers expect advertising to be entertaining and 31 percent enjoy watching advertisements, compared to 39 percent and 19 percent of Non-Hispanics. Hispanics were also more likely to recall advertising, with 35 percent stating they remembered advertised products when shopping, compared to 22 percent of Non-Hispanics. Advertising was also more likely to influence Hispanic consumers' product decisions when buying for their children with 30 percent stating that advertising helped them choose products to buy for their children, compared to 15 percent of Non-Hispanics.

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$5 Billion Mobile Advertising Market in 2015

2010-11-15T07:07:00.002-05:00

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable

Mobile advertising specialist Smaato is predicting that the U.S. mobile advertising market will hit $797.6 million in 2010 and grow to $1.24 billion in 2011. By 2015, the company is projecting a $5 billion mobile ad spend.

"Mobile is a conversation that all DDB clients want to have now," noted Jeff Swystun CCO, DDB Worldwide. "We believe that mobile can be an integral component of a larger campaign as long as it works to connected people with people, not just people with brands."

Read full article

Kahlua Campaign Returns Brand To Its Heritage

2010-11-10T13:21:00.000-05:00

By Aaron Baar, MediaPost.

Kahlua wants to be clear about a few things: It's not a creamy liquor, and it hails from Mexico.

"There's a lot of consumers who believe it's a cream-based product, but it really isn't," Andrew Nash, brand director for Kahlua, tells Marketing Daily. "Also, about one-third of them thought it was from Hawaii."

The Pernot-Ricard brand is stressing its Mexican heritage and coffee and sugar cane roots in a new advertising campaign highlighting the brand as "muy delicioso." The effort from TBWA/Chiat/Day, moves away from the Mayan and Incan element of previous campaigns to one with a lighter touch that emphasizes the product's Veracruz origins and drinks that don't require a cream-based mixer.

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Ricky Martin to Appear in a Special Presentation for 2010 Latin Person of the Year Placido Domingo at 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards

2010-11-08T16:56:00.000-05:00

MIAMI, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Three-time Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner (as well as 2006 Latin Person of the Year) Ricky Martin will appear in a special presentation to three-time Latin GRAMMY and nine-time GRAMMY winner and the 2010 Latin Person of the Year Placido Domingo at the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards (http://www.latingrammy.com/) telecast, it was announced today by The Latin Recording Academy®. Additionally, nominee Grupo Pesado as well as Mariachi Sol De Mexico have been added to the stellar line-up for the Biggest Night in Latin Music. Confirmed to present awards are current Latin GRAMMY nominees Santiago Cruz, Maria Gadu, Claudia Leitte, and Juan Fernando Velasco; actors Jaime Camil, Itati Cantoral, and Cristian de la Fuente; and entertainer and guitarist Charo. Las Vegas shows "Le Reve" and "Jabbawockeez" also will be featured during the telecast, highlighting the excitement and energy of this dynamic host city, and the internationally acclaimed Argentinean dance troupe Senor Tango de Buenos Aires also will appear in a special performance. The Latin music industry's premier event is set for Nov. 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on the Univision Network (http://www.univision.com/) from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/latingrammys, www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

Additionally, the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast ceremony will be streamed live internationally on www.latingrammy.com beginning at 2 p.m. PT. Winners in approximately 35 of the 46 Latin GRAMMY categories this year will be announced prior to the evening's telecast -- kicking off a full evening of celebrating excellence in recorded Latin music from around the world. The Pre-Telecast will take place from 2 - 3 p.m. PT at Mandalay Bay and the live stream will remain on the site for 30 days following the event.

Latin GRAMMY winner Grupo Pesado is nominated for Best Norteno Album for Desde La Cantina Vol. 1.

Previously announced performers include Marc Anthony, Banda El Recodo, Camila, Chino y Nacho, ChocQuibTown, Aida Cuevas, Alejandro Fernandez, Pedro Fernandez, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Iglesias, Jenni Rivera, Rosario, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Aleks Syntek, Johnny Ventura, and Wisin y Yandel, as well as special performances by Prince Royce with Ben E. King and Nelly Furtado with Mala Rodriguez. Previously announced presenters feature Pepe Aguilar, Kuno Becker, Camilla Belle, Vico C, Alex Cuba, Jorge Drexler, Kany Garcia, Ximena Navarrete, Gaby Spanic, Lourdes Stephen, Tito "El Bambino," Tommy Torres and Alexa Vega. Actor/comedian Eugenio Derbez and actress/singer Lucero will co-host the Latin music industry's 11th annual premier event.

The 11th Latin GRAMMY Awards will be supported on radio via Univision Radio (the official Spanish-language radio network of the Latin GRAMMY Awards), and highlighted on the Internet at http://www.latingrammy.com/ and http://www.univisionmusica.com/, including video interviews and photos, an extensive archive of past shows, and dedicated forums for fans to share their excitement leading up to the live broadcast. For access to the latest Latin GRAMMY scoop and photos on-the-go, visit UnivisionMusica.com on any Web-enabled mobile device.

Preceding the Awards show telecast, Univision will present exclusive "Noche De Estrellas" ("Night Of The Stars") coverage of the celebrity arrivals direct from the Latin GRAMMY Awards green carpet starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central). Presented by "Nuestra Belleza Latina" host Giselle Blondet and "Mira Quien Baila!" co-host Chiquinquira Delgado, "Noche De Estrellas" will feature live interviews and commentary on the stars and their fashions, and provide viewers an intimate and up-close look at Latin music's most glamorous gala event.

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit http://www.latingrammy.com/. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

SOURCE The Latin Recording Academy

2010 LatinVision CEO Summit Conference Recap

2010-10-27T12:04:00.002-04:00

by Nikelle Feimster, Media Relations Specialist, Business Wire/New York

LatinVision’s CEO Summit Conference 2010 was held on Monday, Oct 4th at the Time Warner Center in New York City. CEOs and marketing executives from companies including HipCricket, Telemundo, Univision , People en Español, HBO, and Business Wire were present. They shared insight into how marketers and advertisers can engage and connect with consumers in the Hispanic market through various channels including social media, and mobile and online marketing.

The first panel discussed how social media has evolved in the multicultural space, and how advertisers are taking advantage of social media platforms. It was revealed that Latinos visit more social networking sites, news sites, and maintain more blogs than the general market.

Today, there is an increase in the number of companies that are using social media as part of their overall strategy to reach and engage Latinos. Monica Talan, VP Corporate Communications, Univision, said companies should try to engage in conversations. Univision had a lot of success with the World Cup by providing blogs and social media fan pages to engage users and new audiences. According to Talan, every department of a company is part of their social media strategy. “It can be challenging but you have to put the resources in it and stay committed.”

Lucinda Martinez-Desir, VP-Acquisition & Multicultural Marketing, HBO, did their entire “No Es Lo Mismo” campaign on Facebook, Twitter, mobile and online. For this campaign, everything was integrated and married to traditional media.

Everyone seemed to agree on the importance of having a social media strategy, not just a Facebook strategy. Here are a few tips on how marketers can leverage the Latino phenomenon on social media to their advantage:

o Start conversations that are really meaningful to consumers.
o Engage with people who have influence on consumers, like the world of bloggers, not the marketing department.
o Build brand equity.
o Have a conversation with the client – be innovators together so you both understand that there will be risks involved.

When it comes to mobile and online marketing, Ivan Braiker, Co-Founder & CEO, Hipcricket, said it’s all about engagement. Latinos are early adopters of technology, including mobile devices. In fact, Scott Hamilton, President & CEO, VoodooVox, pointed out that the mobile phone is the ultimate social network that existed before FaceBook. With over 5 billion text messages being sent per day, mobile is an effective way to engage an audience and it creates a deeper connection with your brand.

Here are some best practices for mobile and online marketing:

o Engage people with content early and make sure your site is current.
o Help clients design content specifically for mobile.
o Be able to use mobile and interact with the user to the point of sale.
o Know your audience and text the right people.

Business Wire’s President, Gregg Castano, participated in the panel discussion, “Digital vs. Print Media and the Language of the Next Latin Generation.” Castano pointed out that Latinos are the fastest growing online population with 85% of U.S. born Latinos using the internet. “The key to the success of brands is how they crossover to digital,“ said Castano. “Marketers should place quality content on relevant channels to attract the most eyeballs.”

Business Wire can help brand marketers and brand leaders actively engage with Latino customers. By utilizing our LatinoWire product line, companies can bolster their print and web marketing campaigns. With LatinoWire, your press release reaches the leading Spanish-language news and information outlets throughout the U.S., including more than 1,200 Hispanic print, broadcast and online media outlets.

LatinVision is a New York-based organizer of conferences and networking events focused on marketing to U.S. Hispanics and Latin American executives. Business Wire is a sponsor of LatinVision Media’s Marketing to Latinos Conferences. To learn more about the LatinVision Media 2010 Conferences Series visit www.latinvision.com/marketing

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How Marketers Are Courting Latino Consumers

2010-10-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

There's power in numbers – a fact not lost on marketers courting Hispanic and Latino consumers.

Consider these U.S. Census statistics:

•The Hispanic and Latino population in the United States is now estimated at 47.8 million; that's 15.5 percent of the nation's population. In California and Texas today, 37 percent are Latino and Hispanic.
•The number of people who are Hispanic and Latino is projected to double in 40 years. By that time, one in four people in the United States will be of Hispanic origin.
Marketers are taking varied approaches to connect with Hispanic and Latino consumers. Consider these recent initiatives:

NBC Universal's Telemundo: As a Spanish-language broadcast television network in the United States, Telemundo specializes in storytelling, said Borja Perez, VP of integrated solutions and digital media. As a storyteller, including the producer of telenovelas (define), Telemundo can extend those story lines to online audiences and have actors and characters interact with audiences on social networks. For instance, one character for the telenovela, "Donde Esta Elisa?" was featured in webisodes on Telemundo.com and in discussions on the show's Facebook page - and not on the TV program.

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Hispanic Heritage Month Prompts A Review of the Market Opportunities

2010-10-15T12:04:00.001-04:00

A new paper from E-Tech shows that the U.S. Hispanic growth is no longer fueled by the traditional immigration flow from the past, but by new births. The US is now the 2nd largest Hispanic population in the world, according to an analysis and report by Multicultural Marketing Resources, showing the projected totals by 2050 to be over 131 million. According to this number, Hispanics will then constitute 30% of the nation's population.

Hispanic households across the United States will sharply increase their economic clout over the next ten years and beyond. This demographic explosion has continued since 1990 and there is no let up. Go to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sears, K-Mart, to name a few stores, and you will see many Hispanic families loaded with consumer goods. The fact is, Hispanics. This is not a debt-ridden community. For years they learned the hard way that to have something, one has to earn it and save. Credit card companies solicit many Hispanic households.

According to the National Immigration Forum, says the report, in addition to consumer spending, "immigrants and their businesses contribute $162 billion dollars in tax revenue to federal, state and local governments." They work in key sectors, start their own businesses and in general contribute to a thriving economy. They love to buy and almost always buy in cash.

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Media Industry to Grow Faster than US Economy

2010-08-11T11:28:00.000-04:00

A new report out today from Veronis Suhler Stevenson forecasts spending on media and communications will outpace economic growth as consumers invest in mobile and web access and companies pay to reach them there.

Veronis projects 6.1 percent average annual growth between 2009 and 2014 for the media and communications industry, beating the 5.8 percent average annual growth rate for U.S. GDP. This year total communications spending is on track to grow 3.5 percent.

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Social Sites Get People Talking, but Marketers Must Earn Trust

2010-08-10T14:15:00.000-04:00

Social media is a hot topic in marketing circles, but many consumers are also discussing the trend, which accounts for nearly 23% of time spent online in the US, according to Nielsen.

An April 2010 survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the Online Publishers Association (OPA) found that social media sites were the most talked-about on the web, ahead of portals and top media sites that are members of the OPA in discussions on a wide variety of channels.

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The Latin Recording Academy(R) Promotes Gabriel Abaroa Jr. to President/CEO

2010-08-09T12:27:00.000-04:00

MIAMI, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Latin Recording Academy(R) Board of Trustees has promoted Gabriel Abaroa Jr. to President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, it was announced today by Latin Academy Chair of the Board Luis Cobos. Abaroa has been President of the nonprofit music membership organization since March 2003.

"Gabriel has graciously served The Latin Recording Academy for the past seven years as President, making immense strides to reach an international audience and establishing the Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards as a brand recognized worldwide," said Cobos. "He continues to demonstrate great leadership and is determined to create and support new initiatives and programs that will further increase the visibility of Latin music and culture. He has successfully led the Latin GRAMMYs through its milestone 10th celebration with vision and purpose, and we look forward to his continued success and accomplishments as The Latin Recording Academy enters its next decade."

Throughout his tenure as President, Abaroa has provided overall direction and re-positioned the goals of the organization while maintaining its financial health. In 2005 the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards telecast moved from CBS to Univision, giving the show and its new home record-breaking ratings every year since, along with numerous memorable musical moments. Additionally, the Latin GRAMMYs have been held in different cities bringing the excitement of Latin music to such places as Los Angeles (STAPLES Center, Shrine Auditorium and Kodak Theatre); Miami (American Airlines Arena); New York (Madison Square Garden); Houston (Toyota Center); and Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay Events Center). He has led the way in making the Latin GRAMMY Awards a point of reference within the music community both domestically and worldwide.

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Hispanics And E-commerce

2010-08-06T12:35:00.002-04:00

Hispanics and e-commerce is a fascinating topic and one that has been covered in almost every major research report on Hispanic Internet use since 2000. Yet, it is rarely given more attention than a small section of a larger white paper or a one-off report from some research firm tangentially involved in the retail space. Why is that?

It's not because it doesn't represent a viable market opportunity: U.S. Hispanics (according to the limited research on the topic) spend quite a bit online - $12.8 billion in 2008 with projections to reach $21.6 billion next year (JupiterResearch, 2007). That's 11% of all e-commerce purchases (not too far below Hispanics' percentage of the U.S. population).

I think that Hispanic e-commerce doesn't get the attention it deserves not because it isn't a large, growing market, but because it is a complex subject, where the opportunity for retailers is amorphous and not very clearly understood. Furthermore, I would posit that there are not a lot of experts with actual experience in the arena of Hispanic online shopping (at least at the large retailer level). That theory is validated when you scour the Internet for case studies on the subject and find only the well-publicized Best Buy and Home Depot cases.

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Are Mobile Marketers Missing Most of Their Hispanic Audience?

2010-08-05T14:52:00.000-04:00

At first glance, Hispanics appear highly engaged with mobile activities. A November 2009 Federal Communications Commission study found both Hispanic and black adults to be more active in a wide variety of mobile activities than their white counterparts.

A May 2010 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey similarly found English-speaking Hispanic mobile phone owners more active in every content area studied than white or black mobile users.

But a closer examination of Pew data released in July 2010 calls the extent of that activity into question.

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Does a Growing Multicultural Market Threaten Multicultural Agencies?

2010-08-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've heard the old saying "you can never get too much of a good thing?" That's been the prevailing notion in regards to the rapidly growing Hispanic population in the U.S., which, together with continued population growth among African-Americans, Asians and other ethnic minority groups, has resulted in a huge multicultural population.

That's definitely been the prevailing opinion among ethnic ad agencies -- the hundreds the Hispanic, African-American and Asian ad agencies out there that have made a good living off of these changing demographics. I've seen many a capability deck or presentation from multicultural ad shops that starts with some variation of this compelling vision of the future: "By 2050, more than half of the U.S. population will be non-white" (that particular stat comes from Nielsen).

What I wonder is if this rapid demographic shift, and the sheer size of some of these minority populations will start to create more of a problem than an opportunity for multicultural ad agencies. Specifically, at what point does a group become too big to be considered a niche requiring a specialist agency?

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Melding The Business World With Hispanic Audiences

2010-08-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

More businesses are incorporating online communities and social networks within their corporate strategy. As these domains increasingly become a fundamental component for professional success, organizations should look to experts on the forefront of this industry to understand the extent of the benefits Web 2.0 tactics have to offer.

The growing impact of the Hispanic community online is another area requiring enhanced corporate attention. This consumer segment's purchasing power is expecting to reach $1 trillion this year in the U.S. alone. That is a number worth targeting. The considerably young, up-and-coming Hispanic population has been dubbed media mavens for their avid technology and internet usage and thus can be successfully reached through online strategies.

Entrepreneurs such as Fernando Espuelas have been aware of the vitality of communicating with Latinos through technology for years. Espuelas has built his career around empowering people through media, technology, and information particularly among Hispanics. Recognized as one of the Internet's pioneers by the New York Times, Harvard University and media across the world, Espuelas has been at the forefront of online communities and social networks.

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Geolocation Grows Despite Privacy Concerns

2010-08-02T14:18:00.000-04:00

As some marketers wonder about the possible audience for check-in services like foursquare, which reached 2 million users and 100 million check-ins in July 2010, mobile owners are getting used to sharing their location in many ways regardless of their privacy worries.

According to a survey by security software company Webroot, 39% of social network users who own a mobile internet device use geolocation.

But there was widespread concern over the loss of privacy, the possibility of being hacked on an unsecured network and other safety issues. Women tended to be more worried than men, and younger users less concerned than their older peers.

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Using Email Marketing to Boost Social Presence

2010-07-29T15:27:00.000-04:00

Driving recipients to social sites is top objective

A majority of email marketers are now making efforts to integrate social media into their campaigns. An April 2010 survey by interactive and email marketing agency eROI found that two-thirds of US marketers were doing so, and June 2010 research from StrongMail, a provider of email and social media marketing solutions, put the number who had integrated social and email, or planned to this year, at 71% worldwide.

But the vast majority are still focusing on the basics rather than more sophisticated techniques for integration.

More than seven in 10 business executives surveyed around the world said they were promoting their Twitter, Facebook or other social presence in their email marketing messages. That was even more prevalent than facilitating recipients to share messages socially (63%).

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CAB `Flashes' Hispanic-Based Cable Research To Industry

2010-07-28T12:46:00.000-04:00

The Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau is offering advertising agencies and cable executives comprehensive information regarding the Hispanic cable marketplace via a computer flash drive.

The "Hispanic Facts in a Flash" computer drive features information on both the national and local Hispanic cable marketplace including audience growth, cable penetration trends, time spent viewing, and network and viewing profiles, according to Cynthia Perkins-Roberts, vice president of Diversity Marketing and Sales Development for the CAB.

"In the past, media executives could just split their buys between two Spanish-language broadcast networks," says Perkins-Roberts. "Today's complex and fast-changing environment requires an up to the moment understanding of market trends. Cable is an important and growing means of reaching Hispanics in this transforming marketplace."

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Marketers Put More Lead Gen Budgets Online

2010-07-27T15:32:00.000-04:00

Lead generation budgets were slashed by many companies in 2009, but now that the economy is on the uptick again, dollars are flowing and acquiring new customers is a priority.

According to the “2010 Lead Generation Optimization Key Trends Analysis” from CSO Insights, more than 91% of companies worldwide reported increasing new customer acquisition was one of their top strategic marketing objectives for 2010.

Based on the quantity and quality of leads generated, companies said email was their best lead generation program, followed by live events, website registrations and webinars. The effectiveness of online channels, coupled with the fact that prospects indicate the web is the first place they look for more information, makes it natural for companies to be increasing their investments in web design, email marketing and search engine optimization.

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Univision Taps FreeWheel To Make It Digital Player

2010-07-26T16:11:00.002-04:00

Univision Communications' digital division Univision Interactive Media has tapped video monetization technology company FreeWheel to manage its advertising business and monetize its digital video content.

Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, said the partnership was crucial to realizing the division's ambition in video plans. "We are working to significantly expand our video presence on the Web," he said.

San Mateo, Calif.-based FreeWheel was founded in early 2008 by three DoubleClick alums and digital media veterans. The company offers content owners, carriers and distributors end-to-end video ad management technology, which simplifies the task of managing video ad sales, ad serving and ad sales rights across widely syndicated distribution channels.

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IAB, Consumer Advocates Weigh In On Privacy Laws

2010-07-23T11:40:00.000-04:00

A senior Republican lawmaker expressed concern on Thursday that a privacy bill introduced by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) could impose too many restrictions on businesses.

"We must craft legislation that creates an incentive for businesses to subscribe to the very best practices," Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) said at a hearing on Rush's proposal. Stearns criticized several aspects of Rush's bill, including that it would allow consumers to bring lawsuits against companies that violate the law, and that it delegates too much power to the Federal Trade Commission.

Stearns had signed on to an earlier proposal floated in May by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), which differs in a few key ways from Rush's bill the Best Practices Act (H.R. 5577).

Rush's measure would require Web companies to obtain users' explicit permission before sharing their personal information with third parties, unless those companies participate in a "universal opt-out" program operated by a self-regulatory program and overseen by the Federal Trade Commission. Rush also would allow consumers to sue privately for up to $1,000 per violation, with damages capped at $5 million per incident.

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Enter: The Nueva Latina

2010-07-22T12:27:00.001-04:00

By Jim Legg, MediaPost.

When analyzing the Hispanic population in the U.S., we've noticed firsthand the transformations taking place within the segment throughout the years. One that is undoubtedly worth highlighting is the emergence of a new cultural identity -- the Nueva Latina. This new segment represents the largest (26%) and fastest-growing Hispanic woman sub-segment of the entire U.S. Hispanic women population with a marketing size of four million.

A few key areas to focus on when examining this new sub-segment are the ways in which the Nueva Latina's profile differentiates from the traditional and/or unacculturated Hispanic woman.

"Marianismo"
In many instances, when describing the role of the Hispanic woman, we have used the term "marianismo" as a defining characteristic. It is the tendency for a woman/wife to embody characteristics such as emotional, kind, instinctive, whimsical, docile, compliant, vulnerable and unassertive. These qualities tend to perfectly fit and provide balance within a machismo society where women are expected to raise their children, be spiritually pure and submissive to the demands of men.

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Email Still Driving Shopping over Social

2010-07-21T14:57:00.000-04:00

Several retailers can attest to the sometimes overwhelming power of promotional messages on social channels. But despite the hype of viral coupons testing retailers’ agility, studies suggest email is still the more effective promotional channel.

In a survey of shoppers in four states, nearly four in 10 told cross-channel commerce solutions provider CrossView they preferred to receive promotional messages from retailers by email. It was the most popular communications channel, with direct mail drawing about a quarter of respondents and text messaging coming in third with 18%. Just 9% of shoppers were interested in promotional messages on social media.

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The Challenge – And Risk – Of Ad Agencies’ Growing Interest In Social Media

2010-07-20T11:12:00.000-04:00

Too much has already been written about the recent Old Spice foray into social media. However, one aspect of the campaign has escaped most commentary – the firm – Wieden + Kennedy – is an ad agency. Not a PR agency, or a social media agency. An ad agency.

On Sunday, the Wall Street Journal ran an interesting story on the growing interest of ad agencies in the social media space. As they put it,

“As more and more advertising dollars flow into social media, some Madison Avenue firms are seeking to grab a piece of the action.”

The story cites several examples of ad agencies who are making a move to grow this side of their business. As they do so, they are moving into direct competition with the PR firms and social media agencies who, until recently, they have partnered with on client projects.

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Why Consumers Connect with Marketers via Email and Social

2010-07-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

Many email and social media marketers are beginning to realize that by combining the strengths of both tactics they have an opportunity to increase effectiveness, rather than compete with each other.

Until recently, most efforts have focused on linking existing email strategies with emerging social ones. As combined efforts become more advanced, sophisticated integration will mean segmenting email and social audiences to understand how they overlap, what they want and how messages should be customized for the two tactics.

Based on research from ExactTarget, the motivation for opting in to marketing emails somewhat different from what most studies show regarding liking brands on Facebook or following them on Twitter. Discounts and promotions were the clear winner, followed by freebies and sales. Reasons like wanting to interact with the brand or show their support came in at the bottom of the list.

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Must Use Spanish, Verdad? Not Necessarily!

2010-07-16T14:01:00.000-04:00

The role of culture in brand-building is indisputable, and language is naturally a significant component of this. However, this may not necessarily be applicable across the board, for all age groups.

America is a melting pot and polyglot of fresh talent, the foundation of the nation is built on the sweat, tears, and hard work of immigrants, who bring with them not only their talent, skill-set, and abilities, but also their language, customs and distinctive cultural behavior. This is what makes America great, and it is a tradition that continues to this day.

So it's logical to think of the importance of using Spanish when communicating with and engaging the U.S. Hispanic market. But this simple approach does not work across all age groups. It has to do with fitting in, and not standing out.

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Univisión tries to boost youth appeal

2010-07-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

For the seventh year, the biggest stars in Hispanic television, movies, music and sports will descend on Miami for Univisión's Premios Juventud (Youth Awards) show, broadcasting live Thursday at 8 p.m.

For young viewers, the show is a pop-culture popularity contest, with appearances slated by Shakira, Pitbull and Disney Channel's Selena Gómez. For No. 1-rated Spanish-language U.S. television network Univisión, it rates as the prime opportunity to target the coveted 18-to-34 year-old Hispanic viewer bracket with ads from Dr Pepper, Burger King, Chevrolet and Verizon.

The network did not disclose how much advertising revenue it would rake in. But clearly, advertisers are hot to reach the fast-growing young Hispanic demographic.

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Hispanic Public Relations Association Issues National Search for Best Campaigns and Professionals in Industry

2010-07-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

LOS ANGELES, July 14 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- It's industry awards season and the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) ( http://www.hpra.camp8.org/ ), the leading non-profit organization founded to advance the careers of Hispanics in the field of communications, is in search of the best public relations campaigns nationwide that target U.S. Hispanic audiences and professionals in the industry.

Entries for the coveted PRemio Award-Campaign of the Year are now being accepted through Friday, August 20 in 10 categories across multiple industries that highlight public relations work: Technology; Healthcare; Fashion & Beauty; Food & Beverage; Public Education; Sports; Media Event; Crisis Management; Integrated Marketing Communications; and Social Media Marketing. Work must have been conducted between June 1, 2009 and June 1, 2010. Award entry fees are $150 for members and $250 for non-members.

"As the nation's leading organization for Hispanic communicators, HPRA created this Hispanic-specific award program because we understand it takes a special kind of expertise to develop and implement a communications campaign that resonates with the U.S. Hispanic/Latino populations," said HPRA-L.A. President, Lourdes Rodriguez of VPE Public Relations.

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V-me Says Adios to South Africa With 8-Hour Marathon

2010-07-13T08:46:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK, July 12 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- As the world leaves South Africa, V-me takes one last colorful and informative look at the host nation for the world's biggest sporting event. Acclaimed journalists Jorge Gestoso and Marian de la Fuente present the 8-part special, SUDAFRICA 2010: MAS ALLA DE LA CANCHA airing on V-me, July 18 from 10:00am to 6:00pm (ET).

Each 1-hour episode features a different South African region resulting in a multi-layered portrait reflecting a vibrant nation's ancient roots, natural riches, pulsing cities, complex history and unforgettable people.

Jorge Gestoso and Marian de la Fuente guide viewers through some of the most gripping images of South Africa. Among the countless hours of footage captured in months of filming, viewers will journey from Cape Town's melting pot and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to the Cradle of Humanity at the Sterkfontein Caves home to 3 million year old human fossils. Follow the history of South Africa's road to freedom, plunge down a mineshaft in South Africa's largest industry, taste some of the nation's world-class wines and walk on the wild side with valleys and coasts teeming with wildlife.

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Blacks, Hispanics Continue to Lead in Mobile Data Usage

2010-07-12T16:58:00.000-04:00

About half of black and Hispanic adults access the mobile web, compared with one in three whites

Mobile internet and data usage is becoming more popular overall as smartphones proliferate and feature phones become more sophisticated, but not all adults are taking up the new habits at the same pace.

A May 2010 study from the Pew Internet & American Life Foundation found that non-Hispanic white adults are still the least likely group to own a mobile phone, at 80%, compared with 87% of black and Hispanic adults. And they’re doing less with the phones they have.

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Lost In (Machine) Translation

2010-07-09T12:21:00.000-04:00

Last March, I shared a theory of mine that most Hispanics expect Spanish-language web sites to be poor quality and, as a result, use the English-language version of a site even if Spanish is their preferred language. Expectations tend to be low because often the Spanish-language version of a given web site tends to be inferior to the English version.
With Google's free machine translation software, Google Translate, showing up on an increasing number of web sites, I'm afraid that Hispanic online expectations are at risk of declining further.

Google Translate is Free. Or is it?

Many marketers and web managers looking to reach Spanish speakers online view Google Translate as the silver bullet. Copy and paste a little snippet of code into your web site and, presto, your web site is now available in Spanish (or any other language). As a result, you can now find Google Translate on many web sites including those of countless federal, state and local governments.

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Pew: Blacks, Hispanics among biggest users of wireless Web

2010-07-08T13:53:00.000-04:00

African Americans and Hispanics continue to be among the most avid users of the Internet over their cellphones, according to a report released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center.

And low-income groups are the fastest adopters of the mobile Web, showing an opportunity that wireless technology could play in helping to bridge a digital divide that has brought the Web disproportionately to wealthier communities over the past two decades.

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 64 percent of African Americans surveyed last May said they access the Internet over their laptop or mobile phone, an increase from 57 percent who said they did in 2009.

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Engaging Hispanic Businesses

2010-07-07T09:32:00.000-04:00

B2B advertising has seen increased attention during the last few years, primarily resulting from the growth in digital marketing. Digital media, and specifically search engine marketing, have provided companies that sell products and services to businesses and professionals the opportunity to target their messages and offers to the right audience (usually the decision-maker or buyer) in the right industry (or companies) with a high level of precision.

With the growth in B2B advertising, one segment of the B2B market has been noticeably absent from the discussion: advertising to Hispanic-owned businesses (which I will refer to as simply Hispanic businesses). The topic of Hispanic businesses usually results in more questions than answers:

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Mobile Users Ready for Location-Based Text Marketing

2010-07-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

Though smartphone shipments are rising and expected to surpass shipments of feature phones in 2011, according to Morgan Stanley, feature phones are still the devices in the hands of most mobile users. An April 2010 ExactTarget study found 58% of all US internet users ages 15 and older had one, compared with 31% who had a smartphone.

That means a large swathe of mobile users cannot be reached by more sophisticated mobile marketing efforts like sponsored apps, in-app ads or campaigns on the mobile web. According to location-based advertising network 1020 Placecast, opt-in text alerts are the smart way to target a fuller mobile audience.

A May 2010 survey conducted for Placecast by Harris Interactive found that while most mobile users still have not signed up for any text alerts, there was a small rise in interest since a similar poll in 2009: 28% were at least somewhat interested in the alerts, up 2 percentage points, and 8% were extremely or very interested, up 3 percentage points. For under-35s, interest was significantly higher.

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Connect Mobile Targets Hispanic Ad Base

2010-07-02T09:39:00.002-04:00

This week brought a new mobile platform for multicultural marketing called Connect, courtesy of San Diego-based EPMG -- which specializes in print and digital outreach to the Hispanic, African-American and Asian markets -- and MobileEdgeMedia Group, which partnered to create the new service targeting mostly Hispanic audiences.

Connect's mobile marketing capabilities for Hispanic audiences include standard text message integration, mobile coupons and various video content options, including Web-to-mobile video and user-generated mobile video.

Connect also produces campaign analytics and results in real-time, which allows clients to create and maintain detailed databases for precise tracking.

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As the U.S. Hispanic Market Grows, Leading Brands Step Up the Pressure on Information and Measurement Companies for More Comprehensive and Targeted Data

2010-07-01T14:19:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, July 1 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- With the U.S. Hispanic population becoming a major consumer force, brand marketers' need for comprehensive consumption and media measurement on this segment is essential. At a recent meeting of the Latinum Network, held at NBA headquarters in Manhattan, marketing executives from the nation's most powerful brands called for stepped up action by the industry's leading measurement and data companies. The meeting also uncovered the industry's appetite for standardized methodologies to assess overall performance and metrics in the U.S. Hispanic market.

The industry appears to be moving towards a "total market approach" where sales allocation and media consumption patterns for U.S. Hispanics are assessed vis a vis the general market. Without this new paradigm, brands will continue to struggle to evaluate ROI and optimize spend in the midst of this exploding demographic consumer segment.

According to David Wellisch, principal, Latinum Network, "A total market approach will ensure that you're investing each dollar where the return is highest, yet without sales tracking and comprehensive panel data, understanding the interactions and spillovers between the general market and the Hispanic market becomes very difficult."

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How the Entertainment Industry Can Move Beyond the Click

2010-06-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

Online marketers recognize the inadequacy of the clickthrough as an ad performance metric but still rely on it for its simplicity and ease of use. A joint study from comScore and MediaMind (formerly Eyeblaster) gives marketers in the entertainment industry reason to look further, to measures of interaction and dwell time, for a more accurate indication of performance.

With average click rates of less than 0.4%, entertainment industry ads perform somewhat worse than average. But their dwell rate of 8.7% compares with a rate of 7.1% across all industries, and average dwell time is 35% longer for the entertainment industry. This means entertainment industry ads are more likely to be interacted with—gaining branding value—but less apt to have that value measured if marketers look only to clicks.

Rich media ads performed better than static banners, and rich media ads with video perform better than those without. The lift gained from rich media with or without video was higher for the entertainment industry than for other verticals.

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US Hispanics Will Spend $257 Billion on Telecommunications Services over the Next Five Years, Says Insight Research Corp.

2010-06-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

BOONTON, N.J., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the next five years, US Hispanic communities will spend $257 billion on telecommunications services, accounting for 17 percent of all residential telecom expenditures, according to a new market research study from The Insight Research Corporation. Early analysis of Census 2010 data suggests that Hispanics will surpass the 50 million mark and that they will command over $1 trillion in buying power. Hispanics are the youngest race/ethnicity segment and, more importantly, have the largest percentage of people under the age of 18, a market demographic that the study says will be crucial to the survival of telecommunications providers over the next five years.

Insight Research's market analysis study, "US Hispanic Use of Telecommunications Services 2010-2015", takes a close look at the purchasing habits and telecommunications usage patterns of the Hispanic segment of the US population, as well as other ethnic communities in the US. The study emphasizes that the US Latino market tends to over-index in mobile content and also notes that US Hispanics are accessing the Internet through more and varied devices than non-Hispanics.

"If the future of mobile carriers depends on their getting consumers to buy their data plans, then the US Hispanic community is right in the sweet spot, and will be receiving increasing attention from both wireline and wireless carriers' marketing departments," says Robert Rosenberg, Insight Research. "Our study demonstrates that Hispanics are one of the most social groups online, and given the youth-orientated demographic of the US Hispanic community, they become a prime target for the newer 3G and 4G cellular services," Rosenberg concluded.

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Why Mobile Offers a Good Chance to Connect with Hispanics

2010-06-28T13:19:00.000-04:00

Like many Americans, Hispanics love their mobile phones and take them everywhere, more than non-Hispanic whites and, in many cases, more than blacks.

“Hispanics cannot imagine daily life without their mobile phones and credit the technology with strengthening relationships and keeping them connected to their social world, not just friends and family,” said Lisa E. Phillips, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report “Hispanic Mobile Users and Usage.” “Marketers who are just turning to mobile will find a market well ahead of them.”

Hispanic mobile phone users are younger than the Hispanic Internet population, according to eMarketer estimates and comScore: 50.7% of mobile phone users are between 18 and 34 years of age compared with 35.6% in the same age group among Hispanic Internet users. The Hispanic mobile phone population skews even more male than the general population: 55.6% of mobile phone users are male, compared with 51% of males in the Hispanic population.

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Univision Creates Local Media Unit

2010-06-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

Spanish-language media powerhouse Univision Communications announced late Thursday (June 24) the creation of Univision Local Media, joining the industry trend to leverage radio, TV and interactive media in local markets. To lead the new group, Univision named former Tribune exec Peter Walker as president.

Local media, close to the point of purchase, have begun to take center-stage with companies that own both radio and TV in local markets, such as NBC Local Media, Cox Media and CBS Local Media. While Univision may not be the first, the company offers unprecedented reach among Hispanics in 16 of the top 25 Hispanic markets, plus Puerto Rico.

In his new position based in New York, Walker will oversee the realignment of all operations and sales for Univision's 63 TV stations, 68 radio stations and local interactive properties. He will work with David Lawenda, president of advertising sales and marketing, to coordinate local and national sales, and with Alina Falcon, president of Univision News, to streamline local programming.

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Mobile Content Services Growing Fast in Latin America, Finds Frost & Sullivan

2010-06-24T14:47:00.001-04:00

SAO PAULO, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The mobile content market, distributed by mobile operators, reached around $2.4 billion USD in Latin America in 2009 and has about 63 million users across the region. Mexico and Brazil present the largest portion of mobile content users, with 38% and 31%, respectively, from the total market.

The total mobile services market in Latin America is nearing saturation in terms of number of subscribers. In Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, the mobile penetration rates were 92.2, 84.3, and 77.2 percent, respectively.

In these countries, the mobile content services market is expected to grow by a double-digit rate. One of the main drivers is the penetration of smartphones and other capable handsets, which enable advanced contents. Another driver is the increase in the adoption of mobile broadband.

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In Online Retail, Usability Is Rated No. 1

2010-06-24T14:13:00.002-04:00

Some online retailers are updating their looks for better navigation, while others are focusing on the bells and whistles of social shopping. But Web merchants would be wise not to forget the basics or risk frustrating their customers.

According to the “Revolutionizing Website Design” report from digital marketing agency Oneupweb, Web users expect a lot from shopping sites, but their focus is on the fundamentals that facilitate purchasing.

Clearly presented pricing and shipping information, for example, is the most important feature of e-commerce sites, followed by indications of credibility and trustworthiness. Visual appeal and functionality like cost calculators and search were also relatively important. But advanced features such as live chat and social hooks were important to but a small minority of respondents.

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New BrightLine iTV Report Identifies Hispanic Audience as Early Adopters Within the Advanced TV Advertising Universe

2010-06-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - June 22, 2010) - Hispanic viewers of interactive television are early adopters and more likely to engage with advertisers than the general population, according to a report released today by interactive advertising innovator BrightLine iTV. Analyzing proprietary 2009 campaign data, BrightLine analyzed the media consumption habits of the nation's largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority and found Latinos represent a largely under-tapped "super consumer" force within the advanced television advertising universe. That's despite the fact that it has transformed from a niche to mainstream market, commanding $1 trillion in buying power.

A leader in creating customized, measurable interactive TV ad experiences that achieve instant mass scale and effectiveness for the world's leading brands, in 2009 BrightLine executed more than 40 successful programs for AXE, Tylenol, Burger King, Hellman's, Dove, Turbo Tax, Abreva, and many others. The company also created innovative programming targeting the Hispanic market for brands including Dove, Degree for Men and AXE.

"Early results are encouraging for advertisers seeking game-changing ways to connect with the Hispanic audience," said Jacqueline Corbelli, CEO, BrightLine iTV. "Heavy usage combined with the reach of advanced television has created optimal conditions for leveraging interactive TV marketing and connecting brands with this increasingly valuable Hispanic population."

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People En Espanol Announces 'Festival 2010' Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in New York City on September 18

2010-06-22T11:56:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, June 21 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- People en Espanol, one of the nation's leading Hispanic brands, today announced the line up and sponsors for "Festival 2010," a celebration of Hispanic entertainment, culture and community. Hosted at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square on Saturday, September 18, from 1-9pm, "Festival 2010" will help kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in New York City.

Now in its 5th year and formerly known as "People en Espanol Fiesta," Festival 2010 is a free, open to the public event that will be held in the heart of Times Square. The ballroom space at the Marriott Marquis Hotel will be transformed into a destination and expo site to celebrate entertainment, culture and community that defines today's Hispanics. To celebrate culture, guests will be treated to live musical performances by some of today's hottest musical acts including Sergio Vargas, Jencarlos Canela and Kat De Luna. Celebrity appearances at Festival 2010 will include telenovela star Jacqueline Bracamontes and journalist/TV host Maria Antonieta Collins. Connecting with visitors on a more personal level and within their communities, Festival 2010 will feature motivational coaches and experts in the fields of Lifestyle, Health, Careers and Money. Coaches for the program include Lifestyle expert Maria Marin, Health expert Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, Career coach Mariela Dabbah and Money expert Maria Ines Ferre.

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New Messaging Needed to Reach 'New Majority'

2010-06-21T11:20:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Ask most major marketers what their primary concerns are today, and you'll inevitably get back responses such as digital, cause marketing and multicultural marketing. But those three areas are far from mutually exclusive as the world becomes increasingly blended.

"Within the next three decades, Hispanics, African-Americans, Asians and other minorities, as well as young consumers, will become the country's new majority," Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner's chairman-CEO, recently said in an internal memo calling for a company-wide revamp of multicultural initiatives under the heading, "The Multicultural Key to Our Growth."

But beyond the sheer numbers -- there are 103 million Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans that currently make up one-third of the U.S. population, and are projected by 2042 to become the majority of the nation's population -- this new majority will be a young, diverse group that consumes media very differently.

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Street-level Retail Innovation In Mexico City

2010-06-18T12:44:00.000-04:00

Innovation. The mere word conjures up images of serious-looking scientists clad in crisp, all-white jumpsuits working in an impossibly sterile lab, tinkering with the latest gene-splicing method that promises the cancer cure. Engineers putting the final touches on a clay model of the latest hybrid vehicle, and programmers brainstorming on software platform and apps for the latest touch screen tablet gadget, in response to Apple's iPad.

This is how we commonly view innovation, correlating it directly with R&D, often overlooking the fact that innovation is not the exclusive domain of the developed economies and can come from any corner of the planet.

"Necessity is the mother of all innovations" and the trigger point to innovate is fundamentally human. This can be equally found in the high-tech labs of Tel Aviv and Tallinn, Seoul or Silicon Valley, as well as on the streets of a mega-metropolis like Mexico City, in the mud villages of sub-Saharan Africa, or deep in the tropical rainforest of Borneo. The latter category is best described as street-level innovation.

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Online Ad Spend Bouncing Back After Tough Year

2010-06-17T15:20:00.000-04:00

eMarketer estimates that US online advertising spending will reach $25.1 billion in 2010, representing 10.8% growth over last year. Relatively healthy economic gains, along with the ongoing shift of marketing dollars from traditional to digital media, have contributed to the double-digit increase.

“Still, economic blue skies are not seen everywhere in the ad world,” said David Hallerman, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the new report “US Ad Spending: How Big Is the Bounceback?” “Ironically, spending growth online is partially attributable to economic instability.

“The anxiety attached to the still-healing economy encourages marketers to bet more on ‘sure things’—and the ability to measure Internet ads, especially search, makes them more sure than most traditional ad spending,” he said.

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Social Media Popular Among Older Americans

2010-06-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

Social networking is not just for the young: 27% of Americans age 50+ say they now use social media websites, with Facebook the most popular—used by 23% of adults age 50+—according to a survey from AARP.

Among surveyed Hispanics age 50+, 21% say they use social media websites and 13% use Facebook.

Most adults age 50+ who use social media sites are connected to family: 73% say they are connected (online) to relatives other than children and grandchildren, 62% are connected to their children, and 36% are connected to grandchildren.

Among Hispanics age 50+ who use social sites, 77% say they are connected to relatives other than children and grandchildren, 68% are connected to their children, and 38% are connected to their grandchildren.

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Mobile Marketing Association Appoints Marco Lopes as Managing Director for Latin America

2010-06-15T11:09:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, LONDON, SINGAPORE and SAO PAULO, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) (http://www.mmaglobal.com/) today announced the appointment of Marco Lopes as managing director of the MMA's Latin America (LATAM) branch. In his new role, Lopes is responsible for driving the association's charter to build a sustainable ecosystem for the mobile marketing industry in the region, and positioning the MMA as the region's leading association.

The LATAM branch is one of four business units established in 2010 to enhance the MMA's ability to anticipate and address the unique needs of each world region: Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America and North America. Each business unit's managing director has autonomy to foster strong member communities, launch new in-region local councils and perform MMA Forum events with full P/L responsibility while overseeing adherence to the MMA's Consumer Best Practices (CBPs) guidelines. These expanded responsibilities guarantee that the business units will operate according to the MMA vision, maintain consistency and encourage the exchange of success cases and best practices across the globe.

"The MMA has played a key role in fostering the LATAM region's mobile marketing ecosystem, including identifying emerging opportunities, creating industry-standard best practices and protecting the consumer experience," Lopes said. "I'm honored by the opportunity to lead the MMA's initiatives in the region."

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Emerging Lower Middle Class Fires Up Marketers in Brazil

2010-06-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

RIO DE JANEIRO (AdAge.com) -- Much of Brazil's explosive growth is being fueled by an emerging lower middle class that has grown to 95.4 million people. As they snap up cars, cellphones and new homes, this group is quickly becoming a prime target for marketers.

The group, called the Clase C, earns between $600 and $2,600 a month and, through upward mobility in a growing economy, has become Brazil's largest consumer group in a population of 192 million people. (Clase A and B are Brazil's elite and upper middle class, while the D and E classes are on the lowest rungs of the economy.)

Nova America, a thriving but not upscale shopping mall in Rio de Janeiro, gets about 50% of its sales from the Clase C. Carlos Martins, the mall's superintendent, said sales have been growing by about 15% a year, and the mall is adding new stores and corporate offices this year. About 50,000 people a day pass through the mall, spending an average of $80 per person and buying cellphones, consumer electronics and even cars and houses.

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Yahoo Study: Internet Can Drive Word Of Mouth Even Better Than Television

2010-06-14T14:32:00.002-04:00

There's no arguing that word of mouth (WOM) marketing impacts sales. And while a large number of people talk about content they found online, three-quarters of the time those conversations take place offline.

A recent study from Yahoo on WOM marketing demonstrates that the Internet has grown more influential when it comes to informing people through conversations about brands, even more so than TV in certain categories. The study also finds that the best vehicles for influencing WOM come from consumers who play in social networks. These "Conversation Catalysts" drive a disproportionately higher percentage of WOM activity.

While many marketers have little doubt that the Internet can influence WOM marketing nearly as much as TV, the huge gap in budgets for online versus television tells a different tale, says Radha Subramanyam, Yahoo vice president, who heads corporate and media research. "There's a bit of an intellectual gap in how marketers spend their budget that doesn't exactly tie to ROI," she says.

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