Azteca América is the first Spanish-language network to wrap up Upfront presentations in New York and Los Angeles – ahead of Univision and Telemundo, scheduled for the week of May 14.
Recently acquired by HC2 Network, Inc., CEO Manuel Abud acknowledged the company was in transition. During an event in L.A. he told advertisers that Azteca América is poised for “stability, scalability and distribution growth” and under the new ownership, is ready for “The Next Stage” – the theme for its 2018-2019 Upfront.
Among the highlights of the new season programming slate, Azteca América will be adding a new original reality series, has tapped former Telemundo personality Penélope Menchaca for a yet-to-be titled new show, and will launch 24/7 telenovela channel called AZ Corazón.
The network is also bringing back several programs, including “Venga la Alegría,” “Ventaneando,” “Al Extremo,” “Escape Perfecto” and “Desafío: Super Humanos.” And for the fourth consecutive year, Azteca América scored the rights to the “Miss Universe” competition as the exclusive U.S. Spanish-language broadcaster.
Abud emphasized Azteca América wants to offer an “anywhere, anytime, any screen” programming strategy and an expansion of digital platforms.
New original productions for the 2018-2019 slate:
“Lights, Phone, Action!”: Contestants will develop and produce audiovisual projects using only their smartphones.
“Más Allá del Miedo” (“Beyond Fear”): Episodic series highlighting gruesome, horror, mystery and suspense stories aiming to scare viewers.
“Al Ritmo del Boxeo”: Reality series hosted by Roberto Durán that infuses the sport of boxing with the live sounds of Latin Pop artists.
“Mi Pareja Puede” (based on the international format “My Man Can”): Four couples gamble on the abilities of their partners.