**The following posting comes from fellow FH Hispania colleague and new blogger Ray Fohr in Houston.**
Traditional U.S. Spanish-language networks are heavy on novelas, talk shows and futbol, leaving some Hispanic viewers out in the cold when it comes to more diverse content such as in-depth news, political commentary and educational programming. Univision has a news analysis show helmed by Jorge Ramos, and there are a few other exceptions, but generally CNN en Espanol, Discovery en Espanol and other Spanish-language franchises are the ones to fill that gap and still have limited distribution or subscription costs, hindering access to a larger universe of viewers.
Although all over Latin America news and educational shows are competitive when it comes to ratings, the novela formula sells well here and experts argue that Hispanics looking for more educational-type of programming are primarily acculturated Latinos who can find these offerings via English-language networks. But V-me TV, the fledging Spanish-language public broadcasting network, is looking to change that.
Launched in March of last year, V-me TV now reaches over 30 million homes nationwide and provides Hispanic viewers with offerings that the Spanish-language commercial networks lack. V-me’s offerings include extensive children’s programming such as Plaza Sesamo, plus lifestyle, in-depth news and entertainment. And different to the leading networks, V-me does not allow advertising or product placements, instead it offers corporations sponsorships and funding opportunities that go towards high-quality programming.
As a publicly funded network, V-me faces the same challenges as English-language public stations plus the challenge of attracting a diverse range of Latinos. V-me’s goal is to reach 50 million homes this year, and many Hispanic viewers we know are hoping that they do.
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