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For Immediate Release
February 7, 2007
WTTW to present V-me
The first national Spanish-language public television network premieres nationally on 18 PBS stations on March 5
Chicago – WTTW11, Chicago's premier public television station is adding a fourth network of unique programming to their lineup, it was announced today by WTTW President and CEO Dan Schmidt. In addition to WTTW11, WTTWD, and WTTW Create, on March 5 WTTW joins 18 other PBS stations in presenting V-me, a new national Spanish-language television network, which will bring the best of public television to Latino viewers in the Chicago area, where it can be seen on Comcast Digital channel 241 and over the air on WTTW's digital channel 11.4.
V-me (pronounced "veh-meh," or "see me") will offer a fresh alternative in Spanish-language television that engages, entertains, empowers, and inspires its viewers. The network launches as a 24-hour digital broadcast network carried on basic digital cable and satellite. In the future, WTTW will be able to customize certain segments of the service with select local content.
V-me's programming features a mix of original productions, exclusive premieres and acquisitions, and the best of public television adapted for American Latinos. Content is broadly organized into four main categories:
- Kids – High-quality Spanish-language preschool programs, educational online resources for children and parents, and local activities
- Lifestyle – Latino-focused food, travel, design, home and self improvement, parenting, health and well-being
- Factual and current affairs – Intelligent entertainment and opinions: history, technology, nature, current affairs, news and biography
- Movies and special events – Contemporary Spanish-language films every night, plus international concerts and special events
"WTTW is extremely proud to present this quality broadcast network that speaks directly to Chicago's growing and diverse Latino population. V-me's distinctive programming across all genres – from children and family to current affairs to arts and culture – represents the best public television has to offer," said Schmidt.
"All across the country, Latinos want more from media – more visibility, more quality and more choices," added Carmen DiRienzo, president of V-me. "V-me provides intelligent entertainment that explores interests and issues Hispanics share with all Americans, and connects the many diverse Latino communities across the country."
At launch, V-me will be in markets representing more than 60 percent of all U.S. Hispanic homes and carried in approximately 24 million U.S. homes.
V-me Media, Inc. is a media company formed to create and distribute the best quality content for Hispanics in the U.S. and internationally. The company is a partnership of PBS flagship, Thirteen/WNET New York, and private investors, led by The Baeza Group and including Syncom Funds, both of which specialize in investing in media companies to reach underserved markets. Additional information can be found at www.V-me.tv.
WTTW11 is the most watched public television station in America, with four million monthly viewers, and serves a four-state area. For more than 50 years, viewers have turned to WTTW11 for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates and entertains. Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW11 is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs and children's programming.
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