Azteca America Leads Primetime Viewer Growth Among Spanish Broadcast Television Networks, With a 38% Increase From Last Year Among Viewers Age 18-49

LOS ANGELES, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Azteca America, the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families, posted the strongest February primetime growth among Spanish broadcast networks, with viewership up 38% from last year for audiences age 18-49.

According to Nielsen data*, the second-highest 18-49 primetime growth came from Telemundo, with an 8% increase. Neither Univision nor Telefutura posted positive primetime growth for the period.

As for general primetime audiences, ages two or older, Azteca America posted an increase of 42%, followed by Telemundo with 21% and negative growth for Univision and Telefutura.

The future is bright for Azteca America. The strong ratings are added to the recent addition of full-power stations in Houston and Dallas and the upcoming inauguration of seven new studios in Mexico City that will be the most technologically-advanced in Latin America.

The new studios, which are slated to be operating in 2012, are part of a total re-engineering of the Azteca production process, including a new organizational structure and over a dozen internationally-known actors and actresses coming on board in the past 18 months to bolster an already-rich lineup of talent.

"We're excited about our February ratings results," said Azteca America CEO Martin Breidsprecher. "However, we're even more excited about our growth opportunities as we consistently move to better capitalize on the amazing resources that we have at Azteca America."

*Source: The Nielsen Company National People Meter, Live+SD. Mon-Fri Prime Time (7p-11p) Jan/31/2011-Feb/27/2011 vs Feb/01/2010-Feb/28/2010

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. Azteca America operates in 66 markets nationwide, and can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 (AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.  

SOURCE Azteca America