MIAMI—NBCUniversal Telemundo Studios said it is working with the University of Miami to launch what they are billing as an industry-first podcast incubator for Latino storytellers.

The initiative at the University of Miami, School of Communication in the Department of Journalism and Media Management will give student creators access to Telemundo’s production resources, mentorship and distribution platforms.

In launching the program, Telemundo noted that there is currently a critical gap in podcast content for Hispanic audiences. Less than 12% of the world’s 4.2 million podcasts are produced in Spanish, yet nearly 50% of Latinos aged 18 and older listen to podcasts, a 72% increase since 2020.

Hispanics also spend 35% more time listening to podcasts than non-Hispanics. In addition, more than half of Latino podcast listeners consume content in both English and Spanish.

The initiative makes Telemundo the first major Spanish-language media company to embed student creators directly into its content pipeline, the company said. Working with these younger voices will strengthen its ability to deliver authentic stories while fueling demand for bilingual audio among Latino audiences, according to Telemundo.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to bringing new formats and elevating the voices shaping Spanish-language storytelling,” said Javier Pons, chief content officer and head of Telemundo Studios. “By collaborating with University of Miami students, we are opening the doors for a new generation of creators to connect with audiences in authentic and relevant ways—reinforcing Telemundo’s role as a leader in the media industry with robust experience in the audio space.”

The incubator is part of Telemundo’s larger strategy of investing in the creators, formats and platforms shaping the future of media. With U.S. Latinos driving surging demand for digital audio, the program is designed to both meet market needs while fueling the growth of Spanish-language storytelling, Telemundo explained.

The incubator also marks the next step in Telemundo’s audio strategy. With projects already spanning Noticias Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes and “Dateline,” this initiative will help build new collaborations and create storytelling formats.

“This partnership reflects the University of Miami’s commitment to giving students real-world experiences that prepare them for success in today’s media industry,” said Trevor Green, associate chair and senior lecturer in the department of journalism at the school. “Working alongside Telemundo professionals gives our students invaluable hands-on experience, helping them build confidence and learn how to tell authentic stories that connect with audiences in both English and Spanish. It’s exactly the kind of collaboration that prepares them for successful careers in media.”

NEW YORK—Luis Fernández has been appointed chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, succeeding Beau Ferrari, who will become a senior advisor to the chairman of the News Group and NBCUniversal focused on strategic growth opportunities.

Fernández, who previously was president of Noticias Telemundo—its news division, returns to Telemundo after a career in Spanish-language media as a broadcast executive and award-winning journalist. He has overseen the development of successful programming across broadcast, digital and other platforms, NBCUniversal Telemundo said.

“Throughout his extraordinary career, Luis has time and again shown visionary leadership, building and growing the most successful Spanish language media organizations in the United States and overseas,” said Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal News Group. “At this moment in Telemundo’s storied history, we are so fortunate to have someone of Luis’s experience and stature to rejoin our team and excited about what the future holds for Telemundo and its audiences under his leadership.”

Fernández has served as CEO of Radio Television Española (RTVE), Spain’s state-owned public radio and television corporation; president of Univision Entertainment and Univision Studios; and International CEO of Real Madrid based in Beijing. He also held leadership positions at Canal +, Telecinco, Cadena SER, Radio EL PAÍS and Cadena COPE.

“As our communities are increasingly playing a greater role in American culture, politics, sports and commerce, this is our time to meet the moment,” said Fernández.

Fernández will report to Conde.

 NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES—The Latino-owned entertainment company Fuse Media has announced that it is continuing to expand the reach of its Fuse+ subscription streaming service by making it available on Amazon’s Prime Video. 

The launch on Prime Video is an expansion of Fuse Media’s existing relationships with Amazon, which has already launched Fuse FAST channels Shades of Black, Backstage, Latino Vibes, and OutTV Proud on Amazon Freevee. 

“To continue our partnership with Amazon bringing Fuse+ to Prime Video subscribers is another testament to Fuse Media’s appeal to young, culturally diverse viewers eager for vibrant, authentic representations of their own lives on any screen they watch,” said Fuse Media chairman and CEO Miguel Roggero. “We look forward to building on this already successful partnership with Amazon, allowing us to share our award-winning, inclusive programming with even more audiences.”

Launched in 2021, Fuse+ features over 500 hours of original scripted and unscripted programming, Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentaries and films. 

"We are excited to work with Fuse Media,” said Ammon Lyle, manager of content acquisition, Prime Video. “Fuse+ has a diverse selection of content and an amazing track record of introducing audiences to new voices."

In 2022, Fuse+ experienced triple-digit growth in subscribers globally, building off a distribution base that includes Roku, Comcast’s Xfinity X1and OTTPlay in India, the company said. 

LOS ANGELES—The Latino media company NGLmitú has announced the launch of streaming platform mitúTV along with plans to expand mitú's brands. 

Last year, NGL Collective and mitú, which has more than 13 million followers, merged their operations. 

At launch, mitúTV is an English and Bilingual programming service that aims to fill the gap in the CTV space among Hispanic-targeted services with over 120 hours of original Latino-led programming.

“NGLmitú presents the most comprehensive approach to reaching Latino audiences through our different brands and offerings. We create content by Latinos, for Latinos in language, in culture and in context which allows us to speak and connect with our community authentically,” said Joe Bernard, chief revenue officer of NGLmitú. 

“mitúTV is changing the game when it comes to entertainment created by Latinos for Latinos all in one place," added award-winning actor, activist and NGLmitú partner, John Leguizamo. "Everyone knows we’re a huge part of today’s streaming audience. mituTV provides an easy way for Latinos to access authentic content and see themselves positively portrayed like never before,” 

With its 14,000 sq ft studio in East Los Angeles, the award-winning mitú Studios team will continuously develop and produce new original content for mitúTV. The channel also features content from Latino creators such as Inland Entertainment Network, Digital Bodega and the Immigration Archive Project. 

It is available for free through mitu.tv, mitúTV VOD channel and app (android and iOS) as well as Roku, FireTV, and AppleTV. 

In addition, the company announced plans to expand its female lifestyle brand,  FIERCE by mitú. FIERCE was created in 2017 to build a community of Latinas and women of color to celebrate their successes, support one another, share resources and open much-needed dialogues. Its following tops 500k, with an engaged and supportive community.

“With more Latinas enrolled in higher education, starting new businesses, and contributing nearly one trillion to the US economy, we believe it is the perfect time to expand the influence of FIERCE by mitú through content and activations that further enable the incredible potential within this community,” says Vanessa Vigil, chief brand officer of NGLmitú. 

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—Entravision has announced a strategic partnership with LATV Networks that will bring to market a connected television (CTV) offering with over 5,000 hours of content targeting the Latino community.

Juan Saldivar, chief digital and strategy officer of Entravision explained that “this new partnership will provide LATV Networks with avenues to expand the distribution of their younger-skewing bilingual content at scale by leveraging our advanced technology infrastructure. At the same time, it further strengthens Entravision’s marketing portfolio of digital and content platforms.”

Entravision will assist and support LATV Networks with the expansion of their content on streaming platforms such as Pluto TV, STIR, VIX and Peacock, among others, the companies said. 

The companies also announced that Entravision and LATV Networks will approach new sales initiatives with customized incentives to provide first-to-market omni-channel offerings as well as open cross-promotion sales and distribution opportunities to advertisers.

In addition, Entravision will help accelerate LATV Networks’ digital growth by providing advanced data technology and multi-channel distribution for LATV Networks’ original content.

"By accelerating the growth of our CTV and digital platforms uniquely emphasizing Latino culture beyond language, this partnership addresses many of the challenges of marketing to our diverse and nuanced culture,” said Andres Palencia, CEO of LATV Networks. “Together, Entravision and LATV Networks will deliver unprecedented value to advertisers looking for innovative and flexible ways to reach Hispanic consumers of all ages, language choices, and media consumption preferences,” 

“The union of Entravision, a proven leader in the Hispanic media market, and LATV Networks, a unique content hub for the Latino community, offers brands even more opportunities to share robust and creative campaigns with their target audiences,” added Chris Munoz, executive vice president of national sales for Entravision. “Marketers are more aggressive now than ever before when it comes to engaging with consumers. As a result, they recognize the importance of delivering their message in precisely the right environment. Our vast portfolio of combined assets will provide our new mutual clients with a variety of innovative solutions that meet their evolving marketing needs.”

MIAMI--NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has opened Telemundo Center, its new global headquarters in Miami. With this new state-of-the-art facility, Comcast and NBCUniversal underscore their commitment to produce original Spanish language content for Hispanic consumers—the fastest growing U.S. demographic—while advancing the future of media.

“Latinos are a growing cultural, political and economic force influencing every aspect of our country,” said Cesar Conde, Chairman, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and NBCUniversal International Group. “Telemundo Center is the only facility that can fuel the preferences and demands of this dynamic audience, while driving unlimited growth and opportunity for our company, employees and community for years to come.”

[Read: Telemundo To Build $250 Million HQ In Miami-Dade]

Producing over 3,000 hours of original content a year, Telemundo Center houses 15 highly adaptive studios, including two digital studios, virtual and augmented reality sets, the news operation, and modern workspaces for its 1,500 employees. It also houses production of Telemundo’s primetime programming, including the entertainment show “Don Francisco te Invita,” the morning show “Un Nuevo Dia,” news programs, such as “Noticias Telemundo” and “Al Rojo Vivo,” and sports shows like “Titulares y Mas.”

The eco-friendly facility also integrates offices, and broadcast and production operations, for divisions, including: Telemundo Network, Telemundo Deportes, Noticias Telemundo, Telemundo Global Studios, Universo channel,,Telemundo’s digital media operations and NBCUniversal International Group’s Latin American offices.

With its new Telemundo Center, formerly based in Hialeah, FL, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises indicates that they are making a visible commitment as a leading economic, cultural, and social contributor to the local Miami and greater Florida economy.