El Rey Network
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Robert Rodriguez Univision Communications |
El Rey Network (Spanish for The King) is an English language American television channel targeting Latino audiences launched by Robert Rodriguez in 2013 in a deal with Univision. It is available on Comcast, DirecTV and Time Warner Cable.
History
As part of its arrangement to acquire a minority interest in NBCUniversal, Comcast Corporation committed to carry several minority-owned channels.[1] The arrangement followed pressure led by Maxine Waters in congressional hearings.[2] In April 2011, Comcast solicited proposals for minority owned networks.[3] In February 2012, Comcast announced distribution arrangements for four networks, including El Rey.[4] The four announced networks and six forthcoming stations are being chosen from among in excess of 100 proposals to begin airing by 2020.[5]
Business plan
Rodriguez has partnered with FactoryMade Ventures executives John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. The network targets Latino audiences with an English-language general entertainment network. The network distributes reality, scripted, and animated series, movies, documentaries, news, music, comedy and sports programming.[4] Comcast has stated that the network "...prominently feature Hispanic producers, celebrities and public figures..."[6] The network targets second and third-generation Latinos who are often bilingual but speak English as their primary language.[7] The network hopes to succeed at a higher level than prior attempts to service the same demographic because of the commitment from Comcast.[7]
Broadcast
The network airs on the digital basic service in some of Comcasts' systems.[5] Comcast had announced that the network was expected to debut by January 2014.[6] In August 2012, the network announced that its CEO is Antoinette Alfonso Zel.[8] As of 14 May 2013[update], the network planned to launch in December 15, 2013, following an investment from Univision.[9][10] Time Warner Cable was among the first cable companies to offer El Rey Network.[11] The channel was added to DirecTV lineups on January 1, 2014.
Original programming
In November 2013, it was announced that the production of From Dusk till Dawn: The Series had already begun.[12] Also Matador from Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, will premiere in Summer 2014 and also Mexican lucha libre (professional wrestling) from Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, produced by Mark Burnett, will premiere on the second half of 2014.[13]
Syndicated programming
References
- ^ Stelter, Brian (February 20, 2012). "Hip Hop Mogul to Unveil Plan for Music Cable Channel". The New York Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ Braxton, Greg and Meg James (February 21, 2012). "Laker legend to launch a TV network:Magic Johnson's channel, Aspire, will be carried by Comcast and focus on blacks". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ Jensen, David (April 4, 2011). "Comcast Begins Effort to Launch 10 Independent Networks". Comcast. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Guthrie, Marisa (February 21, 2012). "Comcast to Launch Networks Backed by Sean Combs, Magic Johnson and Robert Rodriguez". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ a b "Comcast to start new minority-owned cable channels". Sports Illustrated. February 21, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Molloy, Tim. "Comcast Announces New Networks With Magic Johnson, Sean Combs, Robert Rodriguez". Reuters. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ a b Gratereaux, Alexandra (February 21, 2012). "Robert Rodriguez Wants You for New Network Channel". Fox News. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ "El Rey Network Announces Antoinette Alfonso Zel As CEO". PR Newswire. August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Univision Communications and El Rey Network Announce Strategic Partnership, Unveil Upcoming Scripted Series". Univision. May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Univision pairs with Rodriguez on El Rey network". Associated Press. May 14, 2013. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
- ^ "Univision, Time Warner Cable strike new distribution deal". Los Angeles Times. October 9, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
- ^ T2's Robert Patrick & More Join 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series', by Craig Hunter
- ^ Caldwell, James (January 12, 2014). "Mexico news: AAA officially bringing TV to the U.S., has backing of big-name TV producer". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 17, 2014.