News (Noticias) Tagged ‘aztec’

Fundacion Azteca America, the non-profit arm of the Azteca America Network, is teaming up with Voto Latino, an organization dedicated to promoting political awareness, in a national informational and fundraising campaign through its Movimiento Azteca America program.
Azteca America Network will run calls to action on its screen during the week of Aug. 4 - Aug. 10 inviting viewers to visit www.votolatino.org, as well as sending viewers of its web portal www.aztecaamerica.com to www.votolatino.org to encourage voter participation and funding for the non-profit organization Voto Latino.
Movimiento Azteca is one of the most powerful fundraising tools of Fundacion Azteca America. Through Fundacion Azteca, the foundation’s Mexico- based sister organization, over US$40 million have been raised to assist non- profit organizations that focus on an array of social and environmental causes.
“We’re excited to be able to expand our voter engagement activities in conjunction with Fundacion Azteca America’s Movimiento Azteca at this important moment of our nation’s history,” said Maria Teresa Petersen, founding executive director of Voto Latino.
“With three months to go to the Nov. 4 elections, now is the time to mobilize our community toward political participation,” said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Network.
Although the Hispanic community accounts for 16% of total US population, eligible voters represent 9% of the US total, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. “

TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. (BMV: TVAZTCA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, announced today net sales of Ps.2,448 million and EBITDA of Ps.934 million for the second quarter of 2008. EBITDA margin for the period was 38%.

In nominal terms — considering figures for each quarter in current pesos — sales grew 9%, EBITDA increased 10%, and net income rose 48%.

“During the quarter we offered superior advertising plans to satisfy the continuous demand of our advertisers in all of our time slots, which translated into robust sales growth,” commented Mario San Roman, Chief Executive Officer of TV Azteca. “The increase further strengthened our market positioning and was key in the solid EBITDA and net income growth.”

Second Quarter Results

As detailed in previous financial reports, changes in financial reporting standards were implemented this year. Under the new rules, 2008 figures are expressed in current pesos, while 2007 figures are reported in constant pesos as of December 2007.

The following analysis presents financial results under the new rules.

2Q 20072Q 2008 Ps. Change % Nominal*

Net Sales$ 2,309$ 2,448$ 139 6 % 9 %

Costs and Expenses $ 1,433$ 1,514 $ 81 6 % 9 %

EBITDA $ 876 $ 934 $ 58 7 %10 %

Net Majority Income$ 225 $ 323 $ 9844 %48 %

Net Income per CPO$ 0.08 $ 0.11 $ 0.0344 %48 %

EBITDA: Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization. The number of CPOs outstanding as of June 30, 2008 was 2,938 million.

Figures from 2Q07 in millions of pesos of constant purchasing power as of December 31, 2007, and figures of 2Q08 in current pesos.

* Change in nominal terms is included to help in the analysis of this report. The nominal change is equivalent to adding the accumulated inflation between June and December of 2007 to the new financial reporting rules.

Net Sales

“Our sales force offered ad options designed to achieve superior impact in the target segment of each one of our clients in Mexico, contributing to optimally positioning their brands in the viewership’s preference, and positively impacting the demand for commercial airtime in TV Azteca,” added Mr. San Roman.

Second quarter revenue includes sales of Ps.54 million from Proyecto 40, which have been consolidated in TV Azteca results beginning this year.

TV Azteca also reported net sales from Azteca America — the company’s wholly owned broadcast television network focused on the U.S. Hispanic market — of Ps.116 million, compared to Ps.145 million a year ago. The reduction this quarter is related to the adverse economic environment in the United States.

Programming sales to other countries were Ps.18 million in the period, compared to Ps.25 million the prior year. Revenue this quarter resulted from the sale of the shows Cambio de Vida, Lo que Callamos las Mujeres and Vivir por Ti, in Central and South America, and Bellezas Indomables in Asia and Europe.

Revenue from barter sales was Ps.88 million, 40% above the Ps.63 million from the previous year.

Costs and Expenses

Total costs and expenses grew 6% in the quarter, as a result of an increase in the same proportion of programming, production and transmission costs — to Ps.1,212 million, from Ps.1,138 million in the same period a year ago — and a 3% raise in selling and administrative expenses — to Ps.302 million, compared with Ps.294 million in the same quarter of 2007.

The increase in costs mainly reflects the consolidation of Proyecto 40 in TV Azteca results, and the broadcast of important sports events this quarter.

Growth in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to a raise in personnel expenses, travel and advisory fees, in line with increased operations this quarter.

EBITDA and Net Income

EBITDA was Ps.934 million, 7% above the Ps.876 million in the same period of the prior year. EBITDA margin was 38%, constant compared with the same quarter of 2007.

Below EBITDA the main changes were: i) reduction of Ps.84 million in other expenses; ii) increase of Ps.23 million in comprehensive cost of financing, mainly derived from increased foreign exchange loss this quarter; and iii) a reduction of Ps.16 million in net income of minority stockholders.

Net income for the period was Ps.323 million, 44% above the Ps.225 million from a year ago.

Outstanding Debt

As of June 30, 2008, TV Azteca’s outstanding debt — excluding Ps.1,232 million debt due 2069 — was Ps.6,302 million. The cash balance was Ps.2,230 million, which resulted in net debt of Ps.4,072 million.

Debt to last twelve months (LTM) EBITDA ratio was 1.6 times, and net debt to EBITDA was 1 time.

Six Months Results

Net sales in the first six months of the year were Ps.4,292 million, up 4% from the Ps.4,138 million of the same period of 2007. Total costs and expenses were Ps.2,825 million, from Ps.2,651 million in the same period a year ago. As a result, TV Azteca recorded EBITDA of Ps.1,467 million, compared with Ps.1,487 million in the first half of the prior year. The company recorded a majority net loss of Ps.302 million, compared with net income of Ps.409 million in the same period of 2007. This year’s loss was due to an extraordinary increase in the deferred income tax of Ps.474 million in the first quarter of 2008 — due to presales registered in the period — as well as the creation of a reserve of prior years’ Proyecto 40 preoperating expenses of Ps.234 million, also in the first quarter of the year.

6M 20076M 2008Ps.Change %Nominal*

Net Sales $ 4,138$ 4,292 $ 154 4 % 7 %

Costs and Expenses $ 2,651$ 2,825 $ 174 7 %10 %

EBITDA $ 1,487$ 1,467 $ (20) -1 % 2 %

Net Majority Income $ 409 $ (302) $ (711)– –

Net Income per CPO $ 0.14$ (0.10)$ (0.24)– –

EBITDA: Operating Profit Before Depreciation and Amortization. The number of CPOs outstanding as of June 30, 2008 was 2,938 million.

Figures of 2Q07 in millions of pesos of constant purchasing power as of December 31, 2007, and figures of 2Q08 in current pesos.

* Change in nominal terms is included to help in the analysis of this report. The nominal change is equivalent to adding the accumulated inflation between June and December of 2007 to the new financial reporting rules.

Company Profile

TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, operating two national television networks in Mexico, Azteca 13 and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and operated stations across the country, and Proyecto 40 that is broadcast on UHF. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca America Network, a new broadcast television network focused on the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic market, and Azteca Web, an Internet company for North American Spanish speakers.

TV Azteca is a Grupo Salinas company (www.gruposalinas.com), a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to build the middle class of the countries in which they operate, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates a as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. The companies include: TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx) and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Other risks that may affect TV Azteca and its subsidiaries are identified in documents sent to securities authorities.

Investor Relations: Bruno RangelCarla SanchezArmas + 52 (55) 1720 9167 + 52 (55) 1720 0041 jrangelk@tvazteca.com.mxcsanchezarmas@tvazteca.com.mx

Press Relations: Tristan Canales Daniel McCosh + 52 (55) 1720 1441 + 52 (55) 1720 0059 tcanales@gruposalinas.com.mxdmccosh@tvazteca.com.mx

Pasiones Prohibidas (Forbidden Passions), from Brazil’s TV Bandeirantes, is slated to launch in the U.S. this month on Azteca América.”*

Scientists were fascinated by the ghostly find: a human skeleton buried in an Aztec temple with a clay, skull-shaped whistle in each bony hand.

But no one blew into the noisemakers for nearly 15 years. When someone finally did, the shrill, windy screech made the spine tingle.

If death had a sound, this was it.”*

The nasty exchange of accusations made between Niurka Marcos and Carmen Salinas isn’t the only scandal that’s haunting the Cuban actress these days. According to the website of the Mexican daily El Universal, apparently Marcos talked out of turn again, but this time she’s facing the consequences: Televisa and TV Azteca have banned her from their programming. “*

Agenda Latina 2008, an issues forum sponsored by Grupo Salinas, Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Colorado, will be broadcast nationally on Friday, June 20 at 8:00 pm PDT and EDT / 7:00 pm CDT on Spanish-language broadcast television network Azteca America. The program will also be available as a simultaneous webcast at www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org .”*

Mexican archaeologists said Monday they have unearthed the remains of an Aztec palace once inhabited by the emperor Montezuma in the heart of what is now downtown Mexico City.

During a routine renovation project on a Colonial-era building, experts uncovered pieces of a wall as well as a basalt floor believed to have been part of a dark room where Montezuma meditated, archaeology team leader Elsa Hernandez said.

Montezuma’s palace complex — known as the Casas Nuevas, or New Houses to distinguish them from his predecessors’ palaces — is thought to have comprised five interconnected buildings containing the emperor’s office, chambers for children and several wives and even a zoo, according to Hernandez.”*

DirecTV is adding programming from three networks owned by Mexico’s TV Azteca to its satellite TV service this week, as part of its Spanish-language DirecTV Mas package. The new channel, called Azteca Mexico, significantly boosts Azteca’s reach in the U.S., while bolstering DirecTV’s offerings for Hispanic viewers. It’s set to debut June 11.

DirecTV already carries programming from Azteca America, a Spanish-language network created specifically for the U.S. Hispanic market. According to Azteca Networks CEO Adrian Steckel, the new DirecTV channel “will complement our successful broadcast network and together, the two channels will form Azteca Networks.”"*

“I got nominated right on the spot,” Jenny Mendez remembers.

Mendez is an accomplished local artist and curator, best known as the director of the Mattie Rhodes Art Center. Her experience recently landed her on the board of the Azteca De Greater Kansas City Guild of Latino Fine Arts. Mendez’s appointment came quickly, at the first meeting she attended.

For her first act as a chairwoman, she has prepared “Comunidad/Community” at the Urban Culture Project’s La Esquina gallery. The exhibition opens this Friday — with a huge block party thrown in for good measure.”*

Southwest Airlines touts affordable, hassle-free air travel aimed at Hispanics via TV and radio spots that begin airing nationwide tonight on Univision, Telemundo, Azteca America and others, the airline said today.

A series of three spots focus on the theme “Relax” and are part of a summer travel push by the carrier that showcase humorous, realistic situations often faced by travelers prior to embarking on vacation.

The “Relax” theme is designed to highlight the airline’s understanding of the issues and concerns travelers sometimes encounter before a vacation, illustrating the way the airline can help to take the stress out of flying.”*

Azteca Networks, the provider of the fastest growing Hispanic broadcaster Azteca América and DIRECTV, Inc., provider of the nation’s leading satellite television service, announced today the launch of Azteca México, a brand new 24-hour satellite-only channel to be aired through DIRECTV Más in the United States. Azteca México will offer exclusive programming from TV Azteca’s three Mexican networks: Channel 7, 13 and Proyecto 40 and will differ from programming viewers receive on broadcast network Azteca América. Azteca México will air on Channel 442 nationwide and be identified in programming guides as AZM 442, starting Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

Azteca México will offer viewers programs in the U.S. many of which will be shown at the same time as they air in Mexico on TV Azteca. These shows include hit Mexican novelas Todo por Amor and Vivir Por Ti, news from TV Azteca’s own Hechos and the hottest reality and entertainment shows like Poker de Reinas, a racy, fun morning show featuring four beautiful Mexican hostesses and Venga la Alegria, TV Azteca’s leading morning show.

“Azteca México will complement our successful broadcast network and together, the two channels will form Azteca Networks, the most sought-after Mexican programming package in the United States,” assured Azteca Networks CEO, Adrian Steckel. “Azteca México is aimed at a specific segment of the market – the viewer who craves that daily Mexican connection, with newscasts, novelas and entertainment programs offered the same day they air in Mexico.”

“Now for the first time ever, friends and family in Mexico and the U.S. can watch top-rated Mexican programming at the same time. No other Spanish-language content provider can offer this experience,” said John de Armas, vice president, WORLDDIRECT, DIRECTV, Inc. “The addition of Azteca México to DIRECTV’s robust Spanish and English programming packages gives the U.S. Latino community an exclusive television experience in the comfort of their own home.”

To celebrate the new network’s launch, Azteca América and DIRECTV, Inc. will co-host a star-studded, private VIP reception on Thursday, June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, CA. Stars will arrive on the red carpet and enjoy an evening of cocktails and entertainment. Celebrities scheduled to attend include: Pati Chapoy (Ventaneando América), Renán Almendárez Coello “El Cucuy” (Azte Pa’ Cá), Javier Alatorre (Hechos), Yahir (La Academia), Claudia Álvarez (Bellezas Indomables), Diego Olivera (Vivir Por Ti), Omar Fierro (Vivir Por Ti), Fernando del Solar (Venga la Alegría), Mónica Castañeda (Famosos en Jaque), Eduardo Xol (ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition), Emiliano Diez (formerly with The George Lopez Show). There will be red carpet fashion commentary by Patti López (93.9 FM) and more! For press credentials please see contacts below.

The distribution agreement is a major win for Azteca Networks, following the March 2008 agreement to nationally distribute Azteca América’s Pacific feed on DIRECTV Channel 441. Azteca México programming will be available nationwide and accessible to DIRECTV Más customers at no additional charge.

Top programs:

Hechos: Three times a day, Azteca México will air Mexico’s news leaders: Hechos AM, Hechos Meridiano and Hechos de Noche. Hechos de Noche is anchored by veteran journalist Javier Alatorre. For over twenty years, Alatorre and TV Azteca’s stellar reporting team have been recognized as the premiere source for news delivered to the Mexican public. (TVA 13)

Venga la Alegría: Hosted by Fernando del Solar, Ingrid Coronado, Raúl Osorio and Sergio Sepúlveda, Venga la Alegría is the morning magazine show that makes you feel at home. Full of recipes, gossip and surprises, this program is a fun, energetic way to start the day! (Live from TVA 13)

Todo por Amor: A TV Azteca classic novela. After 26 years of marriage, Carmen (Angélica Aragón) finds that her husband, Enrique (Fernando Luján), is unfaithful. Carmen’s marriage falls apart, but her fight to survive gives birth to new hope. Co-starring: Plutarco Haza, Cecilia Suárez and Ana de la Reguera. (TVA 13)

Vivir Por Ti: Beautiful, middle-aged housewife, Natalia (Elizabeth Cervantes), rediscovers herself after leaving her unfaithful husband, Juan Carlos (Diego Olivera). In the arms of Roberto (Omar Fierro) and later with Emiliano (José Angel Llamas), Natalia finds new love, but then her husband wants her back. Vivir Por Ti takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions as they question why destiny always plays with those who are perpetually searching for love. (TVA 13)

Poker de Reinas: Hosted by Rossana Nájera, Luz Blanchet, Anette Michel and Andrea Escalona, “Queen’s Poker” is not a card game, but a morning show that provides an entertaining safe-haven for women to “let it all hang out!” The beautiful hosts share their innermost secrets, advice, personal stories and even tips on the best weekend getaways. A hit in Mexico, Poker de Reinas is sure to attract women—and men—from coast-to-coast in the U.S. (Live from TVA 13)

Informativo 40 (Edicion Tarde): With a fresh, casual and professional approach, Óscar Mario Beteta and Paulina Sodi bring viewers up-to-date on the latest political and economic events in this Afternoon Edition. (Proyecto 40)

Info 7 Tarde: This innovative newscast is prepared exclusively for a dynamic audience. Here, entertainment and technology combine to deliver news at a fast pace. With high ratings on Mexican TV, Info 7 Tarde offers news from different angles making the program a favorite. (TVA 7)

Buenas Noches con Edith Serrano: Immediately following Hechos with Javier Alatorre, Azteca México offers a 15-minute informative brief of the day’s most upbeat stories. The idea is to end the day on a positive note, hosted by the talented, beautiful Edith Serrano. (TVA 13)

Los Protagonistas: Monday through Friday, enjoy the best daily sports recap on Spanish-language TV on Los Protagonistas. With the most outrageous commentaries and in-depth analysis, no other show brings viewers more sports news! (TVA 13)

A Quien Corresponda: Mexico is a country of constant change, growth and development; nevertheless, it is also a country of social imbalances and marginality. After 17 years on the air, A Quien Corresponda has become one of the most respected shows in Mexico and offers an outlet for the average person to be heard and understood while seeking answers to the countries’ pressing issues. (TVA 7)

Por Fin el Fin: Hosted by Betty Monroe, Franc Meric, Jessie Cervantes, Alejandro Suárez, Omar Fierro and Cristopher Nigel, Por Fin el Fin is a morning weekend magazine show that brings viewers the best entertainment without ever having to leave the house. (TVA 13)

Animal Nocturno: Animal Nocturno is an entertainment and political magazine show hosted by journalist Ricardo Rocha and actress Patrician Llaca and brought to the U.S. by Azteca México to offer a different perspective on music, theater, dance, movies and art. With different sections, Animal Nocturno is truly a multi-faceted show. (TVA 13)

Deportes Azteca México: Created exclusively for DIRECTV Más, sports fans will enjoy this weekend sports roundup with witty commentary, final stats and play-by-play analysis of the week’s most exciting players and games.

About Azteca América

Azteca América is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish-speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest-growing Hispanic network, Azteca América now reaches 89% of Hispanic households in the U.S., operating in sixty two markets nationwide. Azteca América can also be seen on DIRECTV Más Channel 441 (AZA 441). Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V, Azteca América 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 to Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions to partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About DirecTV Más™

DIRECTV Más™ offers the widest array of Spanish and English-language programming available and the latest satellite technology, all combined to provide viewers with digital-quality picture and sound at competitive prices. The service provides access to more than 45(a) Spanish-language channels including top programming from Mexico, Central and South America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Spain. DIRECTV Más™ programming offers sports, movies, music, news and educational networks, and access to more than 250 English-language channels of DIRECTV® programming, featuring the largest selection of pay per view choices and sports programming available. For pricing please visit DIRECTVmás.com or call 1-866-501-1Más (627).

“*

With an innovative and comic twist, Southwest Airlines today launches a new ad campaign for the Hispanic Market titled “Relax!” These radio and television ads will air tonight and all through out summer in Hispanic Media from coast to coast. The ads reinforce Southwest’s message of affordable, friendly, and worry-free travel. To access them click: redcar.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=00e2e6606d2fba995ec1149b19e6d678

“At Southwest Airlines we always want to show you the respect you deserve. We try our best to make the customer feel welcome, like part of our family,” said Jena Atchison, Segment Marketing Manager for Southwest Airlines. “Whether it’s to see people you’re doing business with or people that are family, travel is more than just getting from point A to point B.”

These ads will run on Univision, Telemundo, and Azteca among others Spanish networks, and will present various funny, yet real, situations that every traveler faces before taking a vacation. The title “Relax!” exemplifies how Southwest Airlines understands the difficulties travelers may have before a vacation and how it can create a better environment so that Customers can start a great relaxing journey. The campaign was created by the Hispanic advertising agency Dieste, Harmel and Partners.

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading
low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other
airlines-offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.

Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with premium all leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young, all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest even more convenient and simple. Also, fees don’t fly with us, No first or second checked bag fees, no change fees, no fuel surcharges, no snacks fees, no aisle or window seat fees, no curbside check-in fees, no phone reservations fees.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation’s largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 33,000 Employees system wide.

www.southwest.com/vamonos “*

TV Azteca, Mexico’s No. 2 web, has picked up the U.S. Hispanic version of “Desperate Housewives,” produced by Disney Latin America for leading U.S. Spanish-language net Univision.

Azteca will air “Amas de Casas Desesperadas” on Canal 13, its main channel normally reserved for Mexican programming, starting June 9. In contrast to Univision’s weekly programming plan, Azteca will be stripping the skein daily Monday-Friday — like a telenovela — in its peak primetime slot.”*

After the uproar over the news that architect Ernesto Zedillo Jr. is the father of Erika Buenfil’s son, the Mexican actress says she feels relieved, more at peace. However, she said she is still angry at TV Azteca’s journalist Inés Gómez Mont for disclosing it on her show Ventaneando. “*

Spanish-language television network Azteca America is now producing its U.S. national and local Los Angeles newscasts from Mexico City.

The company, a subsidiary of Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, until this week had originated its news programs for the U.S. from its facilities in Glendale. The network and its flagship station, KAZA-TV Channel 54 in Los Angeles, made the switch to save money amid a weak advertising market.

Azteca America has laid off about 30 people in the last week, including 19 in its news division, the company confirmed Wednesday. “*

El Mundo Newspaper, the leading Hispanic weekly publication in Austin and San Antonio, launches EXPO TU CASA 2008 — “A home-buying event for the whole family,” with the partnership of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professional (NAHREP) and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). The third edition of this successful Hispanic Real Estate Fair will take place on June 28, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (6121 N. IH-35, Central Austin) from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

EXPO TU CASA 2008, a free event for the public, responds to the Hispanic community’s needs of buying a home. The attendees will be provided with options, information and opportunities to learn how to own their dream houses. EXPO TU CASA will feature exhibitors representing homebuilders, real estate agents, banks and title companies from Austin and the surrounding areas.

El Mundo Newspaper is committed not only in giving the Hispanic community the best real estate fair, but for those interested in buying a home, an opportunity to talk to experts on a one on one basis about their specific needs.

EXPO TU CASA 2008 confirms El Mundo Newspaper and its partners’ commitment to the Hispanic community. EXPO TU CASA also helps the development of the real estate industry in Austin and adjacent cities throughout the Hispanic market.

This event is co-sponsor by Azteca America and BMP Radio (4 local radio stations).”*

Azteca América, the only U.S. broadcaster airing programming from Mexican giant TV Azteca’s three national networks, announced today that they will be airing the Mexican Soccer League Finals games “live.”

Thursday, May 29th at 9 pm E / 8C / 6 PST Cruz Azul will face off against Santos Laguna in Mexico City and on Sunday, June 1st at 6 E pm / 5C / 3 PST the two teams will meet again for the final showdown in the stadium at Torreón.

“During last year’s airing of the final game between Pachuca and América, nearly 2.2 million viewers tuned in,”* said Azteca América President, Adrian Steckel. “This year, we hope to exceed those numbers and outdo our previous record.”

Azteca América is the only U.S. network with the exclusive rights to air live the 2008 Clausura of the Mexican Soccer League Finals games.

Visit: www.aztecaamerica.com “*

When the rumor first broke that Noticiero Azteca América was moving to Mexico City in mid-March, VP of news María Elena Jáuregui (shown left) vehemently denied it. While she admitted there were changes coming, including some personnel cuts, she insisted that the local and national newscasts would continue to be produced in Los Angeles, with the TV Azteca news department in Mexico City “supplementing” the U.S. programming.”*

For the first time, the Hispanic upfronts will move beyond the coasts and straight into the heart of the country, holding the multi-network Texas Hispanic Upfront event in San Antonio on June 5th.

Participating broadcast networks will include Univision, Telemundo, TV Azteca and V-me. The upfront event will also host cable TV networks, ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports en Espanol, and MTV Tr3s.”*

TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V. (BMV: TVAZTCA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, announced that on May 28, the company will make a cash distribution to shareholders for the peso equivalent of US$25 million, which represents US$0.009 or Ps.0.09 per CPO, approximately.

As previously announced, the distribution was approved by the TV Azteca Shareholders’ Meeting held on December 7, 2006.”

After Garnering The Best Norteño Album GRAMMY Award For The Second-Consecutive Year And Notching  Another #1 Album With Their Recently Released Album Raices (Roots), The World’s “most influential regional Mexican group” Continue Their Touring Tradition Of Bringing Multi-Hour Shows To The Mexican Immigrant Community Across The Country

LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE Will Perform At These Upcoming Tour Dates

May 23 - Wichita, KS  - Wichita Ballroom June 15 – Stateville, NC - Plaza Mexico Lindo
May 24 – Amarillo, TX - Azteca Music Hall June 20 – Jacksonville, FL - El Moroco Shrine
May 25 – Liberal, KS - Activity Center June 21 – Lumberton, NC-Lumberton Fairgrounds
June 06 – Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid Hudson Civic June 22 – Columbia, SC - Columbia Armory

June 07 - Asbury Park NJ - Convention Hall June 27 – Tampa, FL - Florida State Fairgrounds
June 08 – Wallingford, CT - Mountain Ridge June 28 - Gaffney SC - Plaza de Toros La Guadalupe
June 13 - Green Bay, WI - Riverside Ballroom June 29 – Hardeville, SC - Far West Rodeo

June 14 - Highland Park IL - Ravinia Festival/Martin Theater

Voto Latino, a non-partisan voter engagement organization, is hosting a live blog as a prelude to the State of Latinos: 2008 Colorado Town Hall Meeting. The live blog session at www.votolatino.org will take place on May 22 from 3 pm - 6 pm EDT/ 1 pm - 4 pm PDT with key Voto Latino representatives fielding questions to elicit themes that will be presented during the State of Latinos: 2008 Colorado Town Hall Meeting to be held on May 30 in Denver. The event will later be broadcast on Azteca America in early June. “We’re excited to be able to unite our voter engagement activities with the effort of State of Latinos: 2008 Colorado Town Hall Metting to create a comprehensive Latino agenda to present to our representatives at this important moment of our nation’s history,” said Maria Teresa Peterson, founding executive director of Voto Latino, who will also be participating as a panelist during the town hall meeting. “This is one of several activities that we are cooordinating with Voto Latino with the goal of making sure our community is taken into account during this election year,” said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion”*

Latino Leaders magazine has named Jackeline Cacho in their 2nd annual edition of The Top 25 Most Influential Latin Woman in America. International award winning journalist and former broadcaster for Univision, and Azteca America Jackeline Cacho is honored to represent Most Influential Latin Women in Media today.

“These women have taken the reigns of ensuring that Latinos are addressed with respect and intelligence,” says the Latino Leaders magazine.

“I am so honored to be recognized for my efforts to serve the Latin community by such an influential magazine,” said Ms. Cacho “It’s great to know that our community is growing in the right direction and I am so grateful and inspired to be in such great company,” Ms. Cacho continued.

Jackeline Cacho has been in the limelight for over 15 years as a award-winning international journalist and broadcaster. As an activist for the Latino community and a long-time entrepreneur with her own production company, she has represented her native country in several international beauty pageants before making her way to America.

Her dream of having her own National TV show is now becoming a reality as well this year with the announcement of her international talk show entitled “En Familia con Jackeline Cacho” which is scheduled to begin broadcasting this fall. “We are getting such great support from the Latin community and some of the best companies in the world, so I know we are on the right track,” expressed Ms. Cacho, who described her show as the next evolution in Spanish Television.

When Jackeline was asked about why she chose to do the show “En Familia con Jackeline Cacho” in Los Angeles, she replied “This is such a great opportunity to show the real face of Latinos in America today. And I believe that the only way to do it right is to base the show in Los Angeles with the largest and most diverse Latino population in America representing Latin countries from all over the world.”

As a winner of many recent industry and community service awards including Woman of the Year in 2007 by the National Hispanic Professional Women’s Association, she also lends her help to many great Non-Profit causes around the country such as The City of Hope, The Peace Alliance, Jovenes, Inc., and many others.

She intends to bring the real issues affecting the Latin world to the forefront on her new television show by featuring special guests, in-depth stories and features, and practical solutions for millions of today’s Latinos with her new show “En Familia con Jackeline Cacho”.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Ca., Jackeline is co-founder of JC Enterprises, Inc. and Finding Productions which are privately held companies focused on bringing the best television, events, entertainment, and publications to the Latin community. For business inquiries or customized sponsorship packages please contact business manager Gary Christmas at 714.915.1183 or just visit Jackeline Cacho’s website. (http://jackelinecacho.com)”*

Luego de ocho años compartiendo el escenario, el dueto Sin Bandera se despide de su público con una gira de despedida, cuya parada final será este 6 de junio en el Auditorio Nacional, donde los asistentes podrán disfrutar de Noel y Leonel interpretando por última vez juntos sus éxitos.

Elegir tierra azteca para terminar con el proyecto musical que tantos éxitos les dio, es muy simbólico, comenta Noel, “pues es en México donde nos dimos a conocer como grupo, y después de aquí a todo el mundo”.”*