In response to growing demand from advertisers and U.S. cable, satellite and telco platforms, Fox International Channels is launching a dedicated U.S. domestic feed for Utilisima, the only 100% original Spanish language lifestyle network.
English language lifestyle networks focusing on food and home design have thrived in the U.S. marketplace for years,” said Hernan Lopez, COO for Fox International Channels. “However, we also see a significant desire for original Spanish-language lifestyle programming, and Utilisima US will fulfill that need.”
Utilisima’s international feed has been available in the U.S. for years, but in anticipation of launching a domestic feed, the channel has recently ramped up its original production – bringing in well-known talent from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela and other countries, following its 2009 launch on Dish Latino.
In addition to Dish, Utilisima is carried by Comcast, Cablevision, Time Warner, Charter, and is expected to announce new U.S. distribution deals soon. In Mexico, the channel recently surpassed the 90% penetration threshold within the multichannel universe and is projected to reach 100% by year-end.
Utilisima’s programming spans a host of genres, including Food, Home Improvement, Health & Beauty, Parenting and Crafts. The channel has a companion website www.utilisima.com featuring over 5,000 recipes read by more than 2 million users every month and produces some 1,200 hours of original content across a wide variety of original shows.
Utilisima’s signature shows include “Design Shop” with Mexican host Maggie Hegyi along with experts in the creation of unique home objects; “Beauty Plan” hosted by Mexican soap opera star Manola Diez, which provides an array of tips to highlight and renovate women’s beauty styles; Mexican actress Lissette Gutierrez Salazar (“The Nanny,” “Amor en Custodia”) hosts “Being a Woman,” a program aimed at women’s emotions where a team of professionals address motherhood, children’s education, relationships, self-esteem conflicts, sexuality and more; “Make it Simple” hosted by Mexican actress Elena de Tellitu addressing simple ways to make souvenirs, paintings, bijou, and more.
