Comcast To Launch TuTV In Calif., Wash. State

Comcast confirmed it will launch TuTV Networks, the joint venture between Televisa and Univision, in its California and Washington (Seattle-Tacoma) regions Sept. 1.

"We are very excited about the launch. It is a great addition to our Hispanic package," Comcast Fresno director of sales and marketing Rafael Vásquez said in a prepared statement. The Philadelphia-based MSO's California region includes Fresno, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, Monterey and Salinas.

Also in the fall, TuTv will partner with Time Warner Cable in Los Angeles to reprise and expand a spring promotion intended to boost subscriptions to its El Paquetazo offering in California. El Paquetazo comprises 140 channels in Spanish and English.

The local event will take place at California's Northgate supermarkets, which are owned by a Mexican family and are very popular among Hispanic shoppers.

"[They] have 30 stores throughout Los Angeles and San Diego, and they are very involved with the community," said TuTV vice president of sales and marketing Ariela Nerubay. "It was just the perfect match for TuTv and Time Warner Cable."

TuTv declined to give out specifics but Nerubay said the previous event, which took place during four consecutive Saturdays in May, was attended by more than 900 people and helped TWC boost its sales by 50%, compared to the typical weekend.

As for the upcoming promotion, it will take place in October and is expected to be expanded to five weekends, from Friday through Sunday.

TuTv features five networks: De Película, De Película Clásico, TeleHit, Ritmoson and Bandamax. All channels are originated in Mexico by Grupo Televisa.