Hispanic television subscribers in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region have a whole new mundo to watch.
Bright House Networks, the region’s dominant cable provider, on Aug. 1 added WSPF-CD to its basic lineup. The station, available on BHN channel 94, is owned by Miami-based Prime Time Partners, an affiliate of Bob Behar-led Hero Broadcasting.
"MundoFox Tampa's programming will be a fresh, quality alternative for Bright House subscribers,” Jose Rodriguez, president of Prime Time Partnerw, said. "I'm sure that Bright House will attract advertisers who are looking for engaging ways to reach these consumers."
Thanks to its increased presence in the market, WSPF has secured title sponsorship of Tampa's premiere Hispanic festival, which will now be called “MundoFox Tampa Conga Caliente.” In its 10th year, the free event is held in early November at Tampa’s Al Lopez Park, a hub of the Hillsborough County Hispanic community.
"Tampa's Hispanic viewership is growing in numbers and we plan to be a part of that growth by not only supplying an entertainment destination, but by finding ways to partner and support this community," Linette Rodriguez, WSPF’s director of marketing and promotion, said. "Having MundoFox Tampa be a part of such an iconic festival puts us at the forefront of our community's biggest celebration."
Among the shows that BHN viewers now have access to is Familia en Venta, an original sitcom starring Roselyn Sanchez (in her first Spanish-language television series) and Carlos Espejel. The series premiered Aug. 10 and airs Sundays at 9 p.m. It’s the story of a couple who divorce after 15 years of marriage but cannot sell the family home due to a poor housing market and are forced to co-habitate. Hilarity ensues, thanks to a quirky son, a free-spirited daughter and a grandfather who acts senile when it’s most convenient for him.
In other Fox-related news, Fox Deportes on Aug. 25 will provide The Ultimate Fighter Latin America with its first U.S. home. Featuring fighters from across the region, The Ultimate Fighter Latin America features UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez and top contender Fabricio Werdum as coaches, leading a cast of 16 fighters from Mexico and Latin America in the bantamweight (135 lbs.) and featherweight (145 lbs.) divisions.
