New Spanish Language Channel for Preschoolers from Comcast

Comcast’s Florida East Coast Region announced today the launch of “Semillitas” (Little Seeds), a TV channel devoted to the preservation of the Spanish language for preschoolers. “Semillitas” features children’s programming that is entertaining, wholesome and free of any violence. The new channel is available as of December 15 in many South Florida communities through XFINITY’s MultiLatino service.

“As XFINITY TV rolls out through Miami-Dade, Broward and the Florida Keys, we will have the opportunity to add more programming that will be unique to the South Florida area,” said Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President of the Florida East Coast Region, Filemon Lopez. “‘Semillitas’ audience is Hispanic preschoolers and will satisfy the wish many Hispanic parents have voiced; to provide more programming for their children.”

The channel, which is produced and distributed by Miami-based SOMOSTV, fills a niche that provides programming for Hispanic children that allows them to grow in a bicultural environment, managing both the English and Spanish languages as well as preserving their Hispanic cultural identity. “Semillitas” offers state of the art animated series, narrated in a neutral Spanish accent, including a majority of content acquired from Latin America. This gives the channel a unique cultural focus by presenting music and traditions shared by most Hispanics.

The channel also has a relevant online presence with its interactive website (www.semillitas.tv) which includes its exclusive wire service “Notipeques” as an RSS feed.

Some programs on “Semillitas” have received awards by world renowned international organizations that endorse content for preschoolers and have been presented in European and Latin American countries. In addition, the channel includes as part of its programming the prestigious “Little People®” animated entertainment series, anchored in themes that encourage early toddler discovery through the toy brand’s beloved characters.

Luis Villanueva, SOMOSTV’s President and CEO points out that although Hispanics represent 17% of the total US population (percentage that will likely increase after the 2010 Census Report is published), children between the ages of 0 – 5 years represent 27% of that population segment, even surpassing 50% in several states (California, Texas, among others) and communities (such as Miami-Dade).

With the South Florida launch, “Semillitas” adds a key Hispanic market to their expansion. The channel is also available in Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, New York City and Philadelphia, with launches early in 2011 in California and Puerto Rico. There are plans to add more markets in the future.