Grupo ¡HOLA!, via its eponymous flagship magazine ¡HOLA!, has partnered with ATRESMEDIA TELEVISION, one of Spain‘s leading programmers, to launch ¡HOLA! TV. Marking ¡HOLA!’s first foray into television, pay TV channel ¡HOLA! TV will begin broadcasting in the coming weeks throughout Latin America and the U.S.
The new channel’s programming – which will include original productions created specifically for Latin American and U.S. Hispanic audiences – will be an extension and visual reflection of the ¡HOLA! brand, and will share common themes and content with the magazine, including: access to high society, royals, iconic figures, and big exclusives; human-interest stories; fashion; and aspirational and lifestyle content rooted in quality, professionalism, style and respect for both celebrities and viewers.
“The launch of ¡HOLA! TV represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the ¡HOLA! brand and is a natural next step in our mission to deliver across multiple platforms, reinforcing our relationship with our readers and reaching new audiences,” said Eduardo Sánchez Pérez, editor in chief and general manager of ¡HOLA! Magazine. “¡HOLA! TV will offer a new way to experience ¡HOLA! 24/7, while continuing to reinforcing the leadership position of our various magazine editions throughout Latin America.”
¡HOLA! TV will be produced in Miami and based at Imagina US’ studios where over the past few months a team has been working under the editorial and production supervision, respectively, of ¡HOLA! and ATRESMEDIA TELEVISION.
“Given the editorial prestige and recognition of the ¡HOLA! brand throughout the region, this project is a great opportunity to grow and diversify the business while opening the door to attractive markets with huge potential,” said Javier Nuche, chief strategy officer of ATRESMEDIA TELEVISION.
The network will be overseen by the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Ignacio Sanz de Acedo, who will report directly to the Board of ¡HOLA! TV in Madrid, Spain.
Sanz de Acedo has 18 years of experience in the industry that began in Discovery Networks in 1995. Before joining ¡HOLA! TV, he served as senior vice president of Ad Sales for E! Entertainment Television Latin America where he oversaw implementation of operational, sales, marketing and programming strategies spanning 15 countries that boosted revenue by 400%.
The following executives will be joining Sanz de Acedo on ¡HOLA! TV’s senior leadership team:
Raúl García-Diez, of ATRESMEDIA TELEVISION, will oversee original productions with a team of 30 who will work closely with the various ¡HOLA! editors throughout the world to gain access to the most relevant content and exclusives. García-Diez has over 20 years of television production experience in Spain, including the creation and production of some of Spain’s most successful television programs in recent history.
Patrick Ilabaca, named head of marketing, communications and creative services, will be responsible for the overall promotion, positioning and development of the brand, including consumer and trade advertising, on-air promotions, public relations, distributor relations, and special events. Previously, Ilabaca was vice president of corporate marketing, communications and business development for FOX Pan American Sports in Coral Springs, Florida. He also served as executive director of the Premios FOX Sports franchise, the first pan-regional Spanish language sports award show, since its inception in 2003 through 2010.
Maggie Salas-Amaro, named head of programming and acquisitions, will be in charge of buying content for the channel and shaping its programming offerings through the acquisition of popular television shows and series. Prior to joining ¡HOLA! TV, Salas-Amaro was director of programming at MGM Networks Latin America, where she was responsible for overseeing Casa Club TV and Canal Ella, which included the creation of the highly-successful primetime block Noches Para Ti.
Marcos Pérez Salvador was tapped as chief financial officer for the network. Pérez Salvador comes from Spain with vast financial and network development experience, including the successful launches of La Sexta TV and 13tv over the last 7 years.