History of Telemundo in Timeline
Telemundo is a US-based Spanish-language television network owned by NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal, which is wholly owned by Comcast. Telemundo broadcasts nationally and syndicates programming to over 100 countries globally in more than 35 languages.
March 28, 1954: WKAQ-TV Launch
On March 28, 1954, WKAQ-TV, which would later lend its branding to Telemundo, signed on.
April 14, 1983: Ángel Ramos Sells WKAQ-TV
Ángel Ramos, founder of WKAQ-TV, sold the station to John Blair & Co. on April 14, 1983.
1984: NetSpan Founded
NetSpan, the second Spanish-language television network in the continental United States, was founded in 1984.
1984: NetSpan Founded
The network that would become Telemundo was founded in 1984 under the name NetSpan.
1984: NetSpan Launch
The network that would become Telemundo, NetSpan, was launched in 1984.
1985: KVEA Joins NetSpan
KVEA in Los Angeles, California joined NetSpan in 1985.
1986: Reliance Group Holdings Acquisitions
In 1986, Reliance Group Holdings acquired the Telemundo brand and purchased WNJU.
1987: Telemundo Group Formation and Expansion
In 1987, Reliance Capital Group executives Saul Steinberg and Henry Silverman merged their stations into the Telemundo Group, rebranded NetSpan as Telemundo, and purchased stations in San Francisco, Houston, and San Antonio.
1987: NetSpan Becomes Telemundo
NetSpan was renamed to Telemundo in 1987 after the purchase of WKAQ-TV, which used the branding.
1987: NetSpan Renamed Telemundo
NetSpan was renamed to Telemundo in 1987, taking on the branding of its San Juan, Puerto Rico station, WKAQ-TV.
1987: Telemundo Launches First News Program
Telemundo's news division began in 1987 with the launch of "Noticiero Telemundo-HBC", produced in partnership with the Hispanic-American Broadcasting Corporation.
1988: Telemundo's Expansion Continues
Between 1988 and 1993, Telemundo acquired or affiliated with stations in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington, D.C.
May 1992: Joaquin Blaya Appointed as Head of Telemundo
In May 1992, former Univision president Joaquin Blaya was appointed to head Telemundo.
1992: Telemundo Introduces Framed "T" Logo
In 1992, Telemundo introduced a framed "T" logo, a significant element of the network's visual identity. This logo would later be updated and reintroduced in 1999.
October 10, 1993: Launch of GEMS Television
On October 10, 1993, GEMS Television, the precursor to Universo, was launched by Empresas 1BC, targeting a female Latino audience.
1993: Telemundo Starts Producing Telenovelas; First Production "Angélica, mi vida"
In 1993, Telemundo began producing telenovelas from Miami, with their first production being "Angélica, mi vida", a show about three families with different Latino immigrant backgrounds.
1993: Telemundo Rebranding
Telemundo underwent a major rebranding in 1993, introducing the "T" logo and the slogan "Arriba, Telemundo, Arriba". They also began producing original telenovelas, including "Angélica, mi vida", "Marielena", "Guadalupe", "Señora Tentación", and "Tres Destinos".
December 1994: Telenoticias Launched as a Pan-Latin American News Channel
Telemundo, in partnership with Grupo Clarín, Antena 3, and Reuters, launched Telenoticias in December 1994. This Spanish-language cable news channel, broadcasting in Spanish and Portuguese, aimed to serve the Latin American market.
1994: Telemundo Files for Bankruptcy
Telemundo Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1994 due to over $300 million in debt.
September 1995: Telemundo Infantil Launch
Telemundo launched a Saturday morning block, "Telemundo Infantil" ("Telemundo Kids").
1995: Telemundo Opens First West Coast Studio
In 1995, Telemundo opened its first network studio on the West Coast at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, increasing production of domestically produced programming. That year, the studio began daily production of three shows: "La Hora Lunática", "El y Ella", and "Dando y Dando".
June 1996: CBS Acquires Telenoticias
Facing low viewership and internal disagreements, the Telenoticias partnership sold the network to CBS in June 1996. Rebranded as "CBS Telenoticias," the channel expanded its reach throughout the Americas, broadcasting in 22 countries.
1996: Telemundo Partners with CBS Cable for News Production
After selling Telenoticias to CBS Cable in 1996, Telemundo collaborated with the channel to produce early-evening and prime time newscasts.
August 11, 1997: Telemundo Revamps Prime Time Schedule
On August 11, 1997, Telemundo revamped its prime time schedule, cutting one hour of its telenovela lineup and moving local newscasts to 10:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. They also added movies to certain weeknights.
November 25, 1997: Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchase Majority Interest in Telemundo
On November 25, 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment purchased a majority interest in Telemundo for $539 million, with Liberty Media acquiring 40%, Sony Pictures Entertainment acquiring 35%, and the remaining interest being held by investment firms Apollo Global Management and Bastion Capital Fund. Several investors attempted to file an injunction to block the sale, but the request was rejected.
1997: Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquire Controlling Interest
In 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired a controlling interest in Telemundo.
July 31, 1998: Sony and Liberty Form Telemundo Communications Group
On July 31, 1998, following FCC approval, Sony and Liberty established Telemundo Communications Group as a 50/50 joint venture. Under the leadership of Peter Tortorici and Nely Galán, the company aimed to attract the bilingual market with a "new era" approach.
September 15, 1998: Nickelodeon en Telemundo Launch
On September 15, 1998, Telemundo introduced "Nickelodeon en Telemundo", a block featuring Spanish dubs of Nickelodeon programming.
September 28, 1998: Telemundo Overhauls Programming to Target Bilingual Audiences
On September 28, 1998, in an attempt to attract U.S. Spanish-language viewers, Telemundo implemented significant changes. The network shifted away from traditional telenovelas, replacing them with sitcoms, dramas, and game shows. Many of these shows were remakes of popular English-language programs owned by Columbia TriStar Television.
1998: Telemundo's Parent Companies Repurchase Telenoticias
CBS sold Telenoticias back to Telemundo's parent companies, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media, in 1998, marking a return of the news channel to its original owners.
February 1999: Telemundo's Programming Overhaul Leads to Ratings Decline
By February 1999, Telemundo's attempt to revamp its programming backfired. The network's ratings plummeted by 42 percent, resulting in a meager 8 percent audience share. This decline led to financial losses and forced the network to provide free commercial airtime to advertisers.
July 1999: Telemundo Appoints New Leadership and Shifts Programming Strategy
In July 1999, Telemundo appointed Jim McNamara and Alan Sokol as president and chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively. The new leadership abandoned the previous mainstream approach, returning to a more traditional Spanish-language programming model.
September 1999: Telemundo Consolidates Operations in Hialeah, Florida
Telemundo began transferring the majority of its programming and marketing operations from Santa Monica to its Hialeah offices in September 1999. This consolidation brought together the network's management and staff, leading to some employees relocating or leaving the company.
1999: Billboard Latin Music Awards Broadcast Debut
Since 1999, Telemundo has been the official U.S. broadcaster of the Billboard Latin Music Awards.
1999: Telemundo Reintroduces Framed "T" Logo
Telemundo reintroduced its framed "T" logo, a variant of the design from 1992. This logo was a key part of the network's branding until it was replaced in 2012.
1999: Telemundo News Division Founded
Joe Peyronnin founded Telemundo's news division in 1999.
September 5, 2000: Nickelodeon en Telemundo Time Slot Change
"Nickelodeon en Telemundo" was moved to Saturday and Sunday mornings to accommodate a time slot for "Hoy En El Mundo".
2000: Telemundo Internacional Emerges From Telenoticias
In 2000, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media relaunched Telenoticias as the bilingual entertainment channel, Telemundo Internacional, marking a shift in programming strategy.
2000: Telemundo Expands Telenovela Block and Shifts Newscasts
In 2000, Telemundo further solidified its return to traditional programming. The network secured a deal with TV Azteca, expanding its telenovela block to three hours. This expansion resulted in the network's local and national newscasts moving to the traditional 11:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. slot.
September 11, 2001: Hoy en el Mundo Debut
On September 11, 2001, Telemundo launched the news program "Hoy en el Mundo" ("Today in the World") on ABC News, anchored by Marian de la Fuente and Jose Diaz-Balart.
September 30, 2001: Nickelodeon en Telemundo Discontinuation
"Nickelodeon en Telemundo" blocks were discontinued.
October 11, 2001: NBC Acquires Telemundo Communications Group
On October 11, 2001, NBC acquired Telemundo Communications Group for $1.98 billion (later increased to $2.7 billion), marking a significant moment in the network's history. This acquisition came at a time when Telemundo faced challenges in reaching Hispanic audiences compared to its competitor, Univision.
2001: NBC Purchase
NBC purchased Telemundo in 2001.
2001: Telemundo Put Up for Sale, Attracting Interest from Major Media Companies
In 2001, Sony, Liberty, and Reliance made the decision to sell Telemundo Communications Group. This announcement sparked interest from media giants such as Viacom, Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, AOL Time Warner, and NBC.
2001: Telemundo and Liberty Media Purchase GEMS Television
In 2001, Telemundo, under the ownership of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media, acquired GEMS Television, transforming it into mun2. The rebranded network featured a blend of Spanish and English content aimed at adults aged 18 to 49, attempting to bridge the "two worlds" inhabited by Latino Americans.
April 12, 2002: NBC Finalizes Acquisition of Telemundo
NBC finalized its acquisition of Telemundo Communications Group on April 12, 2002. Jim McNamara and Alan Sokol, appointed by the previous ownership, remained in their leadership roles during the transition.
September 8, 2003: Telemundo Introduces English Captions
On September 8, 2003, Telemundo became the first Spanish-language network in the United States to incorporate English captions, starting with "La Cenicienta" and "Amor Descarado".
2003: Ritmo Deportivo Debut
Telemundo launched the sports/lifestyle program "Ritmo Deportivo" in 2003.
2003: Telemundo Secures Miss Universe and Miss USA Rights
Telemundo obtained the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
2004: Telemundo Focuses on Original Programming and Expands Studio Operations
Under NBC's ownership, Telemundo shifted its focus towards original programming and product placement. In 2004, the network established Telemundo Television Studios in Miami, strengthening its commitment to producing original content. Telemundo also invested heavily in programming, allocating $100 million annually during the mid-2000s.
October 10, 2005: Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta Premiere
On October 10, 2005, Telemundo premiered "Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta" ("Every Day with Maria Antonieta"), replacing "Hoy en el Mundo" and "En la Madrugada".
2005: NBC Universal and TV Azteca Legal Battle
As early as 2005, NBC Universal considered launching a Mexican version of Telemundo, leading to a legal dispute with TV Azteca. Azteca was accused of disrupting the production of Telemundo's "Quinceañera: Mamá Quiero Ser Artista" in Mexico and broadcasting a news story alleging fraud and corruption against NBC Universal's then-parent company, General Electric, and Grupo Casa Saba, to hinder Telemundo and Grupo Xtra's TV network license application in Mexico.
2005: McNamara Retires as CEO
In 2005, after the NBC Universal merger, Telemundo saw a shift in leadership as CEO Jim McNamara retired. He was succeeded by Don Browne, who brought his experience from NBC's Miami O&O (and WSCV sister station) WTVJ.
September 2006: Qubo Debut
In September 2006, Telemundo premiered "Qubo", a weekend morning block of educational programming.
September 2006: UPN and The WB Shut Down, Replaced by The CW
In a significant television landscape shift, UPN and The WB ceased operations in September 2006. The CW emerged as their replacement, inheriting their audience and programming slots.
2006: Telemundo Internacional Rebranded as Telemundo Puerto Rico
In 2006, Telemundo Internacional was rebranded as Telemundo Puerto Rico, becoming a national superstation feed of San Juan O&O WKAQ-TV and focusing on serving the Puerto Rican market.
March 2007: NBC Universal Announces Telemundo Restructuring and Sale of Stations
In March 2007, NBC Universal revealed plans to restructure Telemundo's entertainment division to compete with Univision. The company also announced its plan to sell WKAQ-TV, the original Telemundo station in Puerto Rico, and the Spanish independent station KWHY in Los Angeles. The aim was to use the funds from these sales to finance its acquisition of Oxygen Media.
December 21, 2007: NBC Cancels Sale of WKAQ-TV
On December 21, 2007, NBC Universal reversed its earlier decision and announced that it would no longer sell WKAQ-TV, ensuring that Telemundo Puerto Rico would remain under the NBC umbrella.
March 18, 2008: Televisa and NBC Universal Announce Multiplatform Agreement
On March 18, 2008, Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal announced a ten-year agreement to broadcast 1,000 hours of Telemundo programming, including news, entertainment, specials, and sports, on Televisa's free-to-air channels and SKY México starting that April. This deal also included launching a jointly operated Telemundo channel in Mexico.
May 2008: Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta Cancellation
In May 2008, "Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta" was canceled due to low ratings and Maria Antonieta Collins' departure from Telemundo.
October 14, 2008: Telemundo Temporarily Removes English Captions
Citing budget cuts and the transition to digital broadcasting, Telemundo briefly discontinued English captions on October 14, 2008.
March 30, 2009: Telemundo Reinstates English Captions
Due to viewer demand, Telemundo reversed its decision and brought back English subtitles for all prime time novelas on March 30, 2009.
April 23, 2009: Telemundo Launches High-Definition Simulcast Feed
Telemundo became the first Spanish-language broadcaster in the US to offer primetime programming in HD on April 23, 2009, with the launch of "Telemundo HD." This milestone began with the Billboard Latin Music Awards, followed by a gradual rollout to O&Os and affiliates.
August 2009: Telemundo Channel Launches in Mexico
Following a multiplatform agreement between Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal in 2008, a Mexican cable-satellite version of the Telemundo network was launched in August 2009.
September 2009: "Mas Sabe El Diablo" Becomes First Regularly Scheduled HD Telenovela
The premiere of "Mas Sabe El Diablo" ("Falling Angel") in September 2009 marked the first regularly scheduled Telemundo program to be broadcast in HD, demonstrating the network's commitment to high-quality production.
2009: Telemundo Begins HD Transition
Before July 2012, Telemundo transitioned its programming to HD, with the exception of archived programs predating 2009 that were originally produced in 4:3 standard definition.
2010: Comcast Announces Plans to Acquire NBC Universal
Comcast made a significant announcement in 2010, declaring its intention to purchase a 51 percent majority stake in NBC Universal. This deal, valued at $6.5 billion, ultimately led to Comcast gaining control of Telemundo upon its completion.
2010: Telemundo Implements Off-Time Scheduling
From 2010 to 2013, Telemundo used an off-time scheduling format for its prime time programming, similar to Turner Time, with programs starting three minutes later than the advertised time.
2010: Telemundo Begins to Close Ratings Gap with Univision
Telemundo made notable progress in narrowing the ratings gap with Univision in the key demographic of Adults 18–49 between 2010 and 2015. The network managed to reduce the difference by 54 percent, even outperforming Univision on several occasions.
January 28, 2011: Comcast Acquires NBC Universal, Including Telemundo
Comcast finalized its acquisition of a 51 percent majority stake in NBC Universal for $6.5 billion on January 28, 2011. As part of the deal, Comcast took control of Telemundo.
February 2011: Un Nuevo Día Production Relocation
In February 2011, the production of "Un Nuevo Día" was moved to Telemundo's headquarters in Hialeah, Florida, and local cut-ins were dropped.
October 2011: Emilio Romano Appointed President of Telemundo
In October 2011, Emilio Romano was appointed as the new president of Telemundo. He held this position until his unexpected resignation in October 2013.
2011: Telemundo's Production in Miami
In 2011, the majority of Telemundo's programs, including 85% of their telenovelas, were shot at their studio facility in Miami. The average cost to product an hour of primetime drama was $70,000.
January 2012: Telemundo Launches Exitos TV, a Telenovela Rerun Channel
In January 2012, Telemundo launched Exitos TV, a digital multicast network dedicated to rebroadcasting popular telenovelas from the network's archive. This channel was initially exclusive to Telemundo's owned-and-operated stations.
January 30, 2012: Univision Adopts English Captions
Following Telemundo's lead, Univision began airing English captions on its evening programming, mainly telenovelas, on January 30, 2012.
May 14, 2012: Telemundo Unveils New Branding Campaign
On May 14, 2012, Telemundo announced a brand refresh, including a new slogan, on-air identity, and logo redesign. The new logo, featuring two red spheres forming the "T," aimed to represent the network's connection to its Latin roots and the contemporary mindset of its U.S. audience.
July 7, 2012: MiTelemundo Launch
On July 7, 2012, Telemundo replaced the "Qubo" block with "MiTelemundo", programmed by Sprout.
July 2012: ¡Levántate! Rebranding
In July 2012, Telemundo's morning show "¡Levántate!" was retitled to "Un Nuevo Día".
July 2012: Telemundo Starts Broadcasting in HD
In July 2012, Telemundo began broadcasting its first-run entertainment, sports programming, specials, select acquired programs, and the MiTelemundo E/I block in HD. The only exceptions were programs originally produced in 4:3 standard definition before 2009.
2012: Premios Tu Mundo Premiere
Telemundo debuted "Premios Tu Mundo" ("Your World Awards") in 2012, a viewer-decided awards show honoring Hispanic and Latino achievements in media.
July 2013: Telemundo's Limited Variety Show Lineup
As of July 2013, Telemundo's programming schedule had a limited presence of variety shows, with "La Voz Kids" being the only such show airing on the network.
July 2013: Telemundo Narrows Ratings Gap with Univision
By July 2013, Telemundo had made significant strides in closing the ratings gap with Univision, particularly among Adults 18–49. The network attributed this success to its strategic programming choices and successful shows.
September 2013: Ritmo Deportivo Schedule Change
"Ritmo Deportivo" briefly aired on Saturdays from September 2013.
October 2013: Emilio Romano Exits Telemundo
Emilio Romano, appointed as president of Telemundo in October 2011, unexpectedly resigned in October 2013.
October 22, 2013: Telemundo Now Launches, Offering Multi-Platform Streaming
On October 22, 2013, Telemundo launched "Telemundo Now," a multi-platform streaming service accessible through a dedicated website and mobile apps. This TV Everywhere service provided authenticated subscribers of participating pay television providers with on-demand access to Telemundo's programming, further expanding viewing options.
December 13, 2013: DramaFever Partners with Telemundo to Stream Telenovelas
On December 13, 2013, DramaFever, a streaming service known for Asian content, partnered with Telemundo to offer a selection of the network's past telenovelas. This deal marked Telemundo's foray into a new digital market and expanded the reach of its content.
2013: Telemundo Launches "Super Series" Format and Enjoys Success with Telenovelas
Telemundo continued to innovate in 2013, introducing the "Super Series" format, a new take on action-oriented telenovelas. These shows, typically airing during the last hour of prime time, were designed with shorter seasons, storylines resonating with American audiences, and a multi-season continuity model. This year also saw the successful debut of telenovelas like "La Patrona" ("The Return") and "El Señor de los Cielos" ("The Lord of the Skies"), and the musical competition "La Voz Kids" ("The Voice Kids"), a Spanish adaptation of "The Voice" franchise, hosted by Daisy Fuentes and Jorge Bernal and featuring coaches Paulina Rubio, Prince Royce, and Roberto Tapia.
2013: Telemundo Discontinues Off-Time Scheduling
Telemundo discontinued its off-time scheduling format in 2013, returning to conventional start times for its prime time programming.
May 13, 2014: Luis Silberwasser Appointed President of Telemundo Network, LLC
On May 13, 2014, during Telemundo's upfront presentation in New York City, Luis Silberwasser was appointed president of Telemundo Network, LLC. This appointment gave him overarching responsibility for the Telemundo network and Telemundo Studios, the network's production division.
July 2014: Telemundo Signs Licensing Agreement with Dick Clark Productions
Telemundo signed a licensing agreement with Dick Clark Productions, granting them broadcasting rights to the Latin American Music Awards.
September 4, 2014: Weekend Editions of "Noticiero Telemundo" Return
Telemundo restored Saturday and Sunday editions of "Noticiero Telemundo" on September 4, 2014, after replacing them with feature films and reality series in 2007.
December 1, 2014: Exitos TV Rebrands as TeleXitos, Expanding Programming
On December 1, 2014, Exitos TV was relaunched as TeleXitos, shifting its focus to include Spanish-dubbed reruns of action and adventure series and feature films, primarily from NBCUniversal's library.
December 24, 2014: mun2 to Rebrand as NBC Universo
NBCUniversal announced on December 24, 2014, that mun2, a network with a mix of English and Spanish programming targeting young Latino adults, would be rebranded as NBC Universo. The change, aligning the channel with NBC, was planned for February 1, 2015, coinciding with the Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.
2014: Telemundo Loses Miss Universe and Miss USA Rights
Telemundo lost the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
2014: Titulares y Mas Expansion
The sports talk show "Titulares y Mas" expanded to a five-night-a-week broadcast.
2014: Telemundo Concludes 2014-2015 Season with Highest Average Prime Time Viewership
Telemundo wrapped up the 2014–2015 season with its highest-ever average total prime time viewership against Univision, attracting 1.46 million viewers and showing a significant 23 percent increase in total viewership year-over-year. In contrast, Univision experienced a 21 percent decline, ending the season with 2.29 million viewers. This achievement further solidified Telemundo's position as a strong contender in the Spanish-language television market.
2014: FIFA World Cup Rights Acquired
In 2014, Deportes Telemundo secured the Spanish language rights to broadcast the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cup.
2014: Telemundo's "El Señor de los Cielos" Achieves Ratings Milestone
Telemundo's strategic shift toward the "Super Series" format yielded impressive results. The action-packed telenovela "El Señor de los Cielos" drew a remarkable 3.2 million viewers for its second-season finale in 2014, marking some of the network's highest viewership figures for an entertainment program. This success underscored the format's appeal and the network's ability to capture audience attention.
February 1, 2015: Debut of NBC Universo
On February 1, 2015, coinciding with its Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX, NBCUniversal rebranded mun2 as NBC Universo, aligning the channel more closely with the NBC brand.
February 2015: Univision Obtains Miss Universe and Miss USA Rights
Univision Communications obtained the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
April 2015: Ritmo Deportivo Schedule Change
"Ritmo Deportivo" briefly aired on Saturdays until April 2015.
May 2015: Telemundo Deportes Established
In May 2015, NBCUniversal created Telemundo Deportes, superseding the network-operated division Deportes Telemundo.
July 2015: Telemundo Further Closes in on Univision in Prime Time Viewership
Telemundo continued its ratings momentum, coming within 40,000 viewers of surpassing Univision in prime time viewership during the week of July 20–24, 2015. This achievement highlighted the network's growing audience and competitive programming.
July 21, 2015: Telemundo Surpasses Univision in Single-Night Demographic for First Time
In a historic victory, Telemundo surpassed Univision in a single-night demographic for the first time on July 21, 2015. Telemundo averaged 969,000 viewers with a .76 rating in the target demographic, edging out Univision's 943,000 viewers and a .74 rating. This achievement marked a turning point in the competition between the two Spanish-language television giants. "El Senor de los Cielos 3" also outperformed Univision's "Yo No Creo En los Hombres" in the 10:00 p.m. hour, demonstrating Telemundo's growing appeal.
September 2015: Trump Sells Miss Universe Organization
Donald Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization to WME-IMG.
October 2015: Latin American Music Awards Broadcast Debut
In October 2015, Telemundo became the originating broadcaster of the Latin American Music Awards.
2015: Women's World Cup Broadcast Debut
Deportes Telemundo's deal with FIFA began with the 2015 Women's World Cup.
2015: Telemundo Operates on 147½-Hour Network Programming Schedule
By 2015, Telemundo was operating on a comprehensive 147½-hour network programming schedule. This schedule encompassed a diverse range of general entertainment programming on weekdays, children's programming on weekend mornings, a movie block, and infomercials. This robust schedule showcased Telemundo's commitment to providing a wide array of content to its audience.
February 9, 2016: SAG-AFTRA Accuses Telemundo of Double Standard
On February 9, 2016, Telemundo, owned by NBCUniversal, faced accusations from SAG-AFTRA, alleging a double standard between its Spanish-language and English-language talent at NBC and Telemundo. Telemundo responded that they are "committed to making Telemundo a great place to work for our employees" and ensuring competitive salaries and working conditions.
February 13, 2016: SAG-AFTRA Claims Telemundo Treats Employees as "Second-Class Professionals"
On February 13, 2016, SAG-AFTRA further claimed that Telemundo treated its employees as "second-class professionals," lacking basic workplace guarantees such as fair pay, breaks, health insurance, and residuals. Telemundo's president argued that SAG-AFTRA sought union recognition without an employee vote, while SAG-AFTRA alleged intimidation tactics within the network to prevent unionization.
May 28, 2016: Telemundo Accused of Staging #NeverTrump Protest
On May 28, 2016, filmmaker Andrew Marcus accused Telemundo of staging a #NeverTrump protest in San Diego. L. Brent Bozell III of Media Research Center demanded an apology from Telemundo to Donald Trump and the firing of the involved crew. Telemundo responded that the footage wasn't used and maintained its commitment to balanced reporting, stating that it would not ask employees to stage events.
August 2016: Telemundo Refuses to Air SAG-AFTRA Ad Highlighting Unfair Treatment
In August 2016, Telemundo refused to air a SAG-AFTRA ad highlighting the unfair wage gap and lack of benefits for Telemundo employees compared to unionized NBCUniversal performers. The ad, intended for Premios Tu Mundo, was deemed unfit for broadcast due to legal standards for issue-based advertisements, according to Telemundo. Other networks, like MegaTV and Estrella TV, aired the ad nationally.
September 25, 2016: NBC Kids Replacement
NBC Kids was replaced by Litton Entertainment's "The More You Know" block on NBC.
January 6, 2018: MiTelemundo Relaunch
On January 6, 2018, "MiTelemundo" moved exclusively to Saturday mornings and began airing Spanish dubs of programming from "The More You Know".
June 2018: Telemundo Reaches 57.23% of US Households
By June 2018, Telemundo expanded its reach to an estimated 57.23% of all US households, encompassing 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, solidifying its position as the largest American Spanish language broadcast television network with the most extensive affiliate network.
September 1, 2018: Telemundo Transitions to 16:9 Format
On September 1, 2018, Telemundo transitioned its presentation to a 16:9 format, with Al Rojo Vivo being the first program to adopt this format.
2018: ZGS Communications Acquired by Telemundo Stations Group
In 2018, Telemundo's parent company, NBCUniversal, significantly expanded the network's reach by acquiring ZGS Communications, which owned ten Telemundo-affiliated stations in major markets. This acquisition made these stations direct O&Os of the network, bolstering Telemundo's presence in key demographics.
July 2019: Telemundo Network Operations Centralized in Centennial, Colorado
By July 2019, Telemundo's network feed origination moved to NBCUniversal's facility in Centennial, Colorado. Sharing this technical operations hub with NBC, Telemundo utilized three satellite uplink facilities for signal distribution: one in Littleton, Colorado, another in Universal City, California, and the third in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.