History of Telemundo in Timeline

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Telemundo

Telemundo is a prominent American Spanish-language television network owned by NBCUniversal (a subsidiary of Comcast). It distributes its content nationally and internationally, reaching over 100 countries and offering programming in more than 35 languages. The network is a major player in the Spanish-language media landscape.

March 28, 1954: WKAQ-TV Signed On

On March 28, 1954, WKAQ-TV signed on, founded by Ángel Ramos.

1981: TBS utilized an off-time scheduling format

From 1981 to 2000, TBS utilized an off-time scheduling format. Telemundo utilized a similar format from 2010 to 2013.

April 14, 1983: Sale of WKAQ-TV to John Blair & Co.

On April 14, 1983, Ángel Ramos sold WKAQ-TV to John Blair & Co.

1984: Formation of NetSpan

In 1984, NetSpan was formed by the owners of WNJU and KSTS.

1984: Network Launched as NetSpan

In 1984, Telemundo was originally launched as NetSpan.

1985: KVEA Joins NetSpan

In 1985, KVEA in Los Angeles joined NetSpan.

1986: Reliance Group Acquires Telemundo Brand

In 1986, Reliance Group Holdings acquired the Telemundo brand by purchasing John Blair & Co.

1987: Renamed Telemundo

In 1987, NetSpan was renamed Telemundo, adopting the branding of WKAQ-TV in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

1987: Telemundo Group Merger and Rebranding

In 1987, Reliance Capital Group executives merged stations into the Telemundo Group and rebranded NetSpan as Telemundo. Additional stations were purchased in San Francisco, Houston and San Antonio in 1987.

1987: First News Program Debuted

In 1987, Telemundo debuted its first news program, Noticiero Telemundo-HBC, through an agreement with Hispanic-American Broadcasting Corporation.

1988: Acquisition/Affiliation of Stations

Between 1988 and 1993, Telemundo acquired or affiliated with television stations in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington, D.C..

May 1992: Joaquin Blaya Appointed Head of Network

In May 1992, Telemundo appointed Joaquin Blaya, former Univision president, to head the network.

1992: Telemundo had a logo design

In 1992, Telemundo had a logo design that was later modified in 1999.

October 10, 1993: Launch of GEMS Television

On October 10, 1993, GEMS Television was originally launched, under the ownership by Empresas 1BC, featuring programs aimed at Latino females.

1993: Telenovelas Production

Between 1988 and 1993 Telemundo started producing telenovelas from Miami.

1993: Rebranding and Telenovela Production

In 1993, Telemundo rebranded itself and introduced the "T" letter logo. Original telenovelas such as Angélica, mi vida and Marielena were produced.

December 1994: Launch of Telenoticias

In December 1994, Telenoticias, a Spanish-language cable news channel originally serving Latin America, was launched by Telemundo in partnership with Grupo Clarín, Antena 3, and Reuters.

1994: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing

In 1994, Telemundo Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to a large debt.

September 1995: Launched Telemundo Infantil

In September 1995, Telemundo launched a Saturday morning block called Telemundo Infantil.

1995: Opening of West Coast Studio and Show Production

In 1995, Telemundo opened its first network studio on the West Coast at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood and began daily production of three shows: La Hora Lunática, El y Ella and Dando y Dando.

June 1996: Sale of Telenoticias to CBS

In June 1996, Telenoticias was sold to CBS, which rebranded the network as "CBS Telenoticias," expanding its distribution across the Americas.

1996: Content Partnership with CBS Cable

In late 1996, following the sale of Telenoticias to CBS Cable, Telemundo partnered with the channel to produce early-evening and prime time newscasts.

August 11, 1997: Prime Time Schedule Revamp

On August 11, 1997, Telemundo revamped its prime time schedule, cut an hour of telenovelas, moved local newscasts earlier, and added movies.

November 25, 1997: Liberty and Sony Purchase Majority Interest

On November 25, 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment purchased a majority interest in Telemundo from Reliance Capital Group for $539 million.

1997: Liberty Media and Sony Acquire Controlling Interest

In 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired a controlling interest in Telemundo.

July 31, 1998: FCC Approval of Sale to Sony and Liberty

On July 31, 1998, the sale of Telemundo to Sony and Liberty received FCC approval. They formed Telemundo Communications Group. The network then launched the "Lo mejor de los dos Mundos" campaign.

September 15, 1998: Nickelodeon en Telemundo Introduced

On September 15, 1998, Telemundo introduced Nickelodeon en Telemundo, a block featuring Spanish dubs of Nickelodeon programming.

September 28, 1998: Revamped Evening Lineup Premiered

On September 28, 1998, Telemundo's revamped evening lineup premiered, including sitcoms, scripted dramas and game shows. Shows included Angeles, Un Angel en la Casa, and Solo en America. The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and Candid Camera were also added.

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1998: CBS sells Telenoticias back to Telemundo parents

In 1998, CBS sold Telenoticias back to Telemundo parents Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media.

February 1999: Ratings Plummet After Changes

By the February 1999 sweeps period, Telemundo's ratings for the overhauled prime time lineup sharply fell, resulting in a loss of revenue.

July 1999: Jim McNamara Appointed President and CEO

In July 1999, Jim McNamara was appointed as Telemundo's president and CEO after Tortoricci resigned.

September 1999: Telemundo programming operations move to Hialeah

In September 1999, Telemundo began transferring the bulk of its programming and marketing operations from its Santa Monica headquarters and consolidated all operations of the network at its offices in Hialeah. Most of the network's management staff migrated to the Hialeah facility, with most other staff being given the option of either accepting the relocation offer or resigning from the network.

1999: Telemundo's News Division Founded

In 1999, Joe Peyronnin founded Telemundo's news division and served as its executive vice president.

1999: Telemundo introduced a variant of the 1992-era logo

In 1999, Telemundo introduced a variant of the 1992-era design as their logo.

1999: Began Broadcasting Billboard Latin Music Awards

Since 1999, Telemundo has served as the official U.S. broadcaster of the Billboard Latin Music Awards.

September 5, 2000: Nickelodeon en Telemundo Reduced

On September 5, 2000, the Nickelodeon en Telemundo block was relegated to Saturday and Sunday mornings to accommodate a time slot for Hoy En El Mundo.

2000: TBS discontinued off-time scheduling format

From 1981 to 2000, TBS utilized an off-time scheduling format. Telemundo utilized a similar format from 2010 to 2013.

2000: Relaunch of Telenoticias as Telemundo Internacional

In 2000, Telemundo parents Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media relaunched Telenoticias as the bilingual entertainment channel Telemundo Internacional.

2000: Return to Traditional Programming Strategy

In 2000, Telemundo reverted to a traditional Spanish-language programming strategy, entering an agreement with TV Azteca and restoring telenovelas to prime time.

September 11, 2001: Hoy en el Mundo Debuted

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Telemundo created Hoy en el Mundo, anchored by Marian de la Fuente and Jose Diaz-Balart, to inform viewers of national and international events.

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September 30, 2001: Nickelodeon Blocks Discontinued

On September 30, 2001, Telemundo discontinued the Nickelodeon blocks ahead of the expiry of their program supply deal with Nickelodeon.

October 11, 2001: NBC purchases Telemundo Communications Group

On October 11, 2001, National Broadcasting Company, Inc. purchased Telemundo Communications Group from Sony and Liberty Media for $1.98 billion and the assumption of $700 million in debt.

2001: NBC Purchases Telemundo

In 2001, NBC purchased Telemundo, becoming the owner of the brand.

2001: Telemundo purchases GEMS and relaunches it as mun2

In 2001, Telemundo parents Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media purchased GEMS and relaunched it as mun2, a network featuring a mix of Spanish and English language programs aimed at adults ages 18 to 49.

2001: Sony, Liberty and Reliance announce sale of Telemundo

In the summer of 2001, Sony, Liberty and Reliance announced that they would sell Telemundo Communications Group. Companies including Viacom, the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, The Walt Disney Company and AOL Time Warner expressed interest in acquiring the network.

April 12, 2002: NBC acquisition of Telemundo finalized

On April 12, 2002, the acquisition of Telemundo by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. was finalized. Jim McNamara and Alan Sokol remained at the helm of the network.

September 8, 2003: English Captions Incorporated

On September 8, 2003, Telemundo became the first Spanish-language network in the United States to incorporate English captions during its programming. This began with the premieres of "La Cenicienta" and "Amor Descarado".

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2003: Held Spanish Language Rights

From 2003, Telemundo held the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.

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2004: Telemundo focuses on original programming and product placement

In 2004, Telemundo brought greater emphasis to original programming and product placement, while the network's owned-and-operated stations in larger markets began producing their own early morning newscasts. Telemundo also formed Telemundo Television Studios and acquired the operational assets of Tepuy International.

October 10, 2005: Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta Replaced Hoy en el Mundo

On October 10, 2005, Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta replaced Hoy en el Mundo and En la Madrugada.

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2005: McNamara retires as CEO of Telemundo

In 2005, Jim McNamara retired as CEO of Telemundo and was replaced by Don Browne. Telemundo also partnered with RTI Colombia and Argos Comunicación to produce its own dramas, and began hiring well-known actors and actresses from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and Puerto Rico to star in its dramas.

2005: Consideration of Mexican Telemundo Version and Legal Battle with TV Azteca

In 2005, NBC Universal considered launching a Mexican version of Telemundo, which led to a legal battle with TV Azteca. The allegations included Azteca's interference with the production of "Quinceañera: Mamá Quiero Ser Artista" and accusations of fraud against General Electric and Grupo Casa Saba.

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September 9, 2006: Qubo Debuted

On September 9, 2006, Telemundo debuted Qubo, a weekend morning block of educational programming formed as a joint venture.

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September 2006: The WB and UPN Shut Down

In September 2006, The WB and UPN shut down and were replaced by The CW. Univision also outranks The CW as the fifth highest-rated network in total viewership.

2006: Joe Peyronnin Left News Division

In 2006, Joe Peyronnin left his position as executive vice president of Telemundo's news division.

2006: Telemundo Internacional reformatted as Telemundo Puerto Rico

In 2006, Telemundo Internacional was reformatted as Telemundo Puerto Rico, becoming a national superstation feed of San Juan O&O WKAQ-TV.

January 8, 2007: Qubo Spun Off as Standalone Channel

On January 8, 2007, Qubo spun off into a standalone 24-hour channel and utilized the CC3 channel to provide Spanish subtitles for certain programs.

March 2007: NBC Universal to restructure Telemundo's entertainment division

In March 2007, NBC Universal announced that it would restructure Telemundo's entertainment division in an effort to narrow Univision's ratings dominance. The company also announced its intention to sell the original Telemundo station in Puerto Rico, WKAQ-TV, and Spanish independent station KWHY-TV in Los Angeles in order to help finance its acquisition of Oxygen Media.

December 21, 2007: NBC Universal to keep Telemundo Puerto Rico

On December 21, 2007, NBC Universal announced that it would no longer seek a buyer for WKAQ-TV, indicating that Telemundo Puerto Rico would remain within the NBC corporate umbrella.

2007: Weekend Editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo Replaced

In 2007, Telemundo replaced the weekend editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo with feature films and reality-based series.

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March 18, 2008: Televisa and NBC Universal Announce Agreement

On March 18, 2008, Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal announced a ten-year multiplatform agreement. This agreement would allow 1,000 hours of Telemundo programming to be broadcast over Televisa's channels and SKY México starting in April.

May 2008: Cada Dia Canceled

In May 2008, Telemundo canceled Cada Dia due to low ratings and Maria Antonieta Collins' departure.

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October 14, 2008: English Subtitles Discontinued

On October 14, 2008, Telemundo briefly discontinued English subtitles due to budget cuts by NBC Universal and a switch from analog to digital broadcasts.

March 30, 2009: English Subtitles Returned

On March 30, 2009, Telemundo reversed its decision and brought back English subtitles on all prime time novelas due to viewer demand.

April 23, 2009: Launch of Telemundo HD

On April 23, 2009, Telemundo launched its simulcast feed, Telemundo HD, becoming the first national Spanish-language broadcaster in the U.S. to provide its prime time programming in high definition, with the Billboard Latin Music Awards as its inaugural HD broadcast.

August 2009: Launch of Telemundo Channel in Mexico

In August 2009, the Mexican cable-satellite version of the Telemundo channel launched as a joint venture between Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal.

September 2009: First Telemundo shows upgraded to HD

In September 2009, Telemundo's scripted prime time telenovelas became the first regularly scheduled Telemundo shows to upgrade to HD, beginning with Mas Sabe El Diablo ("Falling Angel").

2009: Archived programs in standard definition

Since 2009, the current exception of archived programs that were made prior to 2009 – such as dubbed versions of Criss Angel Mindfreak and World's Most Amazing Videos ("Videos Más Asombrosos del Mundo") – and were originally produced in 4:3 standard definition, as well as most older Mexican-produced feature films.

2010: Telemundo utilized an off-time scheduling format

From 2010 to 2013, Telemundo utilized an off-time scheduling format for its prime time programming.

2010: Telemundo decreased its ratings gap with Univision

From 2010 to 2015, Telemundo decreased its ratings gap in the key demographic of Adults 18–49, decreasing the gap between the two networks by 54 percent.

2010: Comcast announces acquisition of NBC Universal

In 2010, Comcast announced that it would acquire a 51 percent majority stake in NBC Universal for $6.5 billion; the deal was completed on January 28, 2011, with Comcast acquiring control of Telemundo as part of the deal.

January 28, 2011: Comcast acquires NBC Universal

On January 28, 2011, Comcast completed the acquisition of a 51% majority stake in NBC Universal, gaining control of Telemundo.

February 2011: Un Nuevo Día Production Relocated

In February 2011, Telemundo relocated the production operations of Un Nuevo Día to its headquarters in Hialeah, Florida.

October 2011: Emilio Romano appointed as president of Telemundo

In October 2011, Emilio Romano was appointed as president of Telemundo.

2011: Telenovelas Recorded in Miami

In 2011, 85 percent of Telemundo's telenovelas were recorded at a studio facility in Miami.

2011: Noticiero Telemundo Internacional Ended

In 2011, Telemundo discontinued its secondary newscast, Noticiero Telemundo Internacional, which had aired in place of late local newscasts on affiliates.

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January 2012: Launch of Exitos TV

In January 2012, Telemundo Television Group launched Exitos TV, which primarily featured reruns of telenovelas previously aired on Telemundo.

January 30, 2012: Univision Began Airing English Captions

On January 30, 2012, Univision began airing CC3 English captions on its evening programming, primarily its weeknight telenovelas and select weekend prime time series.

May 14, 2012: Telemundo announces new branding campaign

On May 14, 2012, Telemundo announced that it would launch a new branding campaign that would include the debut of a new slogan and on-air identity, including a new logo.

July 7, 2012: MiTelemundo Replaced Qubo

On July 7, 2012, after Comcast acquired NBC Universal, Telemundo replaced Qubo with MiTelemundo, programmed by Sprout.

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July 2012: Un Nuevo Día Retitled

In July 2012, Telemundo retitled its morning show ¡Levántate! to Un Nuevo Día.

July 2012: MiTelemundo E/I block broadcast in HD

Since July 2012, the weekend morning MiTelemundo E/I block has also been broadcast in HD.

2012: Debuted Premios Tu Mundo

In 2012, Telemundo debuted Premios Tu Mundo, a viewer-decided awards show honoring Hispanics and Latinos in media.

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2012: Late-Night Novela Repeat Block

Since 2012, Telemundo has included English-language captions in repeat broadcasts airing outside of the network's prime time schedule, specifically within the late-night novela repeat block.

July 2013: La Voz Kids being the only variety show

As of July 2013, La Voz Kids being the only variety show appearing on the network.

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July 2013: Telemundo narrows ratings gap with Univision

By July 2013, Telemundo narrowed the ratings differentials with Univision in total prime time viewership from a gap of 1.2 million viewers to 238,000 in July 2015.

October 2013: Emilio Romano resigns as president of Telemundo

In October 2013, Emilio Romano abruptly resigned from his role as president of Telemundo.

October 22, 2013: Launch of Telemundo Now

On October 22, 2013, Telemundo launched "Telemundo Now", a multi-platform streaming service for delayed viewing of programming.

December 13, 2013: Distribution deal with DramaFever

On December 13, 2013, Telemundo signed a distribution deal with DramaFever to make cataloged episodes of past telenovelas available on the streaming service.

2013: Telemundo discontinued off-time scheduling format

From 2010 to 2013, Telemundo utilized an off-time scheduling format for its prime time programming, in which programs that aired weeknights from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. started on a three-minute delay. However the format was discontinued in 2013.

2013: Telemundo continues momentum with new telenovelas and series

In 2013, Telemundo continued its momentum with telenovelas La Patrona and El Señor de los Cielos, and the musical competition series La Voz Kids. With the debut of El Señor de los Cielos that spring, Telemundo also launched the "Super Series" format.

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May 13, 2014: Luis Silberwasser named president of Telemundo Network, LLC

On May 13, 2014, Luis Silberwasser was named president of Telemundo Network, LLC.

July 2014: Licensing Agreement with Dick Clark Productions

In July 2014, Telemundo signed a licensing agreement with Dick Clark Productions for the Latin American Music Awards.

September 4, 2014: Weekend Editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo Returned

On September 4, 2014, Telemundo restored Saturday and Sunday editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo, bringing them back to a daily broadcast schedule.

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December 1, 2014: Exitos TV relaunched as TeleXitos

On December 1, 2014, Exitos TV was relaunched as TeleXitos, with a new focus on Spanish-dubbed reruns of action and adventure series and feature films.

December 24, 2014: NBCUniversal announces mun2 rebrand as NBC Universo

On December 24, 2014, NBCUniversal announced that mun2 would be rebranded as NBC Universo – shifting it under the NBC umbrella – on February 1, 2015, to coincide with its Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.

2014: Acquired FIFA World Cup Rights

In 2014, Deportes Telemundo acquired the Spanish language rights to broadcast the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cup for a reported $600 million. The deal runs through 2026.

2014: El Señor de los Cielos finale draws high viewership

In 2014, the second-season finale of El Señor de los Cielos drew 3.2 million total viewers, posting some of Telemundo's highest viewership for an entertainment program.

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2014: Telemundo posts highest average total prime time viewership against Univision

Overall, the network ended the 2014–15 season posting its highest average total prime time viewership against Univision with 1.46M, a 23 percent increase in total viewership yearly, compared to Univision's 2.29M and decrease of 21 percent yearly.

2014: Ended Spanish Language Rights

Until 2014, Telemundo held the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.

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February 1, 2015: mun2 rebranded as NBC Universo

On February 1, 2015, mun2 was rebranded as NBC Universo, shifting it under the NBC umbrella, to coincide with its Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.

February 2015: Univision Acquired Miss Universe Rights

In February 2015, Univision Communications acquired the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants from Telemundo.

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May 2015: Telemundo Deportes Restructured

In May 2015, NBCUniversal created Telemundo Deportes within its NBC Sports Group, superseding Deportes Telemundo.

July 2015: Telemundo closes in on Univision's ratings

By July 2015, Telemundo had narrowed the ratings gap with Univision in total prime time viewership to 238,000 viewers.

July 21, 2015: Telemundo beats Univision in a singular-night demographic

On July 21, 2015, Telemundo beat Univision for the first time in a singular-night demographic. El Senor de los Cielos 3 also beat Yo No Creo En los Hombres on Univision during the 10:00 p.m. hour.

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September 2015: Trump Sold Miss Universe Organization

In September 2015, Donald Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization to WME-IMG after controversies and NBCUniversal selling its interest.

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October 2015: Became Broadcaster of Latin American Music Awards

In October 2015, Telemundo became the originating broadcaster of the Latin American Music Awards through an agreement with Dick Clark Productions.

2015: Telemundo programming schedule

As of 2015, Telemundo operates on a 147½-hour network programming schedule. Its base programming feed provides various types of general entertainment programming on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A separate block of feature films also airs overnights.

2015: Began Broadcasting FIFA World Cup

In 2015, Telemundo began broadcasting the FIFA Women's World Cup, as part of a deal to broadcast FIFA-sanctioned tournaments through 2026.

2015: Two additional variety series debuted in 2015

In 2015, two additional variety series debuted: Si Se Puede, an adaptation of the Armoza Formats celebrity talent competition franchise I Can Do That, and ¡Qué Noche! con Angelica y Raul, a family-oriented series using the traditional Saturday evening variety program model.

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February 9, 2016: SAG-AFTRA claims double standard at NBCUniversal

On February 9, 2016, SAG-AFTRA claimed that NBC Universal, Telemundo's parent company, operated under a double standard between its Spanish-language and English-language talent at NBC and Telemundo.

February 13, 2016: SAG-AFTRA alleges Telemundo treats employees as "second-class professionals"

On February 13, 2016, SAG-AFTRA added that Telemundo had been treating its employees like "second-class professionals", citing the lack of basic workplace guarantees, fair pay, and benefits.

May 28, 2016: Allegations of Telemundo filming staged protest

On May 28, 2016, Telemundo was accused of filming a staged #NeverTrump protest in San Diego, prompting criticism from the Media Research Center.

August 2016: Telemundo refuses to air SAG-AFTRA ad

In August 2016, Telemundo refused to air an ad placed by SAG-AFTRA detailing the unfair wage gap and lack of benefits Telemundo employees faced, which was intended to air during Premios Tu Mundo.

September 25, 2016: MiTelemundo Retained Existing Programming

By September 25, 2016, MiTelemundo initially retained its existing programming even after NBC Kids was replaced with The More You Know on NBC.

January 6, 2018: MiTelemundo Moved to Saturday Mornings

On January 6, 2018, MiTelemundo moved exclusively to Saturday mornings and became programmed by Litton, carrying Spanish dubs of programming from The More You Know.

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June 2018: Number of Affiliates

As of June 2018, Telemundo had 28 owned-and-operated stations and agreements with 66 additional television stations, making it the largest American Spanish language broadcast television network by total number of affiliates. Reach 57.23% of US households.

July 12, 2018: SAG-AFTRA reaches tentative agreement with Telemundo Television Studios

On July 12, 2018, SAG-AFTRA announced it had reached a first-ever tentative agreement with Telemundo Television Studios covering Spanish-language television performers, after fifteen months of negotiations.

September 1, 2018: Telemundo converts to 16:9 presentation

On September 1, 2018, Telemundo converted its presentation to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Al Rojo Vivo became the first program to be presented in this format.

2018: ZGS Communications stations become Telemundo O&Os

In 2018, the ZGS Communications stations, which were the largest operator of Telemundo stations in terms of market reach, became direct O&Os of the network after being purchased by NBC's Telemundo Stations Group.

July 2019: Telemundo's network feed originates from Centennial, CO

As of July 2019, Telemundo's network feed originates from NBCUniversal's corporate office in Centennial, CO, sharing a technical operations facility with Comcast and the NBC broadcast network.

2021: Agreement renewed in 2021

In 2021, the agreement was renewed, including an increase in overnight rest periods from 10 to 11 hours, except for on-location work; additional language tackling sexual harassment and audition safety; and an increase in the current health and pension plan contribution rate by 0.5 percent once the contract ends.

2026: End of FIFA World Cup Rights Deal

In 2026, Telemundo's broadcasting rights deal for the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cup will end.