History of Telemundo in Timeline
Telemundo is an American Spanish-language television network owned by NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal, which itself is a subsidiary of Comcast. The network distributes its programming nationally and syndicates content worldwide to over 100 countries in more than 35 languages.
March 28, 1954: WKAQ-TV Signed On
On March 28, 1954, WKAQ-TV signed on, founded by Ángel Ramos who branded the television property as 'Telemundo'.
April 14, 1983: Ramos Sells WKAQ-TV
On April 14, 1983, Ángel Ramos sold WKAQ-TV to John Blair & Co.
1984: NetSpan Launched
In 1984, NetSpan was originally launched, marking the beginning of the network that would later become Telemundo.
1985: KVEA Joins NetSpan
In 1985, KVEA in Los Angeles joined NetSpan, expanding the network's reach.
1986: Reliance Group Acquires Telemundo Brand
In 1986, Reliance Group Holdings acquired the Telemundo brand through the purchase of John Blair & Co., which owned WSCV and WKAQ-TV.
1987: NetSpan Rebrands as Telemundo
In 1987, NetSpan was renamed Telemundo, adopting the branding of WKAQ-TV in San Juan, Puerto Rico, signaling a new identity for the network.
1987: Reliance Merges Stations into Telemundo Group
In 1987, Reliance Capital Group merged stations into the Telemundo Group, rebranding NetSpan as Telemundo and purchasing additional stations.
1987: Debut of Noticiero Telemundo-HBC
In 1987, Telemundo debuted its first news program, Noticiero Telemundo-HBC, through an outsourcing agreement with the Miami-based Hispanic-American Broadcasting Corporation.
May 1992: Joaquin Blaya Appointed to Head Telemundo
In May 1992, Telemundo appointed Joaquin Blaya, former Univision president, to head the network.
October 10, 1993: Launch of GEMS Television
On October 10, 1993, GEMS Television, the original iteration of Universo, was launched by Empresas 1BC, targeting Latino females.
1993: Telenovela Production Begins
In 1993, Telemundo started producing telenovelas from Miami, with 'Angélica, mi vida' as the first production.
1993: Rebranding and Original Telenovela Production
In 1993, Telemundo underwent an extensive rebranding with a new logo and slogan, and began producing original telenovelas.
December 1994: Telenoticias Launch
In December 1994, Telemundo launched Telenoticias, a Spanish-language cable news channel for Latin America, 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 debt load of more than $300 million.
September 1995: Launch of Telemundo Infantil
In September 1995, Telemundo launched a Saturday morning block called Telemundo Infantil.
1995: Telemundo Opens West Coast Studio
In 1995, Telemundo opened its first network studio on the West Coast at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, beginning daily production of shows like La Hora Lunática, El y Ella and Dando y Dando.
June 1996: Sale to CBS
Due to viewership struggles and disagreements, in June 1996, Telemundo sold Telenoticias to CBS, which rebranded it as "CBS Telenoticias" and expanded its distribution.
1996: Telemundo Partners with Telenoticias for Newscast Production
In late 1996, Telemundo partnered with Telenoticias (after selling its cable news channel) to produce early-evening and prime time newscasts that would air on the broadcast network.
August 11, 1997: Prime Time Schedule Revamp
On August 11, 1997, Telemundo revamped its prime time schedule, cutting an hour of telenovelas and moving local newscasts earlier.
November 25, 1997: Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Purchase Interest in Telemundo
On November 25, 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment purchased a majority interest in Telemundo, facing legal challenges from shareholders and Univision.
1997: Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Acquire Telemundo
In 1997, Liberty Media and Sony Pictures Entertainment acquired controlling interest in Telemundo, bringing new ownership and investment to the network.
July 31, 1998: FCC Approval of Sale to Sony and Liberty
After receiving FCC approval on July 31, 1998, Sony and Liberty formed Telemundo Communications Group, launching an image campaign.
September 15, 1998: Introduction of Nickelodeon en Telemundo
On September 15, 1998, Telemundo introduced Nickelodeon en Telemundo, a block featuring Spanish dubs of Nickelodeon programming.
September 28, 1998: Revamped Evening Lineup Premieres
On September 28, 1998, Telemundo's revamped evening lineup premiered, removing telenovelas and introducing sitcoms, dramas, and game shows.
February 1999: Ratings Drop
By the February 1999 sweeps period, Telemundo's ratings for the overhauled prime time lineup sharply fell by 42 percent.
July 1999: Jim McNamara Appointed CEO
In July 1999, Jim McNamara became Telemundo's president and CEO, reverting the programming strategy to a traditional approach.
September 1999: Operations Consolidation
In September 1999, Telemundo began transferring the bulk of its programming and marketing operations from Santa Monica to Hialeah.
1999: Joe Peyronnin Founds Telemundo News Division
In 1999, Joe Peyronnin founded Telemundo's news division and served as its executive vice president.
1999: Telemundo Becomes Official U.S. Broadcaster of 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 Relegated to Weekends
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: Programming Agreements and Schedule Adjustments
In 2000, Telemundo made programming agreements and schedule adjustments, adding reality, entertainment, and newsmagazine programs.
2000: Relaunch as Telemundo Internacional
In 2000, Telemundo relaunched Telenoticias as Telemundo Internacional, a bilingual entertainment channel.
September 11, 2001: Creation of Hoy en el Mundo After 9/11 Attacks
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Telemundo created the news program Hoy en el Mundo to inform viewers of national and international events.
September 30, 2001: Discontinuation of Nickelodeon Blocks
After September 30, 2001, the Nickelodeon blocks were discontinued ahead of the expiry of Telemundo's program supply deal with Nickelodeon.
October 11, 2001: NBC Acquires Telemundo Communications Group
On October 11, 2001, National Broadcasting Company, Inc. purchased Telemundo Communications Group from Sony and Liberty Media for $1.98 billion, increasing to $2.7 billion by the sale's closure. The purchase also included the assumption of $700 million in debt.
2001: NBC Purchases Telemundo
In 2001, NBC purchased Telemundo, marking a significant change in ownership and integrating the network into a major broadcasting group.
2001: Sony and Liberty Media Purchase GEMS
In 2001, Telemundo parents Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media purchased GEMS and relaunched it as mun2.
2001: Telemundo Offered for Sale
In the summer of 2001, Sony, Liberty, and Reliance announced their intention to sell Telemundo Communications Group.
September 8, 2003: Telemundo Introduces English Captions
On September 8, 2003, Telemundo became the first Spanish-language network in the U.S. to incorporate English captions, starting with La Cenicienta and Amor Descarado.
2003: Telemundo Holds Rights to Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants
From 2003 to 2014, Telemundo held the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
2004: Telemundo Television Studios Formed
In 2004, Telemundo Communications Group formed Telemundo Television Studios in Miami, as part of its expansion of original programming through the acquisition of RTI Colombia's interest in their joint venture Telemundo-RTI.
October 10, 2005: Debut of Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta
On October 10, 2005, Cada Dia with Maria Antonieta replaced Hoy en el Mundo and En la Madrugada, after María Antonieta Collins joined Telemundo from Univision.
2005: Don Browne Replaces Jim McNamara as CEO
In 2005, Jim McNamara retired as CEO of Telemundo, and Don Browne, formerly of NBC's WTVJ, replaced him.
2005: Plans for Mexican Version and Legal Battle
In 2005, NBC Universal's plans to launch a Mexican version of Telemundo led to a legal battle with TV Azteca.
September 2006: Univision Overtakes UPN and The WB in Ratings
By September 2006, Univision surpassed UPN and The WB to become the fifth highest-rated network in total viewership.
September 2006: Debut of Qubo on Telemundo
In September 2006, Telemundo debuted Qubo, a new weekend morning block of educational programming formed as a joint venture with other companies.
2006: Reformatted as Telemundo Puerto Rico
In 2006, Telemundo Internacional was reformatted as Telemundo Puerto Rico, a national superstation feed of WKAQ-TV.
2006: Joe Peyronnin's Departure
Joe Peyronnin served as executive vice president of Telemundo's news division until 2006.
March 2007: NBC Universal Announces Restructuring of Telemundo's Entertainment Division
In March 2007, NBC Universal announced a restructuring of Telemundo's entertainment division to compete with Univision, along with plans to sell WKAQ-TV in Puerto Rico and KWHY-TV in Los Angeles to finance the acquisition of Oxygen Media.
December 21, 2007: NBC Universal Decides Not to Sell WKAQ-TV
On December 21, 2007, NBC Universal announced that it would no longer seek a buyer for WKAQ-TV, and Telemundo Puerto Rico would remain within the NBC corporate umbrella.
2007: Launch of Qubo Channel with Spanish Subtitles
In 2007, upon the launch of the now-defunct Qubo Channel, most of its programming included CC3 Spanish subtitles in addition to its native CC1 English subtitles.
2007: Weekend Editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo Replaced
Until 2007, weekend editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo were produced, but then they were replaced with feature films and reality-based series.
March 18, 2008: Agreement with Grupo Televisa
On March 18, 2008, Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal announced a ten-year multiplatform agreement to broadcast Telemundo programming over Televisa's channels and SKY México.
May 2008: Cancellation of Cada Dia
In May 2008, Cada Dia was canceled due to low ratings and Maria Antonieta Collins' departure, being replaced by ¡Levántate!.
October 14, 2008: Telemundo Briefly Discontinues English Subtitles
On October 14, 2008, Telemundo briefly discontinued English subtitles due to budget cuts.
March 30, 2009: Telemundo Restores English Subtitles
On March 30, 2009, Telemundo restored 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 Mexican Cable-Satellite Version
In August 2009, the Mexican cable-satellite version of Telemundo launched as a joint venture between Grupo Televisa and NBC Universal.
September 2009: Prime Time Telenovelas Upgrade to HD
In September 2009, Telemundo's scripted prime time telenovelas began upgrading to HD, starting with Mas Sabe El Diablo ("Falling Angel").
2009: First regularly scheduled Telemundo shows upgrade to HD
In 2009, Telemundo's scripted prime time telenovelas became the first regularly scheduled shows to upgrade to HD.
2010: Telemundo decreases ratings gap with Univision
Between 2010 and 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: Telemundo Utilizes Off-Time Scheduling Format
From 2010 to 2013, Telemundo utilized an off-time scheduling format for its prime time programming, similar to the "Turner Time" format used by TBS from 1981 to 2000, resulting in three-minute delays.
2010: Comcast Announces Acquisition of NBC Universal Stake
In 2010, Comcast announced it would acquire a 51% majority stake in NBC Universal, which included control of Telemundo.
January 28, 2011: Comcast Completes Acquisition of NBC Universal
On January 28, 2011, Comcast completed its acquisition of a majority stake in NBC Universal, gaining control of Telemundo.
February 2011: Relocation of Un Nuevo Día Production
In February 2011, production operations for Un Nuevo Día were relocated to Telemundo's headquarters in Hialeah, Florida, dropping local cut-ins.
October 2011: Emilio Romano Appointed President of Telemundo
In October 2011, Emilio Romano was appointed as president of Telemundo.
2011: Miami Studio Productions
In 2011, 85 percent of Telemundo's telenovelas were recorded in the operated studio facility in Miami, highlighting the location's importance.
2011: Discontinuation of Noticiero Telemundo Internacional
In 2011, Noticiero Telemundo Internacional, a secondary newscast, was discontinued. It had aired in place of late local newscasts on affiliates without their own news department.
January 2012: Launch of Exitos TV
In January 2012, Telemundo Television Group launched Exitos TV, a digital multicast network featuring reruns of Telemundo telenovelas.
January 30, 2012: Univision Begins Airing CC3 English Captions
On January 30, 2012, Univision started providing CC3 English captions, primarily on its evening telenovelas and some weekend prime time series.
May 14, 2012: Telemundo Announces New Branding Campaign
On May 14, 2012, Telemundo announced a new branding campaign, which included a new slogan and on-air identity.
July 7, 2012: MiTelemundo Replaces Qubo
On July 7, 2012, after the acquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast, MiTelemundo replaced the Qubo block, consisting of Spanish dubbed versions of programs seen on NBC Kids.
July 2012: ¡Levántate! Retitled Un Nuevo Día
In July 2012, the morning show ¡Levántate! was retitled Un Nuevo Día.
July 2012: MiTelemundo E/I Block Broadcast in HD
The weekend morning MiTelemundo E/I block has been broadcast in HD since its debut in July 2012.
2012: Debut of Premios Tu Mundo
In 2012, Telemundo debuted Premios Tu Mundo, a viewer-decided awards show honoring the achievements of Hispanics and Latinos in media.
2012: English captions included in late-night novela repeat block
Since 2012, programs with English-language captions may include them as part of the network's late-night novela repeat block.
July 2013: La Voz Kids Airs on Telemundo
As of July 2013, Telemundo's La Voz Kids is the only variety show appearing on the network.
July 2013: Telemundo Decreases Ratings Gap with Univision
By July 2013, Telemundo reduced its ratings gap with Univision by 54% in the Adults 18-49 demographic since 2010.
October 2013: Emilio Romano Resigns from Telemundo
In October 2013, Emilio Romano abruptly resigned from his position 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 authenticated subscribers.
December 13, 2013: Distribution Deal with DramaFever
On December 13, 2013, Telemundo signed a distribution deal with DramaFever to offer cataloged episodes of past telenovelas on the streaming service.
2013: Telemundo discontinues off-time scheduling format
From 2010 to 2013, Telemundo utilized an off-time scheduling format for its prime time programming, which they discontinued in 2013.
2013: Telemundo Launches "Super Series" Format
In 2013, with the debut of El Señor de los Cielos, Telemundo launched the "Super Series" format, featuring action-oriented telenovelas with shorter episode runs and storylines relatable to American audiences.
May 13, 2014: Luis Silberwasser Named President of Telemundo Network, LLC
On May 13, 2014, Luis Silberwasser was appointed president of Telemundo Network, LLC, overseeing the Telemundo network and Telemundo Studios production division.
July 2014: Licensing Agreement Signed for Latin American Music Awards
In July 2014, Telemundo signed a licensing agreement with Dick Clark Productions to become the originating broadcaster of the Latin American Music Awards.
September 4, 2014: Restoration of Weekend Editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo
On September 4, 2014, weekend editions of Al Rojo Vivo and Noticiero Telemundo returned to a daily broadcast, with the restoration of Saturday and Sunday editions.
December 1, 2014: Relaunch as TeleXitos
On December 1, 2014, Exitos TV was relaunched as TeleXitos, focusing on Spanish-dubbed action and adventure series and films.
December 24, 2014: Announcement of mun2 Rebrand as NBC Universo
On December 24, 2014, NBCUniversal announced that mun2 would be rebranded as NBC Universo on February 1, 2015.
2014: End of Telemundo's Rights to Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants
From 2003 to 2014, Telemundo held the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
2014: Deportes Telemundo Acquires Rights to FIFA World Cup
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.
2014: Second Season Finale of El Señor de los Cielos Draws High Viewership
In 2014, the second-season finale of El Señor de los Cielos drew 3.2 million total viewers, marking some of Telemundo's highest viewership for an entertainment program.
2014: Expansion of Titulares y Mas
In 2014, the sports talk show Titulares y Mas expanded from airing on Thursday and Friday nights to a five-night-a-week broadcast.
2014: Telemundo Posts Highest Average Total Prime Time Viewership Against Univision
Telemundo 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.
February 1, 2015: Rebranding of mun2 as NBC Universo
On February 1, 2015, mun2 was rebranded as NBC Universo to coincide with its Spanish-language broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX.
February 2015: Univision Acquires Rights to Miss Universe and Miss USA
In February 2015, Univision Communications acquired the Spanish language rights to the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants from Telemundo.
May 2015: Creation of Telemundo Deportes within NBC Sports Group
In May 2015, NBCUniversal created Telemundo Deportes within its NBC Sports Group, superseding Deportes Telemundo, to oversee sports content on Telemundo and Universo.
July 2015: Telemundo Further Narrows Ratings Gap with Univision
By July 2015, Telemundo narrowed the ratings differentials with Univision in total prime time viewership from a gap of 1.2 million viewers in July 2013 to 238,000.
July 21, 2015: Telemundo Beats Univision in Singular-Night Demographic
On July 21, 2015, Telemundo beat Univision for the first time in a singular-night demographic, with El Senor de los Cielos 3 also outperforming Yo No Creo En los Hombres on Univision.
September 2015: Sale of Miss Universe Organization
In September 2015, after NBCUniversal sold its interest, Donald Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization to WME-IMG.
October 2015: Telemundo Becomes Originating Broadcaster of Latin American Music Awards
In October 2015, Telemundo became the originating broadcaster of the Latin American Music Awards through a licensing agreement with Dick Clark Productions.
2015: Telemundo operates on a 147½-hour network programming schedule
As of 2015, Telemundo operates on a 147½-hour network programming schedule with general entertainment programming weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
2015: Start of FIFA World Cup Broadcast Rights
In 2015, the deal with FIFA began with the Women's World Cup, giving rights to Telemundo and Universo to broadcast FIFA-sanctioned tournaments through 2026.
2015: New Variety Series Debut on Telemundo
In 2015, two additional variety series debuted on Telemundo: Si Se Puede and ¡Qué Noche! con Angelica y Raul.
February 9, 2016: SAG-AFTRA Claims of Double Standard
On February 9, 2016, NBC Universal, Telemundo's parent company, faced claims by SAG-AFTRA of operating under a double standard between its Spanish-language and English-language talent.
February 13, 2016: SAG-AFTRA Alleges "Second-Class" Treatment
On February 13, 2016, SAG-AFTRA added that Telemundo had been treating its employees like "second-class professionals", citing a lack of basic workplace guarantees.
May 28, 2016: Controversy Over Filmed Protest
On May 28, 2016, a Telemundo cameraman was caught filming a #NeverTrump protest in San Diego, leading to accusations that the protest was staged, which Telemundo denied.
August 2016: Telemundo Refuses SAG-AFTRA Ad
In August 2016, Telemundo refused to air an ad placed by SAG-AFTRA detailing the wage gap and lack of benefits for Telemundo employees.
September 25, 2016: MiTelemundo Retains Programming
By September 25, 2016, with NBC Kids being replaced with The More You Know on NBC, MiTelemundo initially retained its existing programming.
January 6, 2018: MiTelemundo Moves 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.
June 2018: Telemundo Reaches Largest Number of Affiliates
As of June 2018, Telemundo has 28 owned-and-operated stations and agreements with 66 additional stations, making it the largest American Spanish language network by affiliate count.
September 1, 2018: Presentation Converted to 16:9
On September 1, 2018, Telemundo converted its presentation to a 16:9 format, with Al Rojo Vivo as the first program presented in this format.
2018: Telemundo Stations Group Purchases ZGS Stations
In 2018, NBC's Telemundo Stations Group purchased the ZGS stations, making them direct O&Os of the network.
July 2019: 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 NBC.
2026: End of Current FIFA World Cup Broadcast Rights Deal
The deal for Telemundo to broadcast FIFA-sanctioned tournaments, which began in 2015, runs through 2026.
