Prime TIme Staff

Adios telenovelas and the slim pickings of outrageous variety shows that have defined Spanish-language television.

Since its launch in March 2007, V-me

public broadcasting has become the fastest growing network in history with its lively mix of science, history, current affairs, music and movie programs for every Spanish-speaking age group.
Pronounced veh-meh (from the Spanish veme, meaning “see me”) the

V-me CEO Carmen DiRienzo is shown here with KNME TV’s General Manager Polly Anderson

network was the brainchild of president and CEO Carmen DiRienzo, a seasoned broadcast executive and a former private practice attorney who specialized in labor and employment law for the broadcast and entertainment industry. Before taking the helm at V-me, DiRienzo was vice president and managing director of corporate affairs for Thirteen/WNET New York, the nation’s flagship public broadcasting station.
“This network is designed to fill what we saw as a void in Spanish language television,” DiRienzo said while in Albuquerque last year promoting the network. “There are professionals, teachers, parents, students and small children all who will find something to watch on our network. It was design with a more educational and informational format, and we think we have reached that goal.”
DiRienzo envisioned leading the network through a digital transition she expected would position V-me as one of the top three U.S. Spanish networks, reaching 80 percent of Hispanic households in the U.S. by the end of 2009. That bold mission has paid off as V-me nears the beginning of its third year. It has expanded from coast to coast, reaching 33 local television markets, including Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
“Our national research shows that Latino families across the spectrum are asking for more choices and higher quality,” SVP and Chief Marketing Officer John Begert said. “V-me fills that need, and at the same time creates a special environment or corporations looking to connect with the national Hispanic community through sophisticated TV and web content, educational programs and events.”

V-me’s original primetime program Viva Voz leads the network with nightly interviews with a variety of hosts, newsmakers and celebrities speaking freely and openly about current events and social issues directly affecting not only Latinos but society as a whole, according a news release.

The network is now proudly offering the largest, most widely distributed block of world-class educational content for pre-school-aged children, including the Spanish equivalent of Sesame Street,  Plaza Sésemo.

There are also programs on cooking, fine living and travel. The wide variety of shows is something DiRienzo said sets V-me apart from the other Spanish language networks.

“We’re all doing our part to provide not only entertainment but news, education and fascinating informational television to the Hispanic market. It’s something we went too long without.” As a 24-hour digital broadcast network, V-me can be seen in New Mexico on KNME digital Ch. 5.2 and on Comcast Digital Ch. 203. For more information, visit www.V-me.tv
– Prime Time Staff