Dish Network is launching the high-definition version of Spanish-language ESPN Deportes today in its DishLATINO package, ahead of the network's Sunday telecast of the Super Bowl in Spanish. The channel already was part of the Dish lineup in standard definition. ESPN Deportes obtained the Super Bowl Spanish-language rights in a pact with CBS and the National Football League. It's running pre-game coverage all this week.
ESPN Deportes cites its U.S. reach as 6.1 million Hispanic homes, though the total distribution is estimated at about 20 million.
Here are quotes from the announcement:
“By offering ESPN Deportes in HD to DishLATINO customers, we are addressing demand to increase HD penetration of Spanish-language sports networks to a growing Hispanic fan base,” said Sean Breen, Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales, Disney & ESPN Media Networks. “Watching live sporting events in HD heightens and enhances the viewing experience for fans, and today’s launch is yet another example of how we are working closely with our distributors to add value to their customers’ pay TV subscriptions.”
“We are always looking for ways to enrich our customers’ experience, and the addition of ESPN Deportes in HD helps bring to life some of the biggest events in sports,” said Alfredo Rodriguez, vice president of DishLATINO. “The Super Bowl is the perfect way to kick-off this programming, delivering Spanish-language, HD coverage of American football’s biggest night.”
“Expanding ESPN Deportes’ HD distribution is essential in our effort to continue delivering topnotch sports content to our Spanish-language fans,” said Freddy Rolón, Vice President, Programming & Business Initiatives, ESPN Deportes. “We are thrilled that our DishLATINO viewers will be able to watch our content in the highest quality available as we get ready to deliver a wide variety of great sports events this year including the anticipated Super Bowl 50, Serie del Caribe, Copa MX, Copa del Rey final, German Cup, Europa League, UEFA Champions League, NBA and The Finals, Wimbledon, EURO 2016, the Spanish Super Copa, the U.S. Open and much more.”
