María Badillo of Discovery: We will increase original production for the U.S. Hispanic market in 2012

For next year, Discovery Networks US Hispanic Group will increase the number of hours of original programming for the U.S. Hispanic market.“We are working with our development department on themes that may work for next year. The subject of soccer is very important to us. This year we are launching a special and next year we are planning a soccer-themed production for the U.S. Hispanic market,” said to PRODU María Badillo, who was recently promoted to director of Programming and Acquisitions of Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.Badillo pointed out that in her new role, the main goal is to continue providing audiences the programming they want, continuing the track record they have established in the U.S. Hispanic market with Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.She announced they’re about to launch the six-episode series 2111, which offers a futuristic view of what Latin America would be like in the year 2111. Other upcoming productions include La Ley del Miedo and a programming special for September 11th.Badillo said that Discovery Familia began Nielsen measurements in July and the results have been satisfactory. “They indicate Discovery Familia is the leading pay-TV channel between 6 and 7pm among preschoolers ages 2 to 5, and it places second among children 6-12 years old in that time slot,” she added.