News Briefs
The program allows workers to practice on their own time, at their own pace, and in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Each learning system comes with a pre-, mid- and post-program skills assessment, so builders can evaluate their employees’ progress. Workers who follow the study guidelines of 30 minutes each day will complete the program in four months.
Beginning in March 2007, V-me, a new, national Spanish-language television network will bring a new kind of quality entertainment to Latino viewers, featuring the best of public television. Through its relationships with world-class content producers and a unique partnership with American public television stations, Vme (pronounced “veh-meh”) will offer a fresh alternative in Spanish television that engages, entertains, empowers and inspires its viewers. V-me is the first venture announced by newly formed media production and distribution company, V-me Media Inc. The network launches as a 24-hour digitalbroadcast network presented by public television stations and carried on basic digital cable and satellite.
“All across the country, Latinos want more from media – more visibility, more quality and more choices,” says Carmen DiRienzo, president of Vme. “V-me provides intelligent entertainment that explores interests and issues Hispanics share with all Americans, and connects the many diverse Latino communities across the country.” V-me is programmed for the more than 30 million bi-lingual and Spanish-language-dominant U.S. Latinos, and will launch with station partnerships in major Hispanic markets including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, San Antonio, Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Harlingen, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Denver, Tucson, and Orlando. At launch, V-me will be in markets representing more than 60 percent of all U.S. Hispanic homes and carried in approximately 24 million U.S. homes. Within its first year, V-me expects to grow its distribution to 50 million homes.
As a digital, multicast channel of its presenting stations, V-me will be included in the basic digital service of cable companies across the country. Public broadcasters receive V-me at no cost and can customize certain segments of the service with select local content. This unique partnership gives V-me an existing local presence, with cross-promotion, grassroots activities, and relationships with educational and cultural institutions.
