Features

LOS ANGELES — Univision Communications Inc. is programming its Galavision cable channel to appeal to different audiences than its two broadcast networks. 

The programming change is part of Univision’s broader goal of using its three networks to attract Spanish speakers who watch mostly English language television. 

Galavision’s main programming is Mexican League soccer. The new schedule, which will roll out in stages beginning April 29, includes sports programs, a live morning news program and an afternoon variety show featuring games and audience participation. 

Galavision will still feature Mexican League soccer and will also show rebroadcasts of World Cup Soccer games in prime time. 

The new offerings come three months after Univision launched a new network, TeleFutura, which offers counter-programming in prime time to distinguish it from the popular soap operas known as telenovelas running on its own network and its chief rival, Telemundo, which was recently purchased by NBC. 

The goal, the company said, is to give Spanish speakers more choices and attract new viewers. 

“With 35 million Hispanics in the United States, it made no sense not to have more services,” said Ray Rodriguez, president of Univision Networks, which is based in Miami. “So we added TeleFutura to start that process. We’re giving Hispanics a third choice with Galavision now.” 

Weekends will feature an expanded block of children’s programs and more sports, including boxing. 

With the changes, Univision will have a strategy in place to attract female viewers with popular soap operas on Univision, younger viewers with action films on TeleFutura, and those seeking more choices with Galavision. 

Rodriguez said his goal is to reach the 23 million Hispanics for whom Spanish is their first language. 

“The audience is huge,” he said. “They are watching English language television because they don’t have a choice.”