Maryland Public Television launched its first 24-hour digital Spanish channel Monday, but officials said it could take several years before many of the state?s Hispanics can watch it.
The 24th market nationwide to add “V-me” to digital packages, state officials touted the network as a fresh alternative to traditional Spanish television with everything from early morning yoga tutorials to a Spanish version of “Sesame Street.”
MPT officials said it could be 2009 before Comcast customers in Prince George?s and Montgomery counties ? where roughly 216,000 of the state?s 320,000 Hispanics live ? can access V-me programs.
“Naturally, it?s the first place to go,” said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, who attended a news conference to celebrate the launch. “Hopefully, Comcast subscribers will express their interest and demand so Comcast can take care of whatever technical tinkering it needs to.”
Comcast officials indicated they have no concrete plans to offer V-me, which has partnered with public broadcast stations in other markets, reaching 28 million households since its debut in March. Comcast spokeswoman Jaye Linnen said the company offers a comparable and popular digital package in Montgomery and Prince George?s counties.
In Maryland, MPT will transmit V-me ? which is pronounced “veh-meh” and means “see me” ? from New York. The network provides a needed alternative to novella-type shows on traditional Spanish networks such as Telemundo, network President Carmen DiRienzo said.
“Where were the positive images?” DiRienzo said. “Where was the intelligent, in-depth discussions on political affairs? The answer was, it?s nowhere.”
Several Republican lawmakers have criticized MPT?s partnership with V-me. The state-licensed, nonprofit organization receives 35 percent of its funding from state tax rolls, and officials should have been consulted in the decision, said state Del. Pat McDonough, a Baltimore County Republican leading the charge against several immigrant initiatives.
McDonough questioned why MPT did not consider programs for larger minority populations.
“In all fairness, I believe this asset should be dedicated to subjects that would benefit the best interests of all Marylanders,” McDonough said.
