Cox Communications is celebrating the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month, and throughout the year, by highlighting culturally relevant programming available On Demand as well as committing to air educational public service announcements (PSA) as part of its partnership with The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). This month also marks the launch of Cox’s new marketing campaign that includes popular personality Yarel Ramos.

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On Demand Content:

Cox is highlighting a variety of programming, including selections that focus on Hispanic American history, documentaries that shed light on education and housing issues as well as cooking shows and entertaining programs.

Cox Advanced TV customers can look for these titles and more in Cox’s “Top Picks” as well as the “Movies on Demand” sections.  Programs range in price, starting at free or for as little as $1:

• Quinceanera (A Sony Pictures Classic Release)
• Camino a la Corona 2011 (Telemundo)
• Mira Quien Baila! (Look Who’s Dancing!) (Univision)
• The Motorcycle Diaries (Universal)
• Latino List (HBO)
• Tropico de Sangre  (HBO Latino)

“Cox is deeply committed to offering a rich diversity of educational and entertaining programming, such as the influential and award-winning selections that celebrate Hispanic heritage,” said Bob Nocera, director of new video services at Cox Communications.  ”It gives our customers an opportunity to revisit favorite titles, or explore a new genre of programming, with the convenience of On Demand.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC):

As part of its long-standing commitment to bridging the digital divide and its national partnership with LULAC, Cox has also committed to donate $500,000 worth of broadcast time to an educational PSA that will run throughout the year.  LULAC’s PSA was designed to raise awareness of the importance of Internet access in a child’s education, and highlights the fact that 77% of teachers K-12 assign homework that requires Internet use.

“We are proud of the partnership with Cox Communications and its dedication to providing Internet, phone and television service to the Latino community,” said Brent Wilkes, LULAC’s national executive director. ”Our goal is to empower our communities with Internet access for important tasks such as school work, job training, job searches, managing money and English language courses.”

Hispanic Marketing Campaign:

This month also marks the kick-off of Cox’s new marketing campaign featuring Yarel Ramos.

“Cox has been a part of the Hispanic community for years, and we’re excited to introduce a fresh campaign to this audience,” said Tony Maldonado.  ”Yarel is passionate about working with the community and widely admired for her work with Mun2 and not-for-profit organizations, and we’re excited to work with her on this campaign.”

The campaign includes :30 and :60 Spanish and English-language television and radio spots, direct mail, print, online banners and a social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.  The campaign will run in Cox’s Arizona, California, Las Vegas, Oklahoma and New England markets.  The campaign is designed to drive traffic into Cox retail locations, calls into the call center where representatives are available to discuss customers’ options in Spanish or English, or to Cox’s web sites at www.cox.com or www.cox.com/espanol.

Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced that iO TV customers can now access full-length TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and truTV shows on the Web and on their iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices, wherever they are. The availability of Turner TV Everywhere, which includes live-streaming of CNN and HLN, enhances the customer experience that began with the popular Optimum App, which delivers the full cable television experience on these devices in the home, including more than 300 channels of live TV and thousands of titles of video on demand. iO TV customers can access Turner programming in two ways, via iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch apps (available in Apple’s App Store, free of charge) for TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network Adult Swim, and truTV (available later this month), as well as on Turner’s network branded websites TBS.com, TNT.tv, CNN.com, CartoonNetwork.com, AdultSwim.com, and truTV.com, using their Optimum ID and any broadband connection. “Cablevision broke new ground with the launch of our Optimum apps, which allow our customers to experience their full cable television service on a variety of devices in the home,” said John Trierweiler, Cablevision’s executive vice president of product management. “We’re pleased to be working with Turner to provide additional out-of-the-home and Web viewing options for our customers as well, offering the ability to experience the cable television service they have already paid for on new devices in a range of settings.” Turner TV Everywhere provides access to programming such as The Closer, Adventure Time, CONAN, Childrens Hospital, Leverage and AC 360, 24 hours after the show premieres on the linear channel. iO TV customers will need their Optimum ID and password to access the content on both the apps and the websites. Customers can go to Optimum.net to create an Optimum ID. Specific information on current Optimum IDs in use in the home, as well as detailed instructions on how to establish a new one, can also be found on iO TV channel 910. Access to the Turner TV Everywhere entitled content uses Adobe Systems authentication solution integrated with Cablevision’s customer management system. Cablevision’s award-winning digital cable service, iO TV, offers customers access to hundreds of channels, including more than 50 premium movie channels, 46 channels of commercial-free digital music, thousands of titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, more than 120 free high-definition programming services and uniquely valuable and relevant local content through News 12, MSG Varsity and their companion interactive television applications. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry. Time Warner Inc., a global leader in media and entertainment with businesses in television networks, filmed entertainment and publishing, uses its industry-leading operating scale and brands to create, package and deliver high-quality content worldwide through multiple distribution outlets.

Summer is over and the kids are back in school but that doesn’t mean that they can’t watch the shows they love. Give your kids the opportunity to watch their favorite programs on a schedule that works for everyone in your home. Whether it’s before or after school or even on the weekends, Time Warner Cable Kids On Demand offers your family instant access to a wide variety of free popular and educational shows from the most-loved kids channels. From Dora the Explorer to iCarly, to all-time favorites like Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, Dexter’s Laboratory and The Flintstones, they’ll all be right on your TV and ready to play anytime you or your kids want. Plus, many shows are available in both English and Spanish.

Kids On Demand and Kids Pre-School On Demand are available at no additional cost to digital customers. All programs and previews are rated G, PG, TV-Y and TV-Y7 under the TV Parental Guidelines.

Kids On Demand includes programming from the following networks:
Boomerang
Cartoon Network
Disney Channel
Disney XD
Kabillion
Nickelodeon
The Hub

Kids Pre-School On Demand includes programming from the following networks:
Disney Junior
Nick Jr.
Sprout
BBC Kids

Spanish programming on Kids On Demand includes:
Disney en Español
Nick en Español

Sprout en Español (Kids Pre-School On Demand)

Digital customers can watch programs from these networks and more by tuning to their Kids On Demand and Kids Pre-School On Demand channels. For more information on Time Warner Cable Kids On Demand and Kids Pre-School On Demand, please visit www.twondemand.com/TV and click the Kids or Kids Pre-School categories.

Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) and Telemundo’s Gaby Espino have joined forces once again to produce a series of television spots promoting how El Paquetazo, a Digital TV package that provides channels catering to the Hispanic community,  High Speed Internet, and Whole House HD DVR can help Hispanics to live life their way. The commercials are scheduled to air across Time Warner Cable’s top Hispanic markets until the end of the year.

The new spots illustrate how Time Warner Cable is delivering advanced technologies to give Hispanics a better entertainment experience from the comfort of their home. “We are excited to continue to help connect our Hispanic customers with the entertainment they are most passionate about, and offer them relevant products at a good value. This campaign further shows Hispanic customers how our products and services can help enrich their experience and fit seamlessly into their everyday lives,” said Marisol Martínez, Senior Director of Target Marketing at Time Warner Cable.

The campaign promotes a double-play bundle that includes El Paquetazo, which has a robust line-up of English and Spanish language programming as it continuously adds channels to serve the needs and interests of Hispanic customers, and reliable, high speed internet. Furthermore, it includes value-added features such as access to more than one thousand WiFi hot spots, more Spanish-language channels in HD than ever before and the Lo Mejor On Demand channel at no extra cost to digital cable subscribers. Time Warner Cable recently enhanced once again the programming lineup of El Paquetazo to include the following new channels that Hispanics love to watch and enjoy:

• AyM Sports, a 24/7 Mexican sports channel
• CB Tu Televisión Michoacán, one of the leading networks in Michoacán, MX
• Telefórmula, live television stream of relevant news, sports and entertainment
• Lifetime Movie Network, the second highest rated English-language women’s channel

Additionally, the campaign highlights the optional Whole House HD DVR, which offers customers flexibility, convenience and enhanced accessibility to recorded programming throughout their home.  Now Hispanic customers who also order Whole House HD DVR have the ability to watch their recorded programs in any room and start a program in one room and finish watching it in another room, without having to restart the program. The new technology also provides customers with the ability to store up to 75 hours of high definition (HD) programming.

“I am so excited to partner with Time Warner Cable to produce another series of commercials, given the company’s commitment to constantly evolve their products to address the needs of the Hispanic community,” said Gaby Espino, Telemundo actress, celebrity and supermodel.

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) has chosen St. Louis Rams’ quarterback Sam Bradford to star in its latest advertising campaign. Charter is the first large St. Louis company Mr. Bradford has contracted with to serve as spokesperson.

Charter also recently inked an expanded sponsorship agreement with the St. Louis Rams. “There are significant similarities among our two organizations,” said Michael Lovett, Charter President and CEO. “Both organizations are dedicated to delivering excellence in our home town of St. Louis and beyond. We’re well positioned to take great strides this year as well, building on improvements already noted by our fans and customers across the nation.”

Given the long-standing relationship between Charter and the Rams, second-year quarterback Bradford was a natural fit for Charter’s “Hometown Superstar” campaign. Bradford along with other Charter customers and employees will be featured in the campaign, which kicks off September 6 on cable and broadcast networks, in print ads, online and via outdoor media.

“Sam’s dedication, work ethic and leadership are inspiring, and we’re thrilled to have a Rams standout – and Charter customer – support this effort,” said Allan Samson, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Charter. “Sam’s ability to stay focused during challenging times both on and off the field and therespect he shows passionate St. Louis fans are admirable. That kind of energy and dedication is what motivates the Charter team as well.”

According to Bradford, starring in a Charter commercial was a new role for him, with a producer calling the plays. “It’s something I couldn’t have done if I didn’t really enjoy my own experience as a Charter customer,” he said.

It’s a new and promising season for Sam Bradford and for Charter; both with talented teams. For Charter, “working hard to be St. Louis’s next hometown superstar” means putting customers first, offering new and enhanced products, winning new fans and pleasing longtime supporters. And for Sam Bradford it means rising to the top. “I go into every game expecting us to win,” Bradford said.

Rams’ press conferences, interviews, studio shows and more will be conducted in the newly renamed Charter Studio at Rams Park inEarth City. Charter will also carry additional Rams-related programming On Demand, including player profiles, fan favorite, cheerleader footage, 87 area high school games of the week, and much more original content.

“Working as a company and as individuals, Charter has lent its support to the St. Louis area and to the Rams,” said Bob Reif, Chief Marketing Officer of the Rams. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with a hometown company that is innovative in its field and quick to meet challenges. We appreciate Charter’s commitment to St. Louis and to the Rams as we continue to build our brand both locally and nationally.”

Earlier this month, Charter and NFL Network announced a new, long-term agreement for carriage of NFL Network. Charter, among the largest cable and Internet service providers in the country, will also offer customers the innovative NFL RedZone channel. NFL Network and NFL RedZone are available in high definition on Charter channels 710 and 711.

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced it has completed the acquisition of broadband systems serving, in aggregate, approximately 16,000 customers in Missouri from US Cable of Coastal Texas, LP.

“This transaction demonstrates Charter’s disciplined approach to capital allocation and M&A,” said Charter President, Operations Steven Apodaca. “Our objective is to provide value to our customers and enhance their experience with Charter. This acquisition is aligned with our strategy of strengthening and growing core system clusters to enable significant operational synergies,” he added. Charter is headquartered in St. Louis and serves the entire metropolitan area and customers in 25 counties in the state.

Charter will ensure a seamless transition for customers from the former US Cable operations in Hannibal, Mexico, Moberly and surrounding areas, and anticipates building on the products and services US Cable has offered in these communities.

Cox Communications has appointed Rose Kirkland as vice president of relationships, requirements and portfolio management.

In this role, she will manage capital planning and project prioritization processes from concept through implementation.

Kirkland will also serve as the primary point of contact for business leaders and will be responsible for defining business requirements during the planning and analysis phase of technology initiatives and for end-to-end program management of delivered solutions.

This will be a critical role as the company continually builds its technology organization to optimally support business needs.

“The telecommunications industry is more competitive than ever before, and technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In this environment, it is critical that our technology organization partners effectively with Cox leaders to achieve mission clarity and drive delivery through common processes,” said Kevin Hart, executive vice president and chief technology officer. “Rose will help ensure that business requirements are clearly understood and projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget.”

Kirkland’s experience and leadership in transformation projects will be valuable as Cox evolves its technology organization and embarks on eventual projects such as OSS/BSS replacement.

Before joining Cox, Kirkland led large business transformation programs for Capgemini’s Communications clients in the U.S. and Europe, including planning and roadmap development, product analysis and selection, architecture definition, software development, quality assurance, user training, data migration and system deployment.

Kirkland also spent 12 years at BellSouth as executive director of information technology – software delivery. In this role, she directed a global delivery team of 350 resources and was responsible for all application architecture, software development and implementation for BellSouth’s retail billing systems, including several large transformation projects. While at BellSouth, Kirkland also served as program manager for DSL delivery, director of performance measurement and third party testing and other executive positions.

She holds a B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s certificate in project management from George Washington University. Kirkland is married to Jason Chambers and has one daughter, Katie.

The program delivers valuable, mission-critical business tools that can help small businesses run more smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively. The new offer from Sprint (NYSE: S) provides discounted wireless services and equipment for qualified Optimum Business customers and their employees. The Optimum Business Benefits program provides enhanced value for Optimum Business customers that subscribe to both Optimum Voice and Optimum Online. Sprint joins Cablevision’s existing alliance partners: ADP, CardWorks, Citrix Online, Digital Insurance, FedEx, Network Solutions and US Business Technology. “In a recent survey of more than 500 small businesses in our area we found that they are often overwhelmed by selecting the right mobile service for their business,” said Stephanie Anderson, Vice President of Commercial Marketing for Cablevision. “We have formed a strategic alliance with Sprint to bring our Optimum small business customers a unique package to simplify the process of selecting a wireless service.” The significant growth of mobile networks and smart devices has created geographically dispersed work forces that even the smallest of businesses need to accommodate. The Sprint offer provides simple, straight-forward service and packages that meet the needs of many Optimum Business customers across the New York Metropolitan area. For more details on the Sprint offer for Optimum Business Benefits members visit www.OptimumBusinessBenefits.com. “Sprint is uniquely positioned to offer small businesses a world-class voice network, a reliable nationwide 3G network, and the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier with download speeds in the range of three to six megabits-per-second, and bursts of more than 10 megabits-persecond,” said Sprint Regional Vice President, Keith Dardis. “Our network can help small businesses take work on the go and achieve high levels of productivity virtually wherever their office might be at the moment. We are pleased to partner with Cablevision to make it even easier for small businesses to go mobile through the Optimum Business Benefits program.” From their mobile devices, Optimum Business customers can also take advantage of Optimum WiFi, the nation’s largest and most advanced WiFi network, providing wireless Internet access across tens of tens of thousands of outdoor locations like parks, downtown areas and commuter rail platforms as well as more than 7,000 indoor locations across Cablevision’s service area at speeds of up to 15 megabits-per-second (Mbps) downstream and 4 Mbps upstream. To enroll in the Optimum Business Benefits program, qualified Optimum Business customers can visit the Optimum Business Benefits website, www.OptimumBusinessBenefits.com, which includes a detailed landing page that explains the program, vendors and registration process. Members will be asked to input their Optimum ID and then will gain immediate access to the offers from the Optimum Business Benefits program. Designed for small and medium or home-based sized businesses that require high-speed Internet and voice communications, Optimum Business provides bottom-line benefits like predictable flat rate pricing and highly reliable voice and data services. To learn more about Optimum Business, including features, benefits and more, please visit www.optimumbusiness.com.

omcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), one of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communications companies, today announced an expanded distribution agreement with nuvoTV, an English-language general entertainment network targeting American Latinos and fans of Latino culture.

The agreement follows an announcement last month that Comcast has expanded the reach of eight other Hispanic networks and exceeded a public commitment made as part of its deal to acquire NBCUniversal. The entertainment provider pledged to increase the distribution of at least three networks that are American Latino-controlled or that target the Latino community by at least 10 million digital subscribers. The agreement with nuvoTV (formerly Sí TV) is part of Comcast’s continuing effort to bring Latino-themed programming to its customers.

“We are excited to add nuvoTV to our list of expanded networks,” said David Jensen, Vice President of Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable. “With this latest distribution agreement, our expansion program will be offering Hispanic programming to an additional 17 million homes, exceeding our 10 million-home commitment by 70 percent. Comcast appreciates all the help we received from our partners to make this effort a success.”

The increased carriage for nuvoTV will be achieved by expanding the channel onto the Digital Preferred tier on select systems and by launching the network on the Digital Preferred tier in new markets. Comcast has plans to offer nuvoTV to digital subscribers in Atlanta, Chicago, Jacksonville, FL, Seattle, Southwest Florida, the Twin Cities and the Washington, D.C. area. Comcast, which serves almost 23 million video customers across the United States, provides more than 60 Hispanic or Spanish-language networks on most of its major cable systems.

“Our target audience of bi-cultural Latinos is today’s leading force of cultural change and economic growth in the U.S.,”

said Michael Schwimmer, Chief Executive Officer of nuvoTV.  “We are proud to be partnering with Comcast to more widely serve this burgeoning segment of their customer base with culturally relevant entertainment.”

NuvoTV provides a broad range of English-language programming created for American bi-cultural Latinos. The network is committed to providing high-quality, groundbreaking entertainment that engages and connects with this powerful audience in their language of choice. The network’s signature series include the reality/competition series, Model Latina; pop culture comedy series Latino 101; PastPort, which chronicles Latinos’ powerful journey of self discovery as they return to their homeland for the first time; and Operation Osmin, which gives viewers a chance to view how celebrity trainer Osmin Hernandez transforms the lives and bodies of everyday people.

Growing the reach of nuvoTV is the latest in a series of steps Comcast has taken to increase the availability of Hispanic programming. In April, Comcast announced that it is taking the first steps to launch ten new independent channels over the next eight years. Of the ten channels, two will be operated by American Latino programmers and two will be owned in substantial part by American Latinos. Since 2009, the cable operator has increased the available number of Hispanic On Demand choices by more than 200 percent to nearly 650 choices.