HITN
Our History

HITN is Founded

HITN was founded by Jose Luis Rodríguez, who served as a Board Member and CEO until 2014.

HITN Airs For The First Time

HITN-TV was established as a Spanish-language educational network airing for the first time through MMDS/Wireless cable on channel 75.

Production and Distribution of "Corriente Cultural"

HITN-TV produces and distributes "Corriente Cultural" to the NYC Public School System, sponsored by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

HITN Receives Grant to Build on Brooklyn Navy Yard

HITN receives a $12 million grant from the New York City Council and the New York Mayor's Office to build the Brooklyn Navy Yard telecommunications facility.

HITN Distribution on DISH Network

HITN-TV negotiates distribution with Echostar's satellite-based DISH Network on the "Americas Top 50" package.

HITN Acquires Newsvan

Newsvan enabling expanded capacity of live, on-site and multiple event reporting.

New Partnerships & Sponsorships

-HITN is named as the official "United Nations Broadcaster Partner."
-Banco Popular becomes HITN-TV Programming Partner.
-HITN-TV becomes a member of the Asociacion Televisora Educativa Iberoamericana.
-Cadbury-Schweppes' Dentyne joins as the first sponsor.
-HITN-TV obtains Time Warner Cable's nationwide "License to Hunt."
-HITN begins distribution in the NYC metro area, the nations largest Hispanic TV market

Expansion and Distribution Continues at HITN

- HITN-TV joins the DirectTV programming line
- HITN partners with the White House on the Hispanic American Educational Excellence Initiative.
- DISH Network adds HITN-TV to three Latino programming packages: DISH Latino, DISH Latino Dos, and DISH Latino Max.
- Construction of the new HITN-TV facility begins at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

HITN Becomes #1 Hispanic Programmer, Wins Award and Concludes Facilities Construction

- U.S. Media identifies HITN-TV as the number one Hispanic cable service programmer distributed in the United States.
- Construction was completed on the new HITN-TV facility at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
- Charter Communications, Inc. added HITN-Tv to its Spanish- language tier, Charter Latino "Corriente Cultural."
- Original HITN-TV production wins Beacon Award for bringing Hispanic arts and culture to New York City Public Schools.
- HITN programming is available to Comcast customers.

"Diálogo, De Costa A Costa" wins Beacon Award

"Diálogo, De Costa A Costa" an original HITN production, wins the Beacon Award for Outstanding Community Programming.

Launch of Destination Casa Blanca

HITN launches "Destination Casa Blanca", providing legislators, staffers, and the general public with a Latino perspective on election-year issues.

HITN Receives $30 Million "Ready To Learn Grant"

HITN is awarded a $30 million grant for Learning from the US Department of Education.

HITN Helps Community With Hurricane Sandy & Collaborates To Air 2012 Presidential Debates

- HITN production/broadcast facilities were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, the signal goes "dark" for 13 days.
- HITN launches live show "Dialogo Costa a Costa" to provide the local community with information on how to obtain recovery assistance from Hurricane Sandy.
- HITN collaborates with CLAVES to air the 2012 Presidential Elections debate.

Early Learning Transmedia Launches & Facilities Open in Washington, D.C.

- HITN Early Learning Collaborative Launches research-based transmedia learning resources for preschoolers and their families at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
- HITN opens a new studio and office in Washington D.C.
- HITN host a press conference for the Time Warner Cable Business Class announcement in Brooklyn Navy Yard.

HITN Launches PSA's And Early Learning Transmedia Pilots

- HITN receives a National Grid grant to renovate the 1st-floor vestibule.
- Re-opening of ground floor destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.
- HITN, in collaboration with Aspira, creates, produces, and airs PSA's and capsules to help Spanish-speaking adults avoid being victimized by financial fraud.
- HITN Early Learning collaborative launches transmedia learning pilots in Head Start, public, and private school locations in Puerto Rico.
- HITN Early Learning collaborative airs WonderGrove Kids programming.

Michael D. Nieves Is Named President & CEO of HITN

- HITN partners with Neptuno to bring wireless services to schools and not-for-profit organizations in Puerto Rico.
- In July 2015, Michael D. Nieves is named President & CEO of HITN by the Board of Directors

HITN and Imagina US New Partnership & Renewed Partnership With Sprint

- HITN and Imagina US Partner to Establish a full TV production service hub.
- HITN renews its mobile broadband partnership with Sprint in 33 markets and expands its capacity to provide free mobile broadband to educational institutions nationwide.

HITN Distributed On Spectrum, Launch Of Cleo & Cuquin & Digital Growth

HITN and Charter reach an agreement to distribute HITN's educational network to all Spectrum Spanish package subscribers.

HITN Learning in November 2017 HITN signed an exclusive license agreement with Anima Kitchent, the creators of the animated TV series Cleo & Cuquin - successor to the bedtime series La Familia Telerin that was widely popular throughout Latin America in the 1980s and 1990s for learning resources serving the U.S. preschool education market. Cleo & Cuquin will animate math and literacy kits and apps in development by HITN Learning, based on its award-winning (Parents Choice, Kidscreen) Ready to Learn grant-funded Early Learning Collaborative transmedia.

HITN-TV & Digital Cleo & Cuquin debuts on Nick Jr., Univision, and Televisa in 2018; HITN's first Cleo & Cuquin Family Fun Kits and Apps release in October.

-January 2017- For the first time in Hispanic television, HITN TV arranges for audience members to attend the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States as special guests.
-February 2017- HITN's educational app, Pocoyo PlaySet: Let's Move, wins Kidscreen Award for Best Preschool Children's Learning App.
-March 2017- HITN TV and Hispanic celebrity-physician Doctora Aliza join forces to launch Vida y Salud TV, a daily programming block promoting health and well-being among the Latino community.
-June 2017- With the Tu Planeta programming block launch, HITN TV becomes the US Hispanic television leader in Nature and Conservation content.
-August 2017- HITN TV premieres "En Foco con Neida Sandoval," an original production documentary series hosted and presented by the Emmy-award winner journalist.
-September 2017- In partnership with CBS, HITN TV premieres the original production "Mundo CNET," an in-depth weekly review of the consumer electronics world.

HITN Expands the Digital Reach Of Its Popular “Vida y Salud” Programming Block

HITN expands the digital reach of its popular “Vida y Salud” programming block, one of the most widely viewed and distributed health and well-being websites in Spanish.

HITN Expands Its Distribution Opportunities Through The National Cable Television Cooperation (NCTC)

HITN partners with National Cable Television Cooperation (NCTC) to enhance the network’s expansion in the US Hispanic market.

HITN Launches on DirecTV Now on June 20th

DIRECTV announced the addition of HITN to their DIRECTV NOW En Espanol package.

HITN Visits Chicago to Support Fiesta Boricua 2018 and Donates 100 iPads

HITN visits Chicago to support the 25th Fiesta Boricua (2018) also known as "de Bandera a Bandera" and donates 100 iPads.

HITN Learning Executive Recognized for Leadership by the Digital Diversity Network

HITN Learning Executive Erica Branch-Ridley was recognized for leadership by the Digital Diversity Network at their “Innovation & Inclusion Awards 2018.

HITN Ends Year With Largest Growth in Viewership

HITN ends 2018 with the largest growth in viewership, increasing by over 118% in viewers compared to 2017.

HITN Relaunches “VIDAYSALUD.COM” With a Wealth of Medical Videos and Articles

HITN relaunches “VIDAYSALUD.COM” with a new wealth of medical videos and articles to promote health and wellbeing among Spanish-speaking families.

Cleo & Cuquin App Wins Silver Honor Award

HITN receives a 2019 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award for their “Cleo & Cuquin: Explore + Learn App.”

HITN Co-Hosts Conversation with Oscar López Rivera

HITN's very own Gerson Borrero Co-Hosts Conversation with Oscar López Rivera.

HITN Soccer Team Debut in ZOGSPORTS

For the first time in HITN’s history, the company sponsored and organized its own soccer team and participated in ZOGSPORT Indoor Turf Soccer.

Mundo Salvaje Live! in Africa with Ron Magill

HITN produces a live educational transmission directly from the Kwantu Wildlife Reserve in South Africa conducted by Ron Magill and Laura Masnatta.

Spectrum TV Subscribers Can Now Access HITN Digital Programming

Spectrum TV subscribers can now access HITN’s high-quality educational and entertainment programming for the whole family.

HITN TV and Liberty Puerto Rico reach Carriage Deal In 2020

HITN TV expands its reach and presence in Puerto Rico by joining the Liberty platform, offering educational and entertainment content for the whole family.

HITN TV and UBEAT.TV Join to Host First Ever High School E-Sports Tournament In New York City

HITN TV and UBEAT.TV Join to Host first-ever High School E-Sports Tournament at HITN headquarters located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

HITN Launches Content and Services to Help Hispanic Families Cope with the Coronavirus Threat

HITNs Vida y Salud brand takes action to launch content and services to help Hispanic families cope with the coronavirus threat.

HITN TV and Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter Join Forces in a Public Service Campaign

HITN TV and Alzheimer’s Association feature Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as they highlight the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on black and Hispanic communities.

HITN Achieves Unprecedented and Historical Ratings Growth During Second Quarter

HITN-TV experienced a significant increase in viewership during the coronavirus outbreak with its top-quality programming that informs, educates, and entertains Spanish-speaking families.

HITN’s Entertainment Digital App Evolves to HITN Go

HITN’s entertainment digital app evolves to HITN Go allowing Spanish-speaking families to access a wealth of new, engaging, and smart content to access whenever and wherever they choose.

HITN Presents New Show With Dr. Sanjay Gupta

HITN TV announces series “Vital Signs” with Dr. Sanjay Gupta providing viewers with insightful information about various medical conditions worldwide.

HITN adds its digital offering "HITN GO" to DIRECT TV and AT&T TV

HITN offers a fresh app with a renewed user experience added to DIRECTV and AT&T TV’s offerings to provide Spanish-speaking families access to a library of the best content, wherever and whenever they choose.

HITN launches its digital platform, Edye, featuring smart and safe entertainment for preschool children in the US Hispanic Market

HITN announced the launch of Edye, the only Spanish-language, premium SVOD (subscription video-on-demand service) that offers smart and safe entertainment for preschool-aged children.

HITN Broadcasts LIVE COVERAGE OF INAUGURATION DAY 2021

As part of its mission to keep the Hispanic community informed about political developments, HITN-TV broadcasts the inauguration ceremony on January 20th, when Joseph R. Biden Jr. became the 46th president of the United States.

HITN Premieres In Depth Documentary On Dr. Fauci's Life and Work

HITN, in collaboration with The Associated Press and South Florida PBS, premieres an in-depth documentary on Dr. Anthony Fauci. ‘Fauci: The Virus Hunter.’

HITN and DirectTV Puerto Rico Reach Carriage Deal

HITN and DirectTV Puerto Rico Reach Carriage Deal offering DIRECT TV viewers in Puerto Rico HITN-TV’s educational and entertainment programming.

HITN Broadcasts “Vacúnate Por Todos” Exclusive Program Addressing Common Vaccine Concerns and Questions Among the Latino Community

HITN broadcasts a one-hour special program, “Vacúnate Por Todos,” addressing common vaccine concerns and questions among the Latino community.

Exclusive Interview with Senator Charles Schumer On "Estudio DC Con Gerson Borrero"

Senator Schumer returns to his Brooklyn neighborhood to speak exclusively with Gerson Borrero on a special edition of HITN’s “Estudio DC.”

HITN Welcomes Senator Chuck Schumer

Senator Chuck Schumer, with the President and CEO of HITN, Michael D. Nieves, when he visited the HITN studio at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Megacable welcomes EDYE, the first spanish language premium SVOD service for preschoolers

Following HITN-TV’s new agreement with Megacable, the organization welcomes EDYE, the first Spanish language premium SVOD service for preschoolers.

EDYE is now available on the Roku platform in the U.S. and Latin America

On July 9th, HITN-TV announced an agreement with Roku to include EDYE’s educational entertainment programming in the U.S. and Latin America.

EDYE surpasses 1 million subscribers in the United States and Latin America

HITN announced today that EDYE surpassed 1 million paying subscribers in the United States and Latin America.

New York State Senator presents a proclamation to HITN for its mission of service to the Hispanic community

New York State Senator Luis Sepulveda (D-32) presented a Proclamation honoring HITN’s mission to advance the educational, cultural and socio-economic aspirations of Spanish Speaking communities in New York State.

¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest Announces 2021 Award Winners

¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest, a month-long virtual film festival presented during Hispanic Heritage Month, announced this year’s award-winning films.

HITN Wins 2021 Disruptors in Healthcare Sharecare Awards

Fauci: the Virus Hunter was recognized by the 2021 Sharecare Awards as a winner in the Disruptors in Healthcare category.

HITN and Dicapta join forces to make network’s content/programming more accessible

HITN announced its partnership with Dicapta to make its programming more accessible to people with sensory disabilities.

NIU & HITN Donate Computers and iPads to Loiza Students in Puerto Rico

Loíza children received technological equipment valued at more than $40,000.00 thanks to HITN and Northern Illinois University.

Estudio DC con Gerson Borrero Wins Four Telly Awards

HITN’s interview show is the bronze winner of the categories of Television – Political/Commentary, Television – Public Interest/Awareness, Television – Government Relations, as well as Television – Information.

Edye Reveals Puppet Created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Modeled after Its Mascot Ray

EDYE revealed the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop’s interpretation of the SVOD service’s mascot: Ray, at the Kidscreen Summit in Miami.

HITN Activates Service Providing Medical and Mental Health Support to Help Puerto Rico

HITN has activated a medical mental health support chat to assist the Puerto Rican population affected by Hurricane Fiona.

Puerto Rican Heritage Premiere

HITN premiered segments in honor of Puerto Rican Heritage Month at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College (El Centro) Silberman School of Social Work.

Dr. Aliza Lifshitz, Founder of Vida Y Salud, Passes Away in Los Angeles

A tireless health advocate, she dedicated her professional life to promoting healthy habits among the Hispanic community in the United States and Latin America.

HITN Presents New ‘Voces’ Series Honoring Puerto Rican Pioneers

HITN debuted the special Voces series featuring short clips that highlight the transformative success stories of Puerto Rican leaders and visionaries.

HITN Assists in Broadcasting World Cup in the Caribbean

HITN teamed up with Brooklyn Media to provide extensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup.

HITN’s Edye is now available in Mexico

HITN entered a strategic alliance with Mexican telecommunications company izzi, to offer Edye as an SVOD service.

HITN Prepared Special Programming on Ukraine

The program provided an in-depth analysis of the conflict in Ukraine and featured a live discussion with experts who delve into the historical, current, and future aspects of the conflict.

¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest Wins Silver Telly Award 2023

The Telly Awards announced HITN’s ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Film Festival as a silver winners in their general/non-broadcast category.

EDYE joined Verizon’s +play platform

Edye was made available on Verizon’s +play – the cutting-edge platform built by Verizon for customers to shop for, manage and save on their favorite subscriptions, all in one place.

HITN’s Board of Directors Elects Eduardo Bhatia as Chairman

HITN announced the appointment of Eduardo Bhatia as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Carmen M. Hernández Joins HITN’s Board of Directors

HITN announced the election of Carmen M. Hernández, as the latest addition to its esteemed Board of Directors.

HITN Inaugurated eSports Classroom at Maspeth HS

HITN worked closely with Maspeth High School (MHS) to create a specially designed classroom to practice and prepare for eSports.

HITN Attended NY Emmy Awards Ceremony

In an effort to support the regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), HITN formed a working group to assess the progress and quality of journalistic work in various regions throughout the United States.

In Memoriam José Nieto Ruiz

The HITN family was deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jose Nieto Ruiz, HITN’s inaugural employee. Jose Nieto, a well-known figure among HITN viewers, was an esteemed producer and talent for the show “El Autor y Su Obra.”

HITN Pays Tribute to Puerto Rican Pioneers

HITN held its second awards ceremony as part of Puerto Rican Heritage Month.