As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to contemplate our journey and rewarding accomplishments. Throughout 2023, HITN stayed devoted to educating and entertaining the Hispanic community in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, expressed satisfaction with the successful year, emphasizing the dedication that yielded results. He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhan to it’s top-notch programming for those dedicated television viewers in the upcoming year.
Corporate milestones
It was that goals were achieved in different fields during this period. Among the many achievements, HITN announced the appointment of Eduardo Bhatia as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Also, we welcomed the election of Carmen M. Hernández, as the latest addition to this group.
During the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, HITN produced a series of short documentaries to celebrate those pioneers whose careers have exemplified dedication and service to our Hispanic community. Puerto Rican and Hispanic Community members, elected officials, and special guests gathered at the auditorium of the Hunter College Center for Puerto Rican Studies “El Centro” for the showing of this series.
One of the company’s biggest accomplishments came with the announcement of HITN’s ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Film Festival as one of this year’s Silver Telly winners in their general/non-broadcast category. Regarding TV competitions, HITN formed a working group to support the regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) as well as judge regional programs as members of the Emmys in various regions throughout the country. The working group also attended the 66th Annual New York Emmy Awards gala.
In response to an initiative by the Consulate General of Mexico in New York to promote business exchanges, a delegation of entrepreneurs and government officials from the state of Puebla, Mexico, toured the facilities of HITN at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
As the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month came to an end, the Puerto Rican flag was raised in a Lower Manhattan park and Mayor Adams presented a citation to Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, recognizing him for his unwavering dedication and service to our Hispanic community.
TV & Digital Expansion
Edye is HITN’s SVOD service with over 2,500 titles of children’s programming and 2023 was a year of exponential growth. HITN entered a strategic alliance with Mexican telecommunications company izzi, to offer Edye in this country. A similar agreement came in terms for Brazil and Claro tv+ as well as Verizon’s +play, where subscribers were able to enjoy Edye’s contents.
Community Liaisons
HITN started 2023 with it’s signature Three Kings Day Celebration on January 6, the day of the Epiphany and an important day of celebration throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, especially Puerto Rico. This gathering has become a moment to celebrate the New Year for friends, family, community leaders and elected officials to visit our studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. On January 7, 2023, hundreds of children in Vieques, Puerto Rico, attended the 24th Three Kings Festival co-sponsored by HITN. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, families gathered at Esperanza Park for a morning of music, storytelling, games, and creative workshops.
As part of its commitment to educate our Hispanic community, HITN worked closely with Maspeth High School (MHS) to create a specially designed classroom to practice and prepare for eSports. The room, called Argo Esports Lounge, is equipped with equipment to foster learning and personal growth for the students, both academically and personally.
Health Initiatives
The HITN brand Vida Y Salud translates to “Life and Health,” and aims to promote overall well-being. During 2023 HITN organized Vida Y Salud health fairs in NY state, NYC and Los Angeles. These events aim to benefit the Hispanic community and are made possible thanks to the generous support and sponsorship from different partners.
HITN has taken a crucial step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color throughout the critical 92-week period encompassing prenatal care to postpartum transition. This year HITN unveiled its ’92 Weeks to a Great Start in Life’ initiative, sponsored by the Robin Hood Foundation, to foster positive health outcomes for expectant mothers and lay a strong foundation for the well-being of newborns.