Nation’s largest Spanish-language public broadcasting network to expand footprint by 40,000 SF
Brooklyn, NY – HITN, the leading Spanish-language network that offers educational and entertainment content to more than 44 million households across the United States, announced it has signed a ten-year lease with the Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNYDC) to expand its corporate headquarters in New York City. The deal marks a significant expansion for HITN’s facilities in Brooklyn, NY, where it currently occupies 21,000 square feet. After the agreement, HITN will take an additional 25,000 square feet of interior space and 15,000 square feet of rooftop studio space.
The network has been on a planned expansion drive for the last three years, stated Michael D. Nieves, the network’s CEO and president. “We determined that in order for HITN to remain a relevant source of smart programming for Hispanic families, we would need to adapt to the evolving habits of ‘anytime, anywhere’ media consumption. I’m proud to say that these efforts are paying off. We now reach 44 million households and more Hispanic families than ever before.” He added: “Since Brooklyn has now replaced Manhattan as New York’s destination for media productions, it was only natural that our expansion occurs at the Yard.”
Along with its headquarters’ HITN will also build a LEED-certified, state-of-the-art rooftop TV studio with latest technology and event space will feature beautiful views of Lower Manhattan, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. This facility will be used by HITN in its television and production operations and other media organizations.
“HITN has a dynamic plan to fulfill its mission of serving the US Hispanic community through the creation of content in genres as varied as nature, current events, science and technology, health, and children’s programming. Having more production space will allow us to be more self-sufficient, optimize costs, and increase our production volume,” said Guillermo Sierra, head of television and digital services for HITN.
The new studio expansion will produce content which aims to mirror the unique bicultural Hispanic lifestyle in New York City and across the country. HITN’s programming lineup includes several awards winning shows that have a focus on health and wellness, science and technology, natural history, early- education and analytical content designed to inform Hispanic audiences and help them enjoy a better quality of life in the United States. In recent years, HITN has expanded its programming slate, closing several content agreements with global networks such as Discovery, National Geographic, AMC and BBC.
HITN’s growth over the past five years also prompted this expansion. When completed, HITN will add 40 to 65 new jobs. Recently, the network has hired more than a dozen new employees and offered internships to over 20 high school and college students. The new facility will house close to 100 employees, will be completed in early 2019.
