• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, March 18, 2008

NBC Universal's Telemundo has a new agreement to distribute more than 1,000 hours a year of its programming in Mexico. The deal is with Mexican broadcaster Grupo Televisa and includes multi-platform distribution--another move by NBC to expand its business internationally.

In addition to linear TV, the platforms include pay TV and digital outlets. Terms of the 10-year deal were not disclosed.

Televisa will launch a pay TV channel this year focusing on Telemundo content, both entertainment and news. The channel, distributed via Televisa's DBS and cable systems, will reach 2 million homes at first.

The details of the other distribution platforms are yet to be ironed out, but are expected to include mobile, broadband and VOD.

"This is an important agreement between two global leaders in Spanish-language media," said NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker. "Together, Telemundo's content and Televisa's distribution strength in Mexico will give viewers exciting new options for entertainment content. Telemundo remains an important part of our international strategy, and this is just the latest step in its dynamic growth."

Don Browne, head of Telemundo, said the arrangement is part of the net's long-term objective to reach Hispanic audiences worldwide. "With this new distribution platform in Mexico, we will also benefit from cross-border dynamics, with families and friends coming together around their shared interest in popular programs, which will now reach both Mexican and U.S. Hispanic audiences."