• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, March 12, 2009

As Telemundo moves toward the upfront, the Spanish-language network said it will hold meetings with clients this month, partly looking to begin a dialogue at the early stages of program development. The move could lead to a run of branded integration deals.

Networks have increasingly sought to gauge the interest of potential advertisers even as shows are being conceived. Some discussions can touch on opportunities for product placement, perhaps even crafting a story line around a brand.

As the producer of its own telenovelas--soap operas that run for several months and have particular appeal among Hispanic audiences--Telemundo has flexibility in terms of crafting deals with brand involvement.

The Telemundo meetings will be at its Miami home base, and follow others with 30 leading advertisers in recent weeks.

Network president Don Browne said Telemundo is looking to partner "with our advertisers at the early stages of the creative process to develop multiplatform solutions that will create" solid ROI for them.

Brand integrations or multiplatform promotions can stretch across the network, cable channel mun2 and Telemundo.com.

Telemundo touted "El Rostro de Analía" and "Sin Senos no hay Paraíso" as popular novelas in February. The network also carries Mexican national team soccer games.