• by Fern Siegel , June 10, 2008

Time Warner Cable is enhancing its Hispanic lineup by carrying WAPA America shows, which originate in Puerto Rico. The deal secures the network exclusive rights to WAPA-TV's sports and entertainment lineup, while beefing up coverage for a crucial targeted audience. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The deal gives TWC access to the Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League, as well as "SuperXclusivo," the highest-rated local program in Puerto Rico, and over 40 hours per week of local news. WAPA America is also the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster of the annual New York Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Miss Puerto Rico Pageant in September.

WAPA-TV is part of InterMedia Partners, headquartered in New York.

"We look forward to serving their Hispanic customers with the best in Spanish-language programming," said Jose Ramos, WAPA-TV president. "We plan to be a vital part of their extended communities."

Melinda Witmer, executive vice president and chief programming officer for Time Warner Cable, added that the network wants to ensure that its Hispanic customers receive "culturally relevant, family-oriented content in the Spanish language."

WAPA America recently launched on Bright House Network's digital cable tier in Orlando, Fla., and will soon be added to its Tampa lineup. Bright House Networks is the sixth-largest MSO in the U.S.