Time for a new network? LBI thinks so!

Here's the latest basic "press release" from LBI. (Yeah, we know it's an "article", but really, it's just a press release!)

This would not seem the most opportune time to launch a new broadcast TV network, what with advertising revenue in a tailspin.

Yet, Liberman Broadcasting is determined to give it a try.

The Los Angeles-based broadcast company, best known for its 21 major-market Hispanic radio stations, plans on launching a Spanish-language TV network this summer with the original programming that it has developed over the past 11 years for its own short string of TV stations.

Estrella TV will offer 55 hours of original programming each week — musical variety, drama, comedy and talk — supplemented by the best of what it claims is an evergreen library of 6,000 additional hours.

The network is being built on a solid foundation of owned-and-operated stations in Los Angeles (KRCA), Houston (KZJL), Dallas (KMPX), Phoenix (KVPA), Salt Lake City (KPNZ) and San Diego (KSDX-LP). Liberman also has a deal to acquire a low-power station in New York, WASA, from Venture Technologies for $6 million.

Liberman is now actively seeking TV stations that will add Estrella TV on a digital subchannel or perhaps even the main channel. The goals is nothing less than coverage of all Hispanic homes in the United States.

In this interview with TVNewsday Editor Harry A. Jessell, Liberman Broadcasting Executive Vice President Lenard Liberman explains why he is undaunted by the unforgiving economy and reveals some of the strategy behind Estrella TV.

Read all the juicy details, and the words of wisdom from our here Leo!