Bill Clinton Salute to Greatness - H 2015
AP ImagesAs most broadcast networks get ready to spice up their upfront presentations with musical performances and actor walk-ons, one network is getting political. The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Bill Clinton has been tapped to speak during Univision’s May 12 event in New York City.
An invitation from the Spanish-language network went out to select media buyers, advertisers and marketers on Wednesday morning, announcing that the 42nd commander-in-chief and founder of the Clinton Foundation will participate in a moderated Q&A. Univision’s presentation, sandwiched into the busy week of scheduling and programming announcements, is something of a first. No president has ever participated in an upfront.
He is expected to speak to the growth and influence of the Latino market, a demographic he’s no stranger to. Clinton has a longstanding relationship with America’s Hispanic population, winning the demographic during both the 1992 and 1996 elections. That group has become all the more powerful in recent years, and both Democrats and Republicans are focusing on how to court the Latino vote during the 2016 campaign.
Clinton’s appearance comes just a few weeks after wife Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her long-speculated bid for the presidency, already the frontrunner for the Democratic party nomination. (It’s hard to imagine that subject won’t come up during the Q&A.)
Univision’s influence amongst Spanish-speaking American TV viewers, especially the younger set, is considerable. Reaching a wider audience than prime competitor Telemundo, it frequently outpaces many of the Big Four networks among adults 18-49.
