AT&T U-Verse To Launch BabyFirst Spanish-Language Feed

Toddler-targeted BabyFirst network has reached a carriage agreement with AT&T U-verse, the two parties announced Friday.

BabyFirst, which offers educational content targeted to Latino families, will launch on the telco's Paquete Español package, said network executives. An English-language version of the BabyFirst service is already on U-verse's lineup on channel 310.

"With every third baby born in the U.S. being Latino, there is an increasing recognition among programming distributors that this community is hungry for age-appropriate content for their kids," said Sharon Rechter, EVP Business Development and Distribution, BabyFirst. "We have enjoyed a great relationship with AT&T U-verse through its carriage of our English-language channel, and we look forward to now working with them to provide their Latino customers with the same high quality, engaging programming experiences."   

Added Julie Tran, head of foreign language programming, AT&T U-verse: "We are pleased to offer this unique service as part of our Paquete Español package – which further enhances our extensive lineup of channels aimed at diverse communities.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.