SBS Entertainment, MegaTV and Puerto Rico Tourism Company ...

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MIAMI, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaTV, the television network owned by Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) (Nasdaq: SBSA), always at the forefront of great events, is pleased to announce that today Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. (ET)- 7 p.m. (CT), it will be presenting the extraordinary television special "Encanto del Caribe" ["Caribbean Enchantment"]? produced? by SBS Entertainment and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The mega concert has Latin music artists in the magnificent setting of the historic San Crist?bal Fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which for the first time ever has opened its doors for filming.

"Encanto del Caribe," a production of SBS Entertainment, has been arranged around the piano of maestro virtuoso Arthur Hanlon, who has brought together for this occasion a very special group of his friends. Marc Anthony, Laura Pausini, Cheo Feliciano, Natalia Jimenez, and Bernie Williams, who accompanied Hanlon and his magnificent blue piano with their melodious voices on a journey through the very best of Hispanic music.? This tremendous TV special will bring together the great stars of the world of music in a very special setting from the Island of Enchantment, Puerto Rico.

"It is a very great pleasure that we were able to bring together for this wonderful TV special an amazing group of figures from the world of song, musicians, actors, dancers, and the best Puerto Rican talent.? We are making history, and we are showing the world what can be done in Puerto Rico.? I'd like to give special thanks to the maestro, Arthur Hanlon, for his commitment to this project, and to the President of the Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz for the unconditional support he has given us.? The same goes for the Executive Director of the Department of Economic Development and Trade, Jose Perez Riera, and to the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Mario Gonzalez Lafuente," said Mr. Raul Alarcon, Chairman, President and CEO of SBS.

For Arthur Hanlon, one of the most successful pianists in Spanish- and English-speaking markets, this is one of the most significant projects of his career.

"Encanto del Caribe is a musical project that celebrates the convergence of cultures, and Puerto Rico, more than any place in the world, is a musical center where in the course of history, countless cultures and influences have been joined together. It is a unique and inspiring place," said Hanlon. "To get to do this TV special with a visionary company like SBS, in such a magical place and with such talented artists, is really a privilege," he added. "From the bottom of my heart I want to thank Mr. Raul Alarcon and the Government of Puerto Rico."Encanto del Caribe" demonstrates that music is not divided, that it's not white or black, and as artists, all of us can interpret the music of any nation," said the pianist, who is getting ready to release the recording of this event on CD and DVD, produced by conductor Julio Reyes Copello on the Universal Music label.

Jose Perez Riera, Secretary of Economic Development and Trade, noted that "this project, for an investment of $7.5 million, is an ideal? platform for promoting Puerto Rico as a splendid destination for tourist investment, in addition to creating direct and indirect jobs, as well as the expenditures on hotel room occupancy that were generated as a result of this event."?

The special, to be broadcast by MegaTV today Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. (ET)- 7 p.m. (CT), in the United States and Puerto Rico, will be seen by more than 100 million people, and will give the Puerto Rico Tourism Company an opportunity to promote the island in the mass medium of television.

Mario Gonzalez Lafuente, Director of the Compania de Turismo, emphasized that "to us it is a great honor that our Island, and particularly our iconic San Cristobal Castle in Old San Juan, will become the center for filming Encanto del Caribe, since music is a cultural element that unites different people and with an event of this magnitude, undoubtedly we will portray Puerto Rico as a destination steeped in history and as the musical center of the Caribbean."

More about the special

Arthur Hanlon and his piano thrilled the senses of his audience in the heart of San Cristobal Castle, transformed into one of the largest TV studios ever set up in Puerto Rico.

Hanlon took his place on stage with his blue concert piano, shipped in from Miami especially for the occasion, surrounded by a magical atmosphere in which the presence of the actresses and actors, dancers, mimes and acrobats comprising the production shone forth. During the first few minutes of the special, the shots are concentrated on the stage and on the Fort exterior, filmed from a helicopter.? His friends and special guests on this night were: Marc Anthony, Laura Pausini, Cheo Feliciano, Natalia Jimenez and Bernie Williams who joined him on stage.

The music featured maestro Cucco Pena conducting an orchestra of 41 first rate musicians. The overall production was by SBS Entertainment, executive production by Raul Alarcon, overall direction by Alejandro Santiago, producer Ileana Ciena, PJ Lopez, Director of Photography, Pedro Villalon, Director's Assistant, and Angie Olmedo, Costume Design.??

The world premiere of the special is scheduled to be broadcast today Wednesday, May 23, at 8 p.m. (ET) - 7 p.m. (CT) on MegaTV: Channel 22 in Miami, Channel 57 West Palm Beach, Channel 13, Chicago, Illinois, Channel 33.2 Fresno, CA, Channel 55 Houston, TX, Channel 23 in Salt Lake City, UT, Channel 169 of DIRECTV in Puerto Rico. Channel 405 of DIRECTV in the main cities of the United States, Channel 25 in Texas, Verizon Fios, Channel 466 in Florida, Verizon Fios, Channel 466 in NY, NJ and Greenwich, CT in Verizon Fios and Channel 3008 of AT&T U-verse in the main cities of the United States.

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About Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment company in the United States. SBS owns and/or operates 21 radio stations located in the top U.S. Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, airing the Tropical, Mexican Regional, Spanish Adult Contemporary and Urban format genres. SBS has 3 of the top 6 Spanish-language stations in the nation including the #1 Spanish station in America, WSKQ-FM in New York City (WPAT is ranked #3 and KLAX is ranked #6). The Company also owns and operates MegaTV, a television operation with over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution and affiliates throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. SBS also produces live concerts and events throughout the country and operates LaMusica.com, a bilingual Spanish-English online site providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. The Company's corporate Web site can be accessed at www.spanishbroadcasting.com.

About Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Puerto Rico is one of the most striking destinations in the Caribbean, blending marvelous natural locations with the enchantment of a modern city. The Island offers numerous activities for different kinds of markets, such as natural resources, attractions and hotels. Each region has its own appeal, including "El Yunque," a tropical forest located in the eastern part of the island, extreme sports such as surfing and diving, as well as heavenly beaches and a vibrant and sophisticated cultural and entertainment life in the San Juan area. During their visits to Puerto Rico, tourists have the pleasure of discovering 500 years of history in Old San Juan, hiking in the jungle, sampling the delicious local and international cuisine, going fishing or enjoying a show of international stars at Jose Miguel Agrelot Stadium. Luis Munoz International Airport is the main hub in the Caribbean, while San Juan is also the most important port of call for the large cruise ships that arrive here swiftly and easily.? U.S. Citizens do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico, and throughout the year, special discounts are available for hotels and plane fares.?

Media & Press Contact:

Vladimir Gomez, Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc., Director, Marketing and Communications (305) 644-4817, vgomez@mega.tv

SOURCE Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.

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