Definition Imagen Televisión is a Mexican free-to-air national television network. It is one of Mexico's three major national terrestrial broadcasters, alongside Televisa and TV Azteca.
Overview Launched on October 17, 2016, Imagen Televisión operates on virtual channel 3 nationwide. It is owned by Grupo Empresarial Ángeles (GEA), a diversified Mexican conglomerate with interests in health, tourism, media, and finance. The network was established as a direct result of Mexico's 2013-2014 telecommunications reform, which sought to increase competition in the broadcast television market by allowing new players to enter. Its programming slate includes news, entertainment, sports, telenovelas, series, and reality shows, targeting a broad audience across Mexico.
Etymology/Origin The name "Imagen" translates to "Image" in English, reflecting its purpose as a visual media outlet. The network's origin traces back to the Mexican government's 2013-2014 telecommunications reform, which mandated a tender process for new national broadcast television concessions. In 2015, the concession for the third national network was awarded to Cadena Tres I. de C.V., a subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Ángeles. Prior to the launch of Imagen Televisión, Grupo Empresarial Ángeles already operated a regional cable television channel called Cadena Tres, which ceased operations shortly before the national network's debut.
Characteristics
- Ownership: Grupo Empresarial Ángeles (GEA).
- Launch Date: October 17, 2016.
- Virtual Channel: 3 (nationwide in Mexico).
- Programming: A general entertainment format, featuring daily news programs (such as "Imagen Noticias" with Ciro Gómez Leyva), original and acquired telenovelas and series, sports broadcasts (often in partnership with Fox Sports), talk shows, and reality competition series.
- Coverage: It holds a concession to broadcast across the majority of Mexico, providing national coverage through its network of transmitting stations.
- Market Position: It serves as the third national free-to-air television network, competing directly with established broadcasters Televisa and TV Azteca.
Related Topics
- Grupo Empresarial Ángeles (GEA)
- Cadena Tres
- Mexican telecommunications reform
- Free-to-air television in Mexico
- Televisa
- TV Azteca