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Third Time's The Charm For NBC Soap Event
Posted Saturday, February 01, 2003 5:40:57 PM
by Dan J Kroll
After two failed attempts to hold a celebration for soap opera fans on its own, NBC has announced plans to again have a soap opera fan gathering. This time, however, the peacock network has found a partner in the Spanish-language channel Telemundo.
The partnership between NBC and Telemundo - which is being called "Fan Festival 2003" marks the first time that two television networks have jointly presented a fan event. Disney-owned ABC holds a "SuperSoap Weekend" each fall at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. CBS does not currently offer a fan event.
Telemundo, a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is owned by NBC Television. NBC acquired Telemundo in 2002.
Fan Festival 2003 will provide fans with a chance to meet their favorite stars from NBC's Days of our Lives and Passions as well as stars from the hottest "telenovelas" on Telemundo. The event, to be emceed by Claudia Trejos, a host of Telemundo's "Al Rojo Vivo," will feature question-and-answer sessions (in both English and Spanish) as well as autograph signings.
"The joining of the stars of NBC Daytime with Telemundo's hottest telenovela stars at Fan Festival 2003 adds an exciting new dimension to this fan event," said Sheraton Kalouria, Senior Vice President, NBC Daytime Programs, NBC Entertainment. Kalouria conceived of the event to reward the loyal fans of NBC soaps and Telemundo telenovelas.
"Once again, Telemundo is making history for the Spanish-language TV audience. For this first time ever, telenovelas fans will be able to meet their favorite Telemundo stars as well as the casts from NBC's popular soap operas," said Manuel Martinez, Executive Vice President, Programming and Production.
Fan Festival 2003 will be held April 5th and 6th at the Hollywood & Highland retail and entertainment complex in Hollywood, California.
