Fox International Channels has launched Biensimple.com, a wiki-based site targeting the U.S. Spanish-language community.
This marks the first time FIC has launched a domestic site. "We've seen the Internet market for U.S. Hispanics grow exponentially over the last couple of years, so we found there was an opportunity. That part of the market is highly under-served," said Emiliano Saccone, svp, marketing and content for FIC.
The site is intended as a one-stop destination for consumers seeking advice on topics such as health, relationships, money, beauty and technology. Commentary is contributed by "trusted sources," like doctors, relationship counselors and culinary experts, he said.
Both professional and user-generated content is included. "On the one hand, we know that user-generated content drives traffic. On the other, we know that professionally created content translates into advertiser appeal," said Saccone.
At present, there are no advertisers for the site, but Saccone said FIC plans to leverage its relationships with global publishers in the near future.
Users can post queries and comments on message boards as well as in blogs. Biensimple.com is also "how-to video" heavy, due to the expected growth of online video, with content produced by FIC's Buenos Aires production facility.
Content can also be shared via Facebook widgets, Saccone added. "The site has a lot of potential for evolving into a social network," he said.