This Week in las Noticias

Text Market (Adweek) – To a marketer, U.S. Hispanics aren't just attractive because they are, as a population, expanding. The segment is also ahead of the curve on mobile computing. According to a 2007 survey by M:Metrics, Seattle, U.S. Hispanics are much more likely to use their mobile phones to do things beyond normal voice calls. 

MySpace launches brand for Hispanics (Sun Sentinel) – Even without publicizing the site, MySpace Latino has attracted about 1.3 million users and profiles are being created at a rate of about 100,000 a month. The site offers eight community areas dedicated to music, fashion, soccer, live events and online forums.

Modelo Especial ‘Quiere’ Spanish Speakers (Brandweek) – Crown Imports has embarked on the first national TV buy for Modelo Especial beer in hopes of reaching the U.S. Hispanic population with a Spanish-language campaign launched this week. The effort, called "Calidad Indiscutible", includes spots that play on the conflict between characters that are diametrically opposed but agree on one thing: Modelo Especial’s quality.

Say ‘Hola’ To The Underserved (Mobile Insider) – In today’s announcement, HipCricket forms a Hispanic mobile marketing network that includes Bustos, Lotus and Davidson, with over 50 radio and TV outlets involved. The deal lets brand advertisers buy into both local and national Hispanic audiences.

Mexican Absolute Ad crosses the line for some (Chicago Tribune) – The latest advertising campaign in Mexico from Swedish vodka maker Absolut seemed to push all the right buttons south of the U.S. border, but it ruffled a few feathers in El Norte. As word of the campaign spread across the northern border, primarily on the Web, some in the United States began giving the ad a much more hostile reception. 

Best Buy Signs Hispanic Soccer Phenom To Be Ambassador (Marketing Daily) – The deal calls for Blanco, formerly of the Mexican First League Division, to represent the electronics retailer's new Hispanic shopping experience across the U.S., and to work with the chain's 45 Chicagoland stores, encouraging youth-technology initiatives.