NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo B. Salinas, Founder & Chairman of Mexico's Azteca television network and a Director of the International Academy, served as Gala Chair for the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala on November 19 in New York City.

Mr. Salinas presided at the Gala, welcoming guests at the beginning of the program. During the Gala , the International Academy presented Emmys in nine program categories as well as two special awards. Glee Creator Ryan Murphy received the 2012 International Emmy Founders Award while KBS President & CEO Dr. Kim In-Ky received the 2012 International Emmy Directorate Award.

"Ricardo Salinas is an outstanding entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media visionary," said Bruce L. Paisner, President & CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. "We are delighted that he and his company, Azteca, were a key part of our 40th anniversary celebrations."

The Opening Reception for the International Emmy World Television Festival was hosted by Mr. Salinas and Azteca at the newly remodeled New York Historical Society building at Central Park West and 77th Street.

"It has been a pleasure to chair the International Emmy events to further international cooperation in the broadcasting and entertainment industry," said Mr. Salinas.

Azteca controls two national networks, Azteca 7 and Azteca 13; the cultural channel Proyecto 40 ; Azteca International and Azteca America, which serves the U.S. Hispanic community since 2001. Azteca America currently has local affiliated stations in over 79 cities in which 91% of the U.S. Latino population resides.  

Separately, Mr. Salinas participated in the 20th International Council Summit organized by the Paley Center for Media. The three-day event concluded with a series of moderated dialogues that included Ricardo Salinas with Paley Center CEO Pat Mitchell. The day also included dialogues with Jeff Bewkes, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner, Inc,  Frank A. Bennack, Jr., Vice Chair and CEO of The Hearst Corporation and Richard Gelfon, CEO of IMAX.

Grupo Salinas Profile

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, building the Mexican middle class, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies. These companies include:: TV Azteca (www.tvazteca.com.mx; irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx) Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx) and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings.

Grupo Salinas Press Contact:

Daniel McCosh
011-5255-1720-0059
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

SOURCE Azteca; Ricardo Salinas