Construir parleys international roll-out

CANNES -- Argentina's Construir TV is in advanced negotiations to supply German broadcaster Deutsch Welle with a daily 6-minute feed for DW's World Report. Ralph Haiek, Construir TV content head, said Tuesday at Mipcom that he is also in discussions with TV execs from Greece, Israel, India, the Middle East and Spain interested in acquiring the channel format. Talks rep the earliest attempt to roll out internationally one of Latin America's most singular new TV channels, presented Tuesday at Mipcom by TV vet Haiek and channel topper Gerardo Martinez. Launched March and developed by Buenos Aires-based Fundacion Uocra, a non-profit org, Construir TV is a 24/7 social channel turning on the construction industry workers, their lives, concerns and professional basics. Edutainment service broadcasts a two-hour programming block on primetime, which features 75% of original content, made up of 7-minute "micro-programs," and 25% third-party programs. Micro-slots range from Uocra builders workshops to workers' time-out (one gives barbecue tips), "The Journey," about commuting to work, and "Roots," about immigrants. Established in Argentina -- it airs on its nationwide DTT network, Buenos Aires' Canal 4, and the country's Telecentro and main cable operators -- Construir TV will soon by accessed by the web, mobiles and VOD. Haiek has larger ambitions, however, he announced at Mipcom: Turning Construir TV into a worldwide brand. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

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