J-Lo named chief creative officer of NUVOtv

[May 16, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Jennifer Lopez is the newly appointed chief creative officer of NUVOtv.

The versatile J-Lo was announced last fall as a creative partner with the English-language Latino network, but her role was solidified Wednesday as NUVOtv held its upfront for advertisers and prepared for a re-launch of its programming in July.

In an interview before the presentation, Lopez said about two years ago she was approached by NUVOtv to serve "probably more as the face of the network. But once we sat down and I started expressing my point of view about the programming and the network, it grew into something bigger."

She said that, with the support of her own production company, she will be involved in marketing, branding and program development.

"A network that reflects the modern Latino experience, but in English, must have the quality that everybody has," she said.

Lopez will also be the subject of a 90-minute biographical special, the network said.

Among new series announced will be "Gotta Dance," a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of professional dancers accompanying Lopez on a world concert tour.

Asked if her on-camera presence is likely to extend beyond those programs, she said yes -- "if we find a great show that I would star in anyway. But I always want to do what's right for the network as opposed to using it as a vehicle for myself. That's not the point."

Lopez laughed when asked if she would consider returning to "American Idol," where she spent two seasons as judge on a panel that is currently in turmoil.

"I'm gonna perform there (Thursday) night," she replied. "I don't know what else is gonna happen."

Looking ahead to the July 18 debut of the NUVOtv programming slate, she said, "We've given it enough of a facelift to launch, but we know we have work ahead of us."

Other series announced include "Rodney's Joy," a reality show about Grammy Award-winning producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins as he takes on a new client -- his wife, Joy Enriquez -- as well as "Mario Lopez: One on One," an interview show.

NUVOtv is available in 32 million homes.

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Online:

http://www.myNUVOtv.com/ 

[Associated Press; By FRAZIER MOORE]

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