My normal DirecTV satellite TV package included a couple of Spanish language channels, Univision and Galavision. However, I found that only a handful of shows on those two networks were interesting to me. On a whim, I decided to head over to the DirecTV website and see what else I might could get. They have a package called En Español, which adds 26 additional Spanish language networks to my choices. (They say 33, but that includes some music channels and other items.) At $19.95 extra per month, it’s not cheap, but I think I’ll keep it for a while.
Now I can actually find something interesting to watch while improving my language abilities. Many shows are subtitled as well, so don’t forget that option. My favorites so far are HITN, which shows a number of interesting shows, and EcuaVisa from Ecuador. I’ve heard that Ecuadorian Spanish is among the easiest for non-native speakers to understand, and so far I’d have to agree. They seem to speak a bit slower, and drop fewer letters from their words than other speakers.
CNN en Español is always a good choice, as is Discovery Channel Español. Now my ReplayTV is chock full of Spanish language shows. HITN also runs 2 episodes each Sunday of Destinos, a Spanish language instructional show. The best part of all this Spanish TV is that I can really see the difference in my comprehension. In my last exposure to Destinos, I was able to understand only bits and pieces, while now I can follow along with much of the dialogue.