United Media signs Los Kitos.

United Media, a leading licensing and syndication company, has signed on to represent a direct-to-retail opportunity with Los Kitos (The Toons), a bi-lingual cast of characters that made their original debut in an educational comic strip (“edu-comic”) over eleven years ago and now are widely recognized in 375 newspapers in seventeen countries. Conceived by Martha Montoya, one of the most influential Hispanics in the U.S. according to Hispanic Business Magazine, Los Kitos are also featured on a weekly national radio show in the U.S and in six other countries, and have appeared in a variety of other media and promotional platforms since their 1995 inception.

Originally created to educate and entertain Spanish-speaking fans of all ages, Los Kitos help children (primarily ages 8-12) understand the workings of the real world by taking a light-hearted but informative approach to important topics such as nutrition, computer science, history, self-esteem, and even world events. Licensing and promotional partners who have joined the Los Kitos bandwagon span a variety of categories including kid’s meal promotions, frozen food, bedding, apparel, HBA, stationery and greeting cards. Partnering with Los Kitos represents another addition to United Media’s portfolio of brands that specifically target the growing Hispanic market. The company’s initial focus for Los Kitos will be to determine a direct to retail partner who understands the natural affinity for the property within the Hispanic consumer base and will build a program accordingly.

“Retailers are keenly aware that there is significant opportunity in marketing to the substantial and growing Hispanic population in the U.S.,” said Joshua Kislevitz, Senior Vice President, Domestic Licensing at United Media “Los Kitos, an educational, but entertaining, property is already widely known within the U.S. Spanish speaking population, and can be leveraged as a powerful marketing tool when targeting this key market.”

“As a fan of many properties within its portfolio, it is an honor to partner with United Media,” said Martha Montoya, creator of Los Kitos. “With educational and uplifting messages, Los Kitos’ roots in the Hispanic culture give us a unique perspective to build upon in the changing US marketplace. We look forward to an exciting collaboration.”