Hispanic Information and Telecommunication Network, Inc. (HITN), the leading Spanish-language public media network in the United States, is joining the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a comprehensive three-part celebration. The initiative includes a landmark broadcast event, a first-of-its-kind interactive digital experience, and an original promotional campaign — all designed to invite Hispanic audiences across the country to discover and connect with the nation they call home.
“Through this campaign, HITN seeks to strengthen the sense of belonging among Hispanic communities across the country, while remaining true to our mission of educating and entertaining audiences,” said Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN.
The centerpiece of the television tribute is a weekend marathon of the acclaimed Smithsonian Channel documentary series Aerial America, titled 50 States in 50 Hours, airing all day on Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. This award-winning series takes viewers on sweeping helicopter flyovers of all 50 U.S. states, revealing historic landmarks, national parks, and hidden natural treasures from a perspective most viewers have never experienced. Expert narration weaves in the history, culture, and character of each state, making every episode as educational as it is visually spectacular. Rated TV-G, it stands as the most extensive aerial television project ever produced about the United States.
Starting Monday, July 6, two back-to-back episodes of Aerial America will continue airing daily at 1:00 and 2:00 PM EDT/PDT on HITN, extending the celebration throughout the summer. The series will also be available on demand on the HITN GO streaming app starting July 4.
Rounding out HITN’s anniversary programming is America 250, an original series of short-form segments airing throughout HITN’s regular broadcast schedule all summer long. The campaign showcases the beauty and significance of iconic landmarks and historic sites across the country, highlighting the diverse regions and places that embody the heritage, values, and identity of the American people. The video series was directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Cody Williams, produced by Ordinary Sunday, and features an original score arranged and produced by Grammy and Tony Award-winning musician Bryan Carter. The America 250 segments will also be available on the HITN GO streaming app, giving audiences free and unrestricted access at any time.
Complementing the broadcast, HITN is launching an interactive digital experience at hitn.tv/aniversario-250/ that brings the journey to life beyond the screen. The hub features an interactive U.S. map where visitors can discover fascinating facts and figures about each state, paired with a short video clip drawn from that state’s Aerial America episode. As users explore each state, they earn a virtual sticker that fills a collectible digital album — turning the 250th anniversary into a nationwide adventure audiences can experience at their own pace, from any device.
This initiative is significant as it provides Hispanic audiences, who represent a growing demographic in the U.S., with an opportunity to explore and appreciate the nation's history and landmarks in their preferred language. By offering free, accessible content across television and digital platforms, HITN is fostering a deeper sense of belonging and connection to American heritage among Hispanic communities. The interactive map and collectible stickers add a gamified element that encourages exploration and engagement, making the educational content more appealing to families and younger viewers.
HITN reaches more than 35 million homes in the United States and Puerto Rico through major distributors including DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, and Charter Spectrum. The HITN GO app is available on Apple, Android, Apple TV, and Roku with a subscription. For more information, visit the corporate webpage at HITN.org or the TV webpage at hitn.tv.
