ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan is launching what is believed to be the most comprehensive university-based Spanish language news service in the United States.

The news service distributes stories on groundbreaking scientific findings, consumer-oriented health news, and other subjects including social, cultural and economic trends.

The releases are distributed nationally and internationally in Spanish with English translation to more than 200 Hispanic-serving media, from flagship publications and wire services to the most remote community-based weeklies. In its five-month pilot phase from October 2005 through February 2006, this service resulted in more than 650 stories in publications and radio and television programs.

“The United States is home to the world’s third-largest Spanish speaking population, following Spain and all of Latin America,” U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said.” Latinos now are the largest and fastest-growing minority community, and more than half of adult Latinos prefer to get their news from Latino-serving media. Academic researchers develop information of critical importance to this community. It is imperative that we make it available and that we bring higher education to Hispanic homes around the country.”

Building on the University’s successful Spanish language Web site project, called Portal En Espa