Those scripted shows took center stage in Univision's spirited pitch to advertisers as part of the annual "upfront" presentations, when broadcasters sell up to 80 percent of next season's commercial time in advance. Nearly $9 billion in prime-time advertising is expected to be sold this year.

Lopez was on hand to discuss the five-part miniseries "Como Ama una Mujer," which she created and will executive produce. She said that the mini, which is based on her new Spanish-language CD, is inspired by real events and will track a woman's love and happiness in the light of Hollywood.

Lopez said that when she had the idea for the miniseries she knew Univision was the place to go -- and she successfully pitched it. The mini will debut in a 10 p.m. slot at an unspecified date during the new season.

Lopez's project was one of several spotlighted on Wednesday by Univision during its upfront, which also was attended by Lopez's husband, Marc Anthony (who closed the show with a performance); several Univision stars; and "Team Univision," a contingent of viewers who won the privilege to be onstage by virtue of creating videos expressing the role Univision plays in their lives.

Among the primetime novellas being rolled out by Univision for the new season are "Pasion," a love story set in the era of ocean-going pirates; "Muchachitas Como Tu," about the challenges teenage girls find growing up; "Amar sin Limites," a story that poses questions about what people will do for love; and "Yo Amo a Juan Querendon," about a kindhearted man who isn't rich or handsome but is a Don Juan just the same.

Univision president and COO Ray Rodriguez added a few more details about another big project with high expectations: the Spanish-language version of "Desperate Housewives," called "Amas de Casa Desesperadas," being produced by Disney-ABC International Television Latin America and Univision. It will be made in Argentina, Rodriguez said, and aims to appeal to Hispanic Americans. Casting is under way.

In the fall, Univision also will launch a Sunday-morning public affairs show, "Al Punto," which will be hosted by "Noticiero Univision" co-anchor Jorge Ramos and feature the week's top stories and interviews with newsmakers.