Univision Announces New Radio Network

Spanish-language broadcast network Univision will change the line-ups of its two Miami AM radio stations.

Miami's WQBA-AM (1140) will become part of a new national AM radio network, Univision America, which will launch on the Fourth of July. The plan is for the new network to feature more national and international news and link stations in nine of Univision's major markets, which include Chicago, Houston, Dallas, McAllen, El Paso, San Antonio, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

WQBA and its sister station, WAQI-AM (710), known as Radio Mambí, will undergo lineup alterations that are still being worked out. Both stations have long provided a platform for local politicians to discuss current issues and air campaign ads.

According to the Miami Herald, both stations will continue to provide local content. Radio Mambi has long been the platform for Cuban exiles and will continue to do so. Radio Mambí will maintain its partnership with the Miami Marlins and WQBA with the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat.

Mambí remains the most popular AM radio station in the local market. The station was positioned as No. 14 among all local stations in April, according to Arbitron. WQBA placed 24th, outranked among AM stations only by the English-language WIOD-AM (610) and the Spanish-language WSUA-AM (1260), known as Radio Caracol, which caters to Colombians.

"As the leading Spanish-language radio network in the country, Univision Radio has served Hispanic audiences by bringing them best-in-class programming," Univision Radio President Jose Valle said in a statement. "Univison American reinforces our commitment to continue empowering the Hispanic community by offering listeners unparalleled access to local, national and international news and information."