Univision Radio has been very secretive about its plans for Univision America, its new AM radio network. Requests for interviews with top brass have been denied, as well as prior information on the new programming or what would happen with staff at local stations.
In early June, shortly after Univision Radio announced the creation of the new national radio network, the entire on-air and production staff at WRTO, its Chicago station, was eliminated. Univision’s Miami stations also had talent and programming changes.
While the company has refrained from publicly talking about the implications of the new network, insiders say local programming will be eliminated as Univision Radio reduces its costs by creating a network filled with nationally syndicated programs.
Just ahead of its July 4 launch, Univision Radio unveiled the new programming lineup of Univision America, which includes radio stations in 9 markets across the country:
“Univision America News:” morning news program featuring local, national and international headline updates. Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (local time)
“Dra. Isabel:” two-hour program hosted by Dra. Isabel Gomez Bassols offering advice on relationships and self improvement. Monday – Friday, 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT
“Fernando Espuelas Show:” two-hour show hosted by Fernando Espuelas featuring debates and cultural insights on current events. Monday – Friday, 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT/11 a.m. PT
“Zona Política con Helen Aguirre:” host Helen Aguirre puts the day’s news into context and provides a forum for discussion and debate in a two-hour program. Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT/1 p.m. PT
“Locura Deportiva:” hosted by Rafael Hernández Brito, the one-hour sports program will feature commentary, interviews and the latest sports news. Monday – Friday, 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT/3 p.m. PT and Sunday, 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT/2 p.m. PT
“Sanísimo:” health-focused program featuring nutritionist and trainer José Fernandez. Monday – Friday, 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/4 p.m. PT
“El Colmillo:” one-hour program featuring interviews and discussions with a “light-hearted” approach to news, entertainment and life. Monday – Friday, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT
“El Garaje:” hosts Maxx Perez and Joe Torres help listeners identify small problems and simple maintenance issues that will keep their cars on the road. Saturday, 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT/6 a.m. PT
“Cuentas Claras:” host Fernando Almánzar discusses safe and secure financial recommendations. Saturday, 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT/7 a.m. PT
“Dra. Aliza:” Dr. Aliza Lifshitz provides a forum to discuss pressing health concerns affecting the Hispanic community. Saturday, 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT/8 a.m. PT
“Tu Dinero Con Julie Stav:” in her two-hour show, Julie Stav teaches basic and advanced financial principles to help Hispanics understand the value of financial planning. Saturday, 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT
“El Show de Alfonso Aguilar:” Alfonso Aguilar hosts this two-hour show focusing on political analysis and commentary. Saturday, 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT/11 a.m. PT
“El Handyman:” host Ino Gómez gives tips and advice on small, fix-up projects around the house, and the perfect tools for completing the job. Saturday, 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT/1 p.m. PT
Also launching on July 4, UnivisionAmerica.com, which will feature additional content, including profiles on Univision America’s on-air personalities, program recaps, and photos.
Univision America will be available on the following stations: 1140AM in Miami, 1200 AM in Chicago, 1010 AM in Houston, 1270 AM in Dallas, 1350 AM in San Antonio, 1530 AM in McAllen, Texas, 750 AM in El Paso, 870 AM in Las Vegas and 1020 AM in Los Angeles.
This is essentially the same on-air lineup as Radio Cadena Univision, which has been running on the same stations for a few years. Sounds more like a re-branding than anything new.