Rumors that MundoMax, formerly MundoFox, will be moving to Miami are being quashed by network President Ibra Morales.
“Although it is company policy to not comment on rumors and speculation, I can tell you that there are no plans at this time to relocate the network from Los Angeles,” he told Media Moves in an email statement.
According to Morales, MundoMax will continue to operate from the Sepulveda Blvd. Fox property in Los Angeles, despite its break-up with joint venture partner Fox International Channels.
Despite the affirmation, insiders say it’s a matter of time before the network eventually vacates the building.
When RCN Televisión’s took over full ownership of MundoFox on July 16, it was anticipated that there would be changes.
Two weeks later, RCN cancelled the national newscast and laid off about 35 news staffers. It also dropped the “Fox” from its name, rebranding the network MundoMax.
The changes came as a surprise to the network affiliates, which had not been given any prior warning. Two different sources told Media Moves the stations were very upset at the cancellation of the national newscast.
Rumors abound that MundoMax will switch affiliations in some markets.
When asked about this, Morales’ response seemed to indicate there may be some changes: “Our distribution will remain the same at this time and Los Angeles continues to be an important part of the network’s footprint. As it’s customary, some affiliation agreements are coming to an end and those will be addressed in the process of renewal.”
Another source suggests that the future of MundoMax lies beyond affiliate agreements, but rather in the outcome of the FCC’s 2016 broadcast TV spectrum auction, which will allow eligible full power and Class A TV stations to sell their spectrum usage rights.
If MundoMax affiliates relinquish their spectrum, the new network will be facing serious distribution challenges.
It just proves how hard it is to program Spanish language television and media in the US. It just can’t be in Spanish and the of mediocre content. Distribution is important and always will be, but content is king!
Rumor has it that either Mundomax or Fox Deportes are moving to the Miami building formerly occupied by Telefutura (and currently Univision Deportes). In fact, apparently Deportes is leaving there in October. Leaving that building empty……..
Between half lies, rumors and speculation lies the truth.