Azteca America Expands With WGEN Miami

The Spanish-language Azteca America network on Monday signed an affiliation and sales agreement with full-power WGEN Miami (DMA 16) that takes effect on Dec. 1. WGEN will air Azteca programming on ch. 8 in the country’s third largest Hispanic DMA.

The station will carry Azteca America’s programming lineup, including entertainment, adventure series, sports programming, as well as the network’s popular primetime programming and Hechos news franchises.

WGEN’s two local newscasts, at 6 and 10 p.m., Monday-Friday, will be branded Hechos Miami 8. Journalist Ricardo Brown will continue hosting his weekly community affairs program Brown & Compañía at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

This new addition expands Azteca America’s network to 65 markets, 17 of which are operated by Azteca America.

“WGEN presents a perfect addition to our Azteca America station group, elevating the distribution of our network programming and the networks identity in the nation’s third largest Hispanic DMA,” said Manuel Abud, Azteca America president-CEO. “We look forward to delivering first-rate service and premium content to Hispanic audiences throughout Miami and South Florida.”

“WGEN has built tremendous equity in the community. The station’s local news along with community involvement and new local programs are assets that we are committed to developing and growing,” said Enrique Perez, EVP of Azteca America Station Group. “We look forward to expanding successful collaborations with the advertising and business partners that service the Miami market.”

“Azteca America’s proven programming model and its consistent growth solidifies the network as a significant player in the Hispanic media landscape,” said Carlos Marquez-Sterling, WGEN general manager. “We are excited to be the new Azteca America affiliate in Miami and together we will take WGEN to new heights, providing the best-in-class services, programming and marketing to our audience and partners.”