Radio Unica Continues its Strategy to Acquire Stations in Top Hispanic Markets
MIAMI, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Radio Unica Communications Corp.
(Nasdaq: UNCA), the first and only national, 24-hour Spanish language radio
network in the U.S., announced that it has entered into an definitive
agreement to acquire KFRE-AM 940 in Fresno from radio and television station
owner Harry J. Pappas. The station's AM signal is one of the strongest in
Fresno and the Central Valley region. Radio Unica's acquisition of KFRE-AM
940 is subject to FCC approval and is expected to close in approximately 90
days. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Pending FCC approval of
the acquisition, the station will broadcast Radio Unica programming pursuant
to a time brokerage agreement effective January 1, 2000.
"Consistent with the strategy discussed during our IPO road show, Radio
Unica has and will continue to seek opportunities to strategically position
itself in the top 15 to 20 U.S. Hispanic markets. The Fresno acquisition
strengthens our position in the California Central Valley region while
providing us with the best available AM signal in this important Hispanic
market," said Joaquin F. Blaya, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Radio
Unica Communications Corp.
"We are proud to hand over stewardship of this heritage radio station to
Radio Unica," said Harry J. Pappas. "We believe Radio Unica's commitment to
inform and serve the Hispanic residents of this Country is unmatched by
others. It is only fitting that Radio Unica's unique programming 'find its
voice' on one of the most powerful stations in Central California," he stated.
Radio Unica 940 AM Fresno, the new name of the station, will continue to
provide Hispanics in Fresno the network's complete star-based programming
schedule around the clock. KFRE's most popular shows like "The Radio
Detective" and "Art Bell", and most weekend programs, will migrate to
KMPH NewsRadio 107.5 FM.
Radio Unica's operated group broadcasts in markets where 80 percent of the
total U.S. Hispanic population reside. Home to approximately 680,000
Hispanics, Fresno ranks as the 11th largest U.S. Hispanic market and
represents 2.2 percent of the U.S. Hispanic population. Radio Unica's
affiliate KGST - AM 1600 in Fresno previously broadcast Radio Unica's
programming.
Radio Unica's star-based lineup includes contemporary-themed talk
programming hosted by internationally known personalities such as Pedro
Sevcec, Cristina, Dr. Isabel, Maria Elena Salinas and, Raul and Fulvia
Peimbert. Radio Unica also features "Unica en Deportes" (First in Sports)
hosted by sports anchor Jorge Ramos and other top names in sports
broadcasting. Newscasts are given four times an hour, 24 hours a day. Unique
to Radio Unica's format is listeners' ability to interactively participate
live, via its toll-free phone number -- 800-522-1235.
Radio Unica recently completed its initial public offering of 6,840,000
shares of common stock at $16.00 per share -- raising total gross proceeds of
approximately $109 million. The Company has approximately 20,897,000 common
shares outstanding.
Radio Unica Communications Corp. is the only national Spanish language
radio network in the country and reaches approximately 80 percent of Hispanic
USA through a group of owned and/or operated stations and affiliates
nationwide. The Company's operations include the Radio Unica Network and an
owned and/or operated station group covering the top U.S. Hispanic markets
including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, San
Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix, Denver and Fresno. Radio Unica owns the exclusive
U.S. Spanish-language radio broadcast rights to the 2000 and 2004 Summer
Olympics; Copa Oro 2000 and 2002; Copa America 2001; the World Cup 2002
qualifying matches; the World Cup Championship of Club Teams through 2002; and
the 2000 NBA Finals and the 2000 NBA All-Star Game.
This press release contains forward-looking information based upon the
Company's current best judgment and expectations. Actual results could vary
from those presented herein. The risks and uncertainties associated with the
forward-looking information include economic factors, the success of
programming and sales strategies and other business factors. For further
information, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
For more information on Radio Unica, via fax at no charge, please dial
1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the company code UNCA, or visit our web sites at
http://www.radiounica.com and http://www.frbinc.com .
SOURCE Radio Unica Communications Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.radiounica.com
CONTACT:
Marilyn Fajardo, 305-463-5140 or
marilyn.fajardo@radiounica.com, or Eileen Perez, 305-463-5141 or
eileen.perez@radiounica.com, both of Radio Unica Communications
Corp.; or Media, Paul Del Colle, Analysts, Elizabeth Eakeley, or
General, Paula Schwartz, all of The Financial Relations Board,
212-661-8030, for Radio Unica Communications
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