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WKAQ-TV (channel 2) is a television station in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as the U.S. territory's dual Telemundo and NBC outlet. It is owned and operated by the Telemundo Station Group subsidiary of NBCUniversal. WKAQ-TV's studios are located on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue in San Juan near Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and its transmitter is located on Cerro la Santa in Cayey near the Carite State Forest.

Key Information

WTIN-TV (channel 2.11) in Ponce and WNJX-TV (channel 2.12) in Mayagüez, branded on-air as Telemundo West, operate as full-time satellites of WKAQ-TV, which rebroadcast the station's programming to the southern and western regions of Puerto Rico under an affiliation agreement with Hemisphere Media Group (owner of parent station WAPA-TV, channel 4). WKAQ-TV formerly operated WOLE-TV (channel 12) in Aguadilla and WORA-TV (channel 5) in Mayagüez as satellite stations. WKAQ-TV also has three low-power translator facilities: W09AT-D in Fajardo, W28EH-D in Adjuntas and W28EQ-D in Utuado. WKAQ-TV also simulcasts the signal of New York City sister station WNBC with the branding of NBC Puerto Rico.

History

[edit]

WKAQ-TV, the first television station in Puerto Rico, was founded by Ángel Ramos on March 28, 1954.[2] Ramos was also the owner of the newspaper El Mundo and Puerto Rico's first licensed radio station, WKAQ (580 AM).[3] Initially affiliated with CBS until 1967, WKAQ-TV battled fiercely with WAPA-TV to become the highest-rated station in Puerto Rico.[4] During the 1970s and 1980s, WKAQ-TV was a major producer of Puerto Rican Spanish soap operas and was known for its "fingers" logo. Since its spin-off in 1987, the station has branded itself as "Telemundo Puerto Rico", becoming one of Telemundo's flagship stations. Despite criticism that the station traded locally produced programming for foreign Spanish programming, it aired the first Puerto Rican written and produced telenovela in 15 years in 2006. In 2005, WKAQ-TV became a superstation when NBC Universal reformatted Telemundo Internacional into Telemundo Puerto Rico. WKAQ-TV began airing its programming in high definition on April 23, 2009. The station entered into an agreement with Hemisphere Media Group to broadcast Telemundo Puerto Rico's programming on WAPA-TV on June 28, 2019.[5]

Problems and possible Telemundo integration

[edit]

Since the beginning of the Telemundo network, WKAQ had been operated semi-independently from the network since its inception. This allowed the station to focus on local programming, with network programming used as filler. However, declining ratings and local cancellations have led to rumors that WKAQ may become a standard Telemundo station, dropping all local programming except for Telenoticias. WKAQ's ratings declined significantly in the early 2000s due to the entrance of Univision into the Puerto Rican market. Since then, many local shows produced by WKAQ have been canceled, and the station has laid off staff. WKAQ now has very few non-news local programming remaining. Recently, the station has become the leading station on the island in terms of viewership against WLII and WAPA, with its telenovela block dominating in the 7 to 10 p.m. time period. Additionally, since January 2009, WKAQ has aired Lost on weeknights at 10 p.m. leading that time slot. Día a Día has seen an increase in viewership in its 11 a.m. time slot, and a local teen drama Zona Y has been successful in the teen market in Puerto Rico. WKAQ regained the rights to the local Miss Universe pageant and began airing a new gossip show called Dando Candela in January 2010.[6] The program helped WKAQ compete with WAPA-TV's gossip show SuperXclusivo but was canceled in March 2020 due to production issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

Return to local programming

[edit]

After years of struggling to compete with rival WAPA and the possibility of undergoing a full integration with the mainland feed of Telemundo, WKAQ-TV has managed to return to producing local programming. As of March 2021, WKAQ-TV produces 10+1⁄2 hours of local programming on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; while on Tuesdays, the station produces 12+1⁄2 hours of local programming. Some of the current shows include Hoy Día Puerto Rico, Día a Día, Raymond y Sus Amigos and local newscasts Telenoticias which expanded to two hours in January 2020 and positioned itself as the leading newscast in Puerto Rico beating WAPA's NotiCentro in the same timeslot.[8]

Further information: Operación Chef

News operation

[edit]
Main article: Telenoticias Puerto Rico

WKAQ-TV has been producing local news shows under the brand name Telenoticias since 1954. The first edition of Telenoticias was created by Evelio Otero, who proposed the name to Ángel Ramos and was approved immediately. In the 1960s, a renewed edition of Telenoticias began with different anchors.

For more than twenty years, Telenoticias had only two editions: an early evening newscast at 5 p.m. and a late evening newscast at 11 p.m. In 2002, a weekend edition was introduced, which aired at 5 and 11 p.m. like its weekday counterparts. In 2003, the station launched a weekday morning newscast called Telemundo por la Mañana with Charito Fraticelli, Silverio Pérez, Lourdes Collazo, Miguel Ramos, and panel experts.

Telenoticias used "Telemundo 1992 News Theme" in the 1990s as the main theme music for its newscasts. This was replaced later by "Telemundo News Theme". In 2005, the newscasts began to use the production theme "Raw Power" from Network Music.

In 2006, the station laid off 60 to 80 staffers, including some Telenoticias anchors and reporters, as part of the "NBC Universal 2.0" restructuring. As a result, the morning, midday, and weekend editions of Telenoticias were canceled. However, on January 8, 2007, Telenoticias debuted a new set, new graphics, and new music.

In 2011, NBC Universal announced that it would relaunch the 11 a.m. and weekend evening editions of Telenoticias in early 2012, as a condition by the FCC to approve the sale of a controlling stake in the company to Philadelphia-based cable provider and telecommunications company Comcast, requiring NBC Universal's NBC and Telemundo owned-and-operated stations to increase the amount of locally produced programming. In 2014, WKAQ-TV brought back the weekend newscast, which premiered on May 31 under the name Telenoticias Fin de semana.[9]

Primera Pregunta con Rafael Lenín Lopez

[edit]

On January 31, 2023, WKAQ-TV announced that the station would be shortening the 5 p.m. edition of Telenoticias from one hour to a half-hour to accommodate their new show Primera Pregunta con Rafael Lenín Lopez (First Question with Rafael Lenín Lopez). Hosted by Rafael Lenín Lopez, the show features political analysis, special interviews, and discussions of topics relevant to Puerto Ricans' daily lives. Special contributors to the show include PNP Senator Thomas Rivera Schatz, former Puerto Rican governor Alejandro García Padilla, Carlos Díaz Olivo, Luis Pabón Roca, and Anabelle Torres Colberg. Although produced by WKAQ's news department, the new show is considered a separate program from Telenoticias and airs from 5:30 p.m. onwards. The show aims to bring fresh perspectives and insightful discussions to viewers, and it is expected to be a welcome addition to WKAQ's news programming lineup.[10][11][12]

Hoy Día Puerto Rico

[edit]
Main article: Hoy Día

In December 2020, WKAQ announced that it would be relaunching its morning news operation with the launching of a new morning program set to debut in February 2021.[13] The morning show, named Hoy Día Puerto Rico, would have a magazine-style format and air from 8 to 10 a.m. on weekdays. Ivonne Orsini and Ramón "Gato" Sylvia Gómez, who previously worked with rival station WAPA, were announced as the hosts on January 5, 2021, while former Senator Zoe Laboy joined the show for a political analysis segment. Grenda Rivera and Elizabeth Robaina were also announced to host a news segment and a weather/traffic segment, respectively.[14]

The first broadcast of Hoy Día Puerto Rico was on February 15, 2021, live from the Sandra Zaiter Studio at WKAQ-TV. It featured a special interview with Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi and the introduction of special contributors Desiree Lowry and Suzette Baco. On February 3, 2023, Ramón "Gato" Gómez announced he would be leaving the show to cover the 2023 Baloncesto Superior Nacional basketball tournament as an analyst. Radio personality Jacky Fontánez was then announced as the show's new co-host.[15][16]

On January 8, 2024, two new talents joined the show as hosts. Carlos McConnie and Jasond Calderón (who is also a cast member on the station's comedy show Raymond y sus Amigos) would now join Orsini, Fontánez and Noa as hosts of the show moving forward. The show also announced it would expand its run time later in the year adding a new hour of the show from 10 a.m. to 11 am. The extra hour hour will be called Hoy Día Puerto Rico: 10 a.m. and it will have a different set of hosts from the original 8-10 a.m. version of the show.[17][18][19][20][21]

Notable current on-air staff

[edit]

Notable former on-air staff

[edit]

Technical information

[edit]

Subchannels

[edit]

The station's signal is multiplexed:

Subchannels of WKAQ-TV[22]
Channel Res. Aspect Short name Programming
2.1 1080i 16:9 WKAQ-DT Telemundo
2.2 720p WKAQ .2 Punto 2 (Independent)
2.3 NBC PR NBC (WNBC)[23][24]
2.4 480i NBC American Crimes
  Simulcast of subchannels of another station

Analog-to-digital conversion

[edit]

WKAQ-TV shut down its VHF analog signal on June 12, 2009, the official date on which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. The station's digital signal remained on its pre-transition UHF channel 28,[25] using virtual channel 2.

Translators

[edit]

WKAQ-TV can be seen across Puerto Rico on the following stations:

City of license Callsign Channel
Adjuntas W28EH-D 28.1
Fajardo W09AT-D 9.1
Mayagüez WNJX-TV 2.12
Ponce WTIN-TV 2.11
Utuado W28EQ-D 28.1

Liberty–NBCU carriage dispute

[edit]

On April 4, 2019, at 6 pm, NBCUniversal became involved in a retransmission consent dispute with Liberty, resulting in the removal of WKAQ-TV and NBCUniversal's cable networks from Liberty's Puerto Rico channel lineup. WKAQ and the NBCU cable networks were restored on April 7, after the two sides reached a new agreement.[26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

WKAQ-TV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

WKAQ-TV, 2 (UHF digital channel 28), is a Spanish-language television station licensed to , serving as an of the network.
Founded on March 28, 1954, by Ángel Ramos, owner of the El Mundo newspaper and WKAQ radio, it became the first television station in , introducing regular programming ahead of competitors like .
The station is owned by the NBCUniversal Stations Group, a subsidiary of , and also carries select network programming as a secondary affiliate, reflecting its dual role in providing national content to the U.S. territory.
Over its seven decades, WKAQ-TV has been central to 's broadcast landscape, pioneering local Spanish-language television and maintaining a focus on news, entertainment, and cultural programming tailored to the island's audience.

History

Establishment and early development (1954–1970s)

WKAQ-TV, channel 2, signed on the air on March 28, , as the first television station in . The station was established by Ángel Ramos, a Puerto Rican industrialist who had previously founded the El Mundo newspaper and acquired WKAQ radio, the island's pioneering radio outlet launched in 1922. Ramos initiated test transmissions on January 28, , before commencing official broadcasts, marking the debut of Spanish-language television programming in the U.S. territory. From its inception, WKAQ-TV introduced regular programming focused on local news, entertainment, and cultural content tailored to Puerto Rican audiences, rapidly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the island's emerging broadcast media landscape. The station operated from studios in San Juan, leveraging Ramos's media conglomerate to produce original content, including early newscasts that became the first locally produced television programs in Puerto Rico. By the late 1950s, infrastructure expansions such as antenna installations supported broader signal reach across the island. Ángel Ramos's death on September 1, 1960, from a heart attack prompted a transition in leadership, with his wife, Argentina S. Hills, assuming control of the El Mundo enterprises, including WKAQ-TV. Under continued family oversight through the 1960s and 1970s, the station invested in technical facilities, such as engineering rooms, to sustain operations amid growing competition from newer outlets like WAPA-TV. This period solidified WKAQ-TV's role in local broadcasting, emphasizing Spanish-language production that reflected Puerto Rican identity without reliance on mainland U.S. network feeds.

Network affiliations and ownership transitions (1980s–2000s)

In 1983, WKAQ-TV was sold by the estate of founder Ángel Ramos to John Blair & Co., marking the end of family control over the station after nearly three decades. This acquisition positioned WKAQ-TV within Blair's portfolio of broadcast properties, though the station maintained its local programming focus and affiliation with Spanish-language content originating from its historical branding. In 1986, Reliance Group Holdings acquired John Blair & Co., thereby gaining ownership of WKAQ-TV and integrating it into the newly formed NetSpan network, a Spanish-language broadcast service launched in 1984 to compete with . NetSpan adopted the "Telemundo" name in 1987, drawing from WKAQ-TV's longstanding on-air branding as "Telemundo Puerto Rico," which had been used locally since the station's early years to emphasize its Spanish-language identity. This transition solidified WKAQ-TV's role as the flagship (O&O) for the national network, expanding its reach beyond through syndicated programming while retaining primary affiliation with Telemundo's feed. Telemundo, including WKAQ-TV, faced financial pressures in the early 1990s amid competition from , but no immediate ownership changes occurred until 1997, when and Entertainment acquired a from Reliance for approximately $539 million. Under this structure, WKAQ-TV continued as a core O&O, with affiliations unchanged and emphasis on national telenovelas and news programming distributed via the network. In October 2001, agreed to purchase Communications Group, including WKAQ-TV, for $1.98 billion in cash plus the assumption of $700 million in debt, a deal completed in after regulatory approval. This marked the first acquisition of a major Spanish-language network by an English-language broadcaster, enabling synergies in content distribution but preserving WKAQ-TV's exclusive affiliation during the , without immediate shifts to dual-network operations.

Programming challenges and Telemundo integration (2010s)

In the early 2010s, WKAQ-TV encountered significant programming challenges stemming from Puerto Rico's broader economic downturn, including rising debt and austerity measures that strained local media operations. By 2012, the station grappled with financial difficulties that prompted a notable reduction in locally produced content, shifting emphasis toward cost-efficient national feeds to sustain operations. This period coincided with heightened integration of Telemundo's national programming slate, as —owner since 2002—prioritized network-wide synergies to bolster the Spanish-language outlet amid competitive pressures from and emerging digital platforms. WKAQ-TV, as Telemundo's flagship , increasingly relied on imported telenovelas, reality formats, and centralized news production from , which filled prime-time slots previously occupied by homegrown variety and talk shows. Local critiques highlighted this trade-off, arguing that "enlatados" (pre-packaged network content) displaced culturally resonant Puerto Rican productions, potentially eroding viewer loyalty in a market favoring island-specific narratives. Despite these hurdles, the station maintained its dual affiliation structure, carrying select programming alongside 's core offerings, though the latter dominated airtime to align with NBCUniversal's growth strategy for Hispanic audiences. Efforts to adapt included enhanced digital distribution via the reformatted Puerto Rico cable superstation feed, extending reach beyond over-the-air signals. By mid-decade, economic recovery lags and viewer fragmentation further pressured local output, with non-news programming dwindling to focus on news and public affairs amid network-mandated efficiencies.

Recent developments and local programming resurgence (2020s)

In December 2020, WKAQ-TV announced the introduction of Puerto Rico, a new local morning program airing weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., marking an effort to restore original content production after prior reductions tied to network integration. The show debuted in February 2021, featuring a mix of , , lifestyle segments, and audience interaction hosted initially by figures like Ivonne Orsini and Ramón "Gato" Gómez, broadcast from the station's Sandra Zaiter Studio. Subsequent expansions included operational upgrades to support expanded local output, such as the installation of a Digital 6000 system in July 2020 across eight studios, enhancing production quality for and . In October 2021, WKAQ-TV formed a collaboration with Telemundo's WTMO in Orlando, enabling shared resources for stories affecting Puerto Rican communities while prioritizing local reporting. To build capacity, broadened its Local Academy in December 2021, offering advanced training to bilingual students to address shortages in experienced local personnel and foster original content creation. By 2024, this translated into substantial local production for high-profile events, including over 300 hours of custom Olympics coverage integrating island-specific athlete profiles and reactions. The station also ramped up dedicated reporting for the 2024 U.S. presidential and Puerto Rican elections, emphasizing on-the-ground analysis amid political volatility. These initiatives have solidified a with recurring local blocks like Telenoticias newscasts, Alexandra a las 12, and public affairs segments, reflecting a strategic pivot toward retention through culturally resonant, -focused programming amid from national feeds.

Ownership and operations

Corporate ownership and management

WKAQ-TV is owned by Telemundo of Puerto Rico LLC, a within the division of , which in turn is a of Corporation. The station's acquisition by traces to the company's purchase of Communications Group in 2001, integrating WKAQ-TV into its owned-and-operated network of Spanish-language outlets. This structure positions WKAQ-TV under centralized corporate oversight from 's Enterprises, headquartered in Miami, Florida, with strategic decisions influenced by 's broader media portfolio. Management of WKAQ-TV falls under the leadership of , with Migdalia Figueroa serving as president and since January 2024, overseeing operations, programming, and local content production for the San Juan-licensed station. Figueroa reports to the president, a role held by José Cancela as of 2024, who manages the group's 18 owned stations nationwide, including strategic alignment with national feeds. Prior to her appointment, Cancela had led WKAQ-TV as president and for nearly 12 years, focusing on digital expansion and post-hurricane recovery efforts following in 2017. This executive continuity ensures operational integration with 's resources while addressing -specific regulatory and market demands under the .

Studios, facilities, and operational reach

WKAQ-TV's main studios are situated at 383 Avenue in the neighborhood of , ZIP code 00919. The facility relocated to this site on April 1, 1968, from its original Puerta de Tierra location and includes multiple production spaces, such as the longstanding Studio 2, which has remained in use since its establishment that year. Overall, the complex encompasses eight television studios equipped for live and taped programming, along with outdoor production areas supporting wireless audio systems upgraded in 2020 for enhanced coverage throughout the building. The station's transmitter site enables island-wide signal distribution, with licensed digital operations on RF channel 28 ( 2) delivering an of 924 kW at an antenna of 826 meters. This configuration provides over-the-air coverage to the bulk of Puerto Rico's metropolitan areas and population centers, serving as the territory's flagship outlet for programming while accommodating content via affiliation agreements. The operational footprint relies on this elevated transmission setup rather than local translators or satellites, ensuring primary reach across San Juan and surrounding regions through direct broadcast and cable carriage.

Programming and content

Network affiliations and national feeds


WKAQ-TV serves as the for the network in , broadcasting its national programming feed integrated with local insertions. Launched on March 28, 1954, as the island's first , WKAQ-TV originated the brand and has maintained its primary affiliation with the network since inception. Initially, the station carried programming from until 1967, after which it focused on and independent content. The station also affiliates with NBC, carrying the network's national feed on digital subchannel 2.3, branded as NBC Puerto Rico, providing English-language programming to local viewers. This dual affiliation reflects 's ownership structure, with and under the same corporate umbrella since the 2002 acquisition. In 2005, WKAQ-TV's signal expanded beyond its over-the-air footprint when repurposed the cable channel into Telemundo Puerto Rico, a feed simulcasting the station's programming for national distribution to U.S. cable and satellite providers targeting audiences. This national feed primarily features WKAQ-TV's local news, public affairs, and select network content, enhancing accessibility for Puerto Rican diaspora communities.

Local and syndicated programming

WKAQ-TV produces a limited slate of local programming, focusing on lifestyle, variety, and entertainment formats tailored to Puerto Rican audiences. Key offerings include Hoy Día Puerto Rico, a weekday morning show airing at 8:00 a.m. that covers health topics, entertainment news, technology updates, and lifestyle segments to inform and engage viewers. The program emphasizes practical advice and local relevance, distinguishing it from national Telemundo feeds. Alexandra a las 12, a daily midday variety program hosted by Alexandra Fuentes, runs for 90 minutes and features humor, celebrity interviews, audience interaction, and discussions on current events. It airs live weekdays around noon, blending light-hearted segments with timely commentary to attract a broad daytime viewership. Additional local content includes Día a Día, a and talk format, and Gana, a highlighting contestant challenges and prizes. In entertainment, WKAQ-TV airs Objetivo Fama, a revived talent that debuted its 2025 season with live Saturday galas starting in July, featuring aspiring performers competing for advancement through audience and judge votes. The October 25, 2025, gala announced finalists including Dionicio, Yancy, Sheila, and Cristian, underscoring its role in nurturing local musical talent. Children's programming features Raymond y Sus Amigos, a family-oriented series with educational and fun elements. Syndicated programming supplements the schedule with imported Latin American content not always available on the U.S. network, including telenovelas like El Señor de los Cielos and , an investigative series on real-life cases. Afternoon slots often include lifestyle imports such as Latin Doctors and cultural shows like Borinqueando, which highlight Puerto Rican heritage through music and stories. These selections fill gaps in local production, providing diverse viewing options while prioritizing Spanish-language appeal.

News and public affairs

Flagship newscasts and formats

Telenoticias constitutes the primary local newscast produced by WKAQ-TV, delivering Spanish-language coverage of news, weather, and sports tailored to Puerto Rico's audience. The program emphasizes regional reporting on island-specific events, including politics, crime, and natural disasters, distinguishing it from national feeds. WKAQ-TV airs Telenoticias in multiple daily editions to address varying viewer needs, such as morning updates and prime-time summaries, though exact durations fluctuate based on breaking developments. The format employs a conventional structure with studio anchors delivering headlines, supplemented by field correspondents for live reports and on-location investigations. Unlike some competitors, Telenoticias integrates community-focused segments, reflecting WKAQ-TV's historical role as Puerto Rico's pioneering since 1954. This approach prioritizes empirical local data over , with and traffic components adapted to the territory's and infrastructure challenges.

Key public affairs programs

Rayos X is an investigative public affairs program produced by WKAQ-TV, delving into matters of such as operations, social challenges, and accountability issues in . The series features in-depth reporting on topics including inefficiencies and community impacts from policy decisions, airing segments that highlight empirical evidence from official records and on-the-ground verification. Alexandra a las 12, a weekly show, convenes experts including attorneys Pabón Roca and Carlos Díaz Olivo to dissect political and societal developments with a stated commitment to diverse viewpoints presented respectfully. Debuting on July 20, 2024, it broadcasts Saturdays at 6:00 p.m., covering themes like electoral strategies and debates grounded in discussions rather than unsubstantiated narratives. The station's local iteration of Enfoque serves as a Sunday public affairs staple, offering panels and interviews on , governance, and community concerns to fulfill local content mandates while prioritizing fact-based discourse over partisan framing. This format, common across affiliates, emphasizes verifiable data in addressing Puerto Rico-specific issues like economic reforms and efficacy. Primera Pregunta facilitates targeted dialogues on pressing matters, such as urban governance and island-wide priorities, drawing from stakeholder inputs to inform viewers on causal factors behind policy outcomes. Integrated into WKAQ-TV's lineup, it promotes transparency by questioning officials directly on measurable impacts.

On-air staff and personnel changes

In late 2020, WKAQ-TV announced the relaunch of its morning news programming, leading to the hiring of Ivonne Orsini and Ángel "Gatto" de Jesús as co-hosts for the new and news program Hoy Día Puerto Rico, which debuted on February 15, 2021, from the station's Sandra Zaiter Studio. On August 30, 2021, Walter Soto León, an attorney with over 30 years in radio and television and multiple Emmy Award winner, joined as co-anchor of the 4 p.m. edition of Telenoticias. In July 2025, incorporated José "Nino" Correa as a new collaborator to Telenoticias, expanding the reporting team with his expertise in local coverage. On December 13, 2024, the station welcomed Julio Rivera Saniel, a Puerto Rican with more than 20 years of experience and an Emmy-winning on-air personality from radio, as co-anchor of the 4 p.m. newscast, emphasizing the network's commitment to journalistic excellence in his recruitment from rival .

Technical specifications

Digital transition and broadcasting standards

WKAQ-TV operated its analog broadcasts on VHF channel 2 from its in 1954 until the mandated digital transition. As part of the ' nationwide shift to , the station activated its full-power digital signal on UHF channel 28 prior to the deadline, conducting tests and gradual implementation in line with requirements. On June 12, 2009, WKAQ-TV terminated its analog transmissions, aligning with the federal cutoff date for full-power stations across U.S. territories including , and retained its digital operations on physical channel 28 while mapping to 2 for viewer continuity. This transition preserved the station's channel 2 branding in digital receivers, facilitating seamless access for audiences equipped with ATSC tuners or converter boxes. No temporary analog nightlight service was reported for WKAQ-TV during the post-transition period. Post-transition, WKAQ-TV adheres to the ATSC A/53 standard for terrestrial , enabling high-definition programming, multiple subchannels, and improved signal efficiency over analog . The station's UHF allocation on channel 28 supports robust coverage across , with power levels and modulation compliant with FCC technical parameters for 8-VSB transmission. As of 2025, it continues under ATSC 1.0 without reported adoption of , though regional infrastructure in includes upgrade-capable equipment.

Subchannels, translators, and signal coverage

WKAQ-TV operates on 2 (RF channel 28) and multiplexes four digital subchannels. The primary channel, 2.1, carries network programming. Subchannel 2.2, branded as Punto 2, airs Spanish-language independent content, including local lifestyle and entertainment shows. Subchannel 2.3 simulcasts programming as NBC Puerto Rico, providing network feeds tailored for the region. A fourth subchannel, 2.4, is allocated for but was not fully active as of recent technical listings.
VirtualRFResolutionAspect RatioProgramming
2.128.31080i16:9Telemundo
2.228.4720p16:9Punto 2 (independent)
2.328.5720p16:9NBC Puerto Rico
2.428.6N/AN/ANBC True Crime (planned)
To extend reach beyond its primary signal, WKAQ-TV relies on low-power translators: W09AT-D (channel 25) in Fajardo for eastern coverage, W28EH-D (channel 28) in Adjuntas for central-southern areas, and W28EQ-D (channel 28) in Utuado for interior mountainous regions. Additionally, since June 2019, Telemundo programming from WKAQ-TV has been simulcast on subchannels of WTIN-TV (2.11 in Ponce) and WNJX-TV (2.12 in Mayagüez), functioning as semi-satellites under a time-brokerage arrangement with owner Televicentro of Puerto Rico, LLC, to serve southern and western Puerto Rico. These extend the network's footprint without full ownership. The station's primary signal transmits from a tower on Cerro near San Juan with an of 925 kW horizontal (312 kW vertical) at approximately 1,027 feet above ground level, yielding a 74-mile noise-limited contour covering about 17,208 square miles and an estimated population of 3.69 million—encompassing most of northern, eastern, and central . Combined with translators and simulcasts, WKAQ-TV achieves near-islandwide coverage, though terrain in the Cordillera Central can cause reception challenges in remote valleys without supplemental facilities.

Disputes and external relations

Carriage disputes with providers

In April 2019, , the parent company of WKAQ-TV, entered a retransmission consent dispute with , the territory's largest cable provider serving over 900,000 subscribers. The disagreement centered on carriage fees for local and national NBCUniversal channels, leading to a blackout of WKAQ-TV, NBC Universo, and other Telemundo-affiliated networks starting at 6:00 p.m. AST on April 4, 2019. Liberty had allowed its prior agreement with NBCUniversal to expire without renewal, prompting the removal despite ongoing negotiations. The outage disrupted access to WKAQ-TV's local programming, including newscasts and network content, for customers across , affecting a significant portion of the island's television households. urged viewers to contact to demand restoration, highlighting the provider's failure to compensate for the value of the content amid rising retransmission fees industry-wide. , in turn, claimed the demands were excessive and encouraged subscribers to consider alternatives like over-the-air antennas or competing services. The dispute concluded after four days when and reached a multiyear agreement on April 7, 2019, restoring WKAQ-TV and affiliated channels by early April 8. Terms were not publicly disclosed, but the deal aligned with broader efforts to secure higher fees reflecting audience demand for Spanish-language and local content in . No subsequent disputes involving WKAQ-TV and major providers have been reported as of 2025.

Regulatory and competitive interactions

In 2002, the approved the transfer of control of WKAQ-TV from Communications Group Holdings to the (NBC) as part of NBC's acquisition of amid the latter's proceedings, allowing NBC to assume ownership of the station on April 11. This transaction complied with FCC local ownership rules applicable to the San Juan Designated Market Area, where WKAQ-TV operates as a standalone full-power station without prohibited combinations. The station has faced FCC enforcement scrutiny, including a 2001 complaint alleging the broadcast of indecent material during the Spanish-language program No Te Duermas, prompting the Commission to issue a examining the content under its indecency standards. Such regulatory interactions reflect broader FCC oversight of broadcast content, though the specific resolution for WKAQ-TV involved standard complaint processing without further publicized penalties in available records. Competitively, WKAQ-TV, as Telemundo's owned-and-operated outlet in Puerto Rico, contends for viewership in a concentrated market against established local broadcasters, notably , which has positioned itself as the island's leading station by ratings. This rivalry influences programming strategies, such as WKAQ's development of shows aimed at countering WAPA's popular formats, amid constraints from FCC rules limiting cross-ownership to foster market diversity.

References

  1. https://www.telemundopr.com/
  2. https://publicfiles.fcc.gov/tv-profile/wkaq-tv
  3. https://en.enciclopediapr.org/content/brief-history-television-puerto-rico/
  4. https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/broadcast-journalisms-roots-puerto-rico
  5. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=64983
  6. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-history/2024/04/03/spanish-language-television-turns-70-in-puerto-rico/
  7. https://www.si.edu/object/archives/components/sova-nmah-ac-1404-ref617
  8. https://www.nps.gov/articles/latinothemestudymedia.htm
  9. https://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/elmundo/background.html
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/03/archives/angel-ramos-58-publisher-dead-owner-of-mundo-in-san-juan-urged.html
  11. https://oxfordre.com/communication/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228613-e-1273
  12. https://www.videoageinternational.net/2020/11/29/hall-of-fame/joe-wallach-political-intrigue-did-not-undermine-his-tv-challenges/
  13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-25-fi-57394-story.html
  14. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/12/business/nbc-is-paying-1.98-billion-for-telemundo.html
  15. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-oct-12-fi-56173-story.html
  16. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nbc-completes-telemundo-acquisition
  17. http://enblancoynegromedia.blogspot.com/2012/06/parece-un-terremoto-los-periodistas-se.html
  18. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/149865
  19. https://www.telemundopr.com/noticias/puerto-rico/telemundo-anuncia-nuevo-morning-show/2156962/
  20. https://www.sportsvideo.org/2020/07/16/puerto-ricos-wkaq-the-islands-longest-running-tv-station-installs-sennheiser-digital-6000-system/
  21. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/telemundo-stations-in-orlando-puerto-rico-join-forces/
  22. https://hispanicad.com/news/telemundo-puerto-rico-expands-training-program-journalist-students/
  23. https://www.nexttv.com/news/wkaq-puerto-rico-all-in-on-olympics
  24. https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/migdalia-figeroa-leading-telemundo-passion-commitment
  25. https://www.telemundopr.com/guiadeprogramacion/
  26. https://www.stationindex.com/tv/callsign/WKAQ
  27. https://corporate.comcast.com/stories/migdalia-figueroa-leading-telemundo-puerto-rico-passion-heritage-commitment-community
  28. https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/jose-cancela-named-president-of-telemundo-station-group/
  29. https://www.puertadetierra.info/edificios/wkaq/wkaq.htm
  30. https://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/maps_report1/Puerto_Rico.pdf
  31. https://www.zippia.com/telemundo-pr-careers-2064794/history/
  32. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/telemundo-and-hispanic-immigrants
  33. https://www.tvpassport.com/tv-listings/stations/telemundo-wkaq-san-juan-pr-hd/9349
  34. https://www.telemundopr.com/noticias/hoy-dia-pr/
  35. https://www.telemundopr.com/programas/alexandra-a-las-12-programas-2/
  36. https://www.instagram.com/alexandraalas12/?hl=en
  37. https://www.telemundopr.com/en-vivo/
  38. https://www.telemundopr.com/video/objetivo-fama/conociendo-a-los-20-de-objetivo-fama-gala-vargas/2735512/
  39. https://www.telemundopr.com/objetivo-fama/dionicio-yancy-sheila-y-cristian-son-los-finalistas-de-objetivo-fama/2758898/
  40. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69038546/wkaq-punto-2.html
  41. https://www.ontvtonight.com/guide/listings/channel/69025378/wkaq-hdtv-canal-2-tu-canal.html
  42. https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/WKAQ-TV
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYW7bpnbL20
  44. https://www.telemundopr.com/programas/rayos-x/
  45. https://www.facebook.com/rayosxtelemundo/
  46. https://www.telemundopr.com/video/programas/alexandra-a-las-12-programas-2/el-dream-team-del-analisis-ofrecera-diversidad-de-opiniones-con-respeto/2627597/
  47. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telemundo-launches-decision-2020-largest-multiplatform-political-news-coverage-and-civic-engagement-initiative-to-date-301006634.html
  48. https://www.instagram.com/telemundopr/p/CJsAETWHYSZ/
  49. https://www.facebook.com/waltersotoleon/
  50. https://www.instagram.com/p/DL5Y_mXPMCb/
  51. https://www.facebook.com/telemundopr/videos/julio-rivera-saniel-se-une-a-telenoticias/1294676375201069/
  52. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2009/01/27/E9-1543/implementation-of-short-term-analog-flash-and-emergency-readiness-act-establishment-of-dtv
  53. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-73/subpart-E/section-73.682
  54. https://www.tvtechnology.com/equipment/hitachi-comark-supplies-transmitters-to-impacted-puerto-rican-broadcasters
  55. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=26681
  56. https://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=print_station&facility_id=73336
  57. https://www.nexttv.com/news/telemundo-nbcu-nets-go-dark-on-liberty-puerto-rico
  58. https://rbr.com/puerto-ricos-latest-blackout-ends-with-liberty-nbcu-deal/
  59. https://www.fcc.gov/proceedings-actions/mergers-transactions/national-broadcasting-company-and-telemundo-communications
  60. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-02-113A1.doc
  61. https://transition.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/2001/da01792.doc
  62. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/wapa-tv-celebrates-70th-anniversary-as-1-station-in-puerto-rico
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