MIAMI — The Conservative News Network Newsmax acquired two AM stations, 710 WAQI “Radio Mambí” and 1140 WQBA in Miami, for a total price of $1.8 million, marking its entry into the Hispanic radio market.
According to the Radio Insight portal, Newsmax will pay $1.26 million for WAQI, Radio Mambí, and $540,000 for WQBA. The stations were part of the Latino Media Network that acquired eighteen stations across the country from TelevisaUnivision in 2022 for $60 million.
Latino Media Network was founded in 2022 by Stephanie Valencia and Jess Morales Rocketto. The purchase of the stations was financed by Lakestar Finance LLC, an entity affiliated with Soros Fund Management LLC, which was founded in 1969 by George Soros and his business partner Jim Rogers.
WQBA would end its local programming in July 2025 and, more recently, has been broadcasting “Radio Martí” from the government’s Cuba Broadcasting Office. WAQI had planned to eliminate its Spanish-language programming last December, but ended up retaining some of the programming.
The purchase marks Newsmax’s entry into the Spanish-speaking radio station market. The network offers streaming audio on its television content and produces the Rob Carson Show, which is broadcast live to its affiliates from 12 to 3 pm weekdays.
Radio Mambí and 1140 WQBA have been references for the Spanish-speaking audience and Cuban exiles and other nationalities in Miami. The change of ownership could change or make adjustments to the programming.
For now it is unknown if Newsmax will maintain programming in Spanish or change to English; Some analysts expect it to retain the news and analysis format in Spanish, aligned with its conservative profile.
