LA Radio: Merulo Media Believes KDAY Can Re-live Glory Days

Meruelo Media sprang to life 2 1/2 years ago with the acquisition of a pioneering Los Angeles Spanish-language TV station, KWHY Channel 22. Last month, Meruelo agreed to pay $15 million to buy another L.A. fixer-upper, radio station KDAY-93.5 FM.

According to a story at The LA Times, the acquisition has particular appeal for Alex Meruelo, principal of the parent company, Meruelo Group.

The son of Cuban immigrants started his career in the late 1970s running the tuxedo business in his parents' bridal shop on Broadway in downtown L.A., and he knew KDAY during its glory days when it was an early promoter of hip-hop music.

"I grew up listening to KDAY," said Meruelo, 51. "KDAY is part of L.A., and we think it could become a substantial radio station once again."

KDAY 93.5 FM 60dBu Coverage

The station was once identified by its African American audience, but now more than half its listeners are Latino.

The rising importance of U.S. Latinos — more than 50 million strong, flexing a spending power that has been estimated at $1.3 trillion a year — has attracted media interest. Walt Disney Co., Comcast Corp. and Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox have launched networks in the last 18 months to appeal to young Latinos. By some estimates, 50,000 U.S. Latinos turn 18 every month.

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