KWEX-DT, a television station based in San Antonio, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of American broadcasting. As the first Spanish-language commercial TV station in the United States, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Spanish-language media. This article delves into the station's historical development, highlighting key milestones and changes that have defined its journey.
The Birth of KCOR-TV
KWEX-DT first signed on the air on June
10, 1955, under the callsign KCOR-TV. The station was named after its radio sister station, KCOR, which was owned by Raoul A. Cortez. Cortez was a pioneer in Spanish-language broadcasting, having established the first full-time Spanish-language radio and television stations in the U.S. KCOR-TV was not only the first Spanish-language commercial television station in the country but also the first in south Texas to broadcast on the UHF band. Initially, the station operated from studio facilities located on Network Boulevard in San Antonio.
In 1961, after years of financial losses, Cortez sold the station to a consortium led by his son-in-law Emilio Nicolas. This change in ownership marked a turning point for the station, as Nicolas, along with his partners, transformed it into a financial success. The station changed its call letters to KUAL-TV and began to gain stronger programming through connections with Mexico's Telesistema Mexicano.
Formation of the Spanish International Network
The success of KUAL-TV led Nicolas and his partners to expand their reach by establishing KMEX-TV in Los Angeles. Together, these stations formed the nuclei of the first Spanish-language television network in the United States, known as the Spanish International Network. In late 1962, KUAL-TV changed its callsign to KWEX-TV as it became a charter affiliate of the network, which was later relaunched as Univision in 1987.
KWEX-TV continued to grow and adapt over the years, relocating its studios in 2013 to a new facility on Network Boulevard. This move was part of a $10 million investment that included expanded master control and newsroom space, reflecting the station's ongoing commitment to providing quality programming and news coverage.
Modern Developments and Digital Transition
KWEX-DT has embraced technological advancements, transitioning from analog to digital broadcasts in 2009. This change was part of a federal mandate for full-power television stations in the U.S. The station's digital signal relocated from UHF channel 39 to channel 41, ensuring continued service to its audience.
Today, KWEX-DT remains a vital part of the Univision network, serving the Spanish-speaking community in San Antonio and beyond. Its journey from a pioneering station to a key player in Spanish-language media underscores the importance of cultural representation in broadcasting.
