Charlotte, N.C. ABC affiliate WSOC is adding a Telemundo affiliate to its digital subchannel lineup.
The Charlotte Observer reports Charlotte is the fastest growing Hispanic region in both South and North Carolina. The Latino population has increased 177 percent since 2000.
The Spanish language station will air on digital subchannel 9.2.
“We are excited to partner with Cox Media Group to inform, empower, and bring the best in Spanish- language entertainment to Latinos in Charlotte, one of the fastest growing Hispanic markets in the country,” said svp of Telemundo Affiliate Relations Ann Gaulke. “We admire CMG’s community focus and we look forward to working closely with CMG Charlotte to build a strong Telemundo affiliate that will serve the vibrant Hispanic community in Charlotte.”
WSOC GM Joe Pomilla said the station needs to research what the Spanish language viewers in the market are looking for before the station launches a newscast. From The Observer:
Simply translating the regular content of the Eyewitness News brand from its primary channels won’t serve the Latino community in ways it needs to be served, he said. Local advertisers will also be able to place commercials on the station’s shows, Pomilla said.
“CMG Charlotte is proud to partner with Telemundo to deliver the first Spanish-language full-power local broadcast station in the Charlotte region,” said Pomilla. “Telemundo Charlotte will provide the vast array of Telemundo programming to an underserved Hispanic audience.”