Telemundo Closes In Las Vegas & Sanchez – VP GM.

Telemundo announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Las Vegas based KBLR from Summit Media Limited Partnership and will formally assume ownership of the full-power television station.

“KBLR is a terrific addition to the Telemundo family and reaffirms our network’s commitment to extend its reach in the country’s top Hispanic markets,” said Don Browne, president of Telemundo. “Through KBLR, we can ensure that the viewers of Las Vegas continue to receive the quality Spanish language news, sports and entertainment programming they’ve come to expect from Telemundo.”

Jay Ireland, president of the NBC Universal Television Stations, added, “KBLR is a great acquisition for our stations division. By establishing a presence in one of the country’s fastest growing Hispanic markets, we continue to grow our business and at the same time, serve the needs of Las Vegas’ booming Hispanic community.”

Also announced today was the appointment of Carlos Sanchez as KBLR’s vice president and general manager. Sanchez, who assumes his new role immediately, will report to Ibra Morales, president of the Telemundo Television Stations.

Said Morales, “Carlos is a great fit for KBLR. He is a solid manager with a proven track record of success in the local Spanish language television market. He is the right leader to build on the momentum of the station and increase KBLR’s presence in the Las Vegas community.”

Sanchez joins KBLR from XHAS, the Telemundo affiliate in San Diego, where he had been the general manager since June 2000.