KMOH-TV Goes Spanish In Phoenix.

Former NBC affiliate KMOH-TV Channel 6 has changed ownership and format to become a Spanish-language family channel. Phoenix 6 Broadcasting purchased the station from Gannett Communications for $5.25 million, according to Robert Behar, president and chief executive officer of Phoenix 6 Broadcasting, as well as Miami-based Bela Broadcasting, LLC, the station’s new operator.

Bela Broadcasting’s mission is to provide Hispanic children and families in the U.S. an ongoing link to their language, culture and homeland, he said.

“Hispanics comprise nearly 29 percent of Phoenix’s population and account for nearly 24 percent of that of Las Vegas. KMOH-TV is the first Spanish-language channel in the market committed to supporting Latinos in maintaining their language and traditions, and promoting a sense of pride within their communities as they forge their place in local society,” Behar said.

In addition to programming KMOH-TV, Bela Broadcasting owns and operates KBEH-TV Channel 63 in Los Angeles. As of last week, KMOH-TV broadcasts the same 24 hours of content as the Los Angeles station.

KMOH-TV’s program mix includes seven hours of children’s programming Monday through Friday. In addition to cartoons and a game show for children, the station airs a talk show for women, a cooking show, music blocks, classic and new Mexican movies for the whole family, sports and wildlife programming.

The Phoenix station airs 29 hours of original programming weekly, including KBEH-TV’s signature program, “1, 2 y 3.” Produced by KBEH-TV in Los Angeles, “1, 2 y 3” is a daily two-hour variety show where enthusiastic audience members compete for cash prizes amid live music and dancing.

KMOH-TV’s remaining 19 hours of original programming are produced by TV Fiesta in Guadalajara, Mexico, for Bela Broadcasting and are culturally relevant to all U.S. Latinos:

“Mujeres Divinas por la Tarde” is a daily one-hour talk show that explores women’s issues in a fast-paced format. “Con Sazón” is an hour-long cooking strip that celebrates traditional Mexican cuisine.

“Fiesta Mexicana” is a one-hour show that airs seven days a week and highlights the hottest bands south of the border, with music videos and personal dedications from the homeland to the new land. Similarly, “Fiesta Latina” features an hour of music from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries every Saturday and Sunday.

According to Behar, plans call for adding locally produced programming in January.