McGraw-Hill Broadcasting adds Azteca America Bakersfield station to its portfolio.

Azteca America said its affiliate in Bakersfield, California has been acquired by McGraw-Hill Broadcasting. It was previously owned by Cocola Broadcasting Companies.

McGraw-Hill Broadcasting’s KERO-TV in Bakersfield is now broadcasting the Azteca America affiliate’s programming on KZKC Channel 42. In the near future, thanks to a partnership with Bright House Networks Cable, the Bakersfield affiliate, known as Azteca America Kern County, will be carried on cable channel 29. The station will also be available via Echostar’s Dish Network in September.

“It gives us great pleasure to have McGraw-Hill Broadcasting on board with its fourth Azteca America station,” said Azteca America Chairman Luis J. Echarte. “McGraw-Hill has a team of experienced expert operators that are delivering results in the communities where they operate. We welcome this expansion of our relationship.”

“Azteca America Kern County is an asset that will allow us to expand our reach and meet the needs of the region’s rapidly expanding Hispanic population,” said Craig Jahelka, vice president and general manager of KERO and KZKC. “We are excited to provide entertainment, local information and coverage of community events to the area’s bilingual and Spanish speaking families.”