Santa Ana Firm Buys Radio Outlet, Plans Spanish Format

A Santa Ana broadcasting company has bought KRTH-AM for $23 million in an all-cash deal and plans to change the Los Angeles radio station’s format from oldies rock to Spanish-language music.

Liberman Broadcasting Inc. will separate KRTH-AM from its twin, KRTH-FM, both of which are owned by Beasley Broadcast Group of Naples, Fla. Liberman owns and operates KWIZ-AM and FM, which are based in Santa Ana.

Beasley announced the sale Wednesday, when application was made to the Federal Communications Commission for a change in ownership. The deal should be completed by year-end. Beasley will continue to operate KRTH-FM.

“We plan on going Spanish with the station,” said Lenard Liberman, vice president of Liberman Broadcast Group. “This will bring to seven the number of Spanish-language stations in the area. It will be the most powerful in terms of signal strength.”