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First Full-Time Spanish-Language Radio Station in the United States Developed  (1946)
1946

Moment 32: First Full-Time Spanish-Language Radio Station in the United States Developed

Known as the father of Spanish radio, Nathan Safir gave San Antonio, Texas, its first Spanish programming in 1940. In 1953, he turned KCOR-AM San Antonio, the nations’ premier full-time Spanish station, into a model format. In 1955, he founded KCOR-TV, America’s first Spanish TV station. In 1946 he helped develop, with founder Raoul Cortez, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the United States at KCOR-AM. Although there were others who pioneered Spanish-language broadcasting in the Southwest, Nathan Safir generally is recognized as one of the individuals most responsible for its development.


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November 2, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first commercial radio broadcast. To celebrate this special anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on 100 key moments in radio's history.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating your favorite radio memories throughout 2020. Use the hashtag #Radio100 across social media to share these moments with the world. Here’s to 100 wonderful years of radio, and to at least 100 more!


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