Los Angeles, CA. – Meruelo Media in Los Angeles announced that its KLOS-FM Los Angeles, Calif. was named Rock Station of the Year and Cali 93.9/KLLI-FM Los Angeles was named Spanish Language Station of the Year at the 2021 National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards.
Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards is the highest honor bestowed on radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities for excellence in radio.
“2020 hit America with a tsunami of destructive economic forces, political mistrust and the greatest public health crisis in all mankind; in a time of great uncertainty, danger and anxiety we stood steadfast with our broadcast peers with the task and purpose to inform, entertain and protect our local communities,” commented Meruelo Media President and CEO Otto Padron. “To be singled out for this work is beyond humbling. This honor belongs to our city and our media family!”
“The Meruelo Media commitment to live and local service and entertainment has been supported today by a community of broadcasters and content makers. We’re grateful for the recognition,” said Meruelo Media Vice President/Audio Brands Haz Montana. He added, “Our values are to stay true to Los Angeles, to evolve, and to lead with engagement in both good and challenging times.”
“This Marconi for KLOS is particularly special,” added KLOS Program Director Keith Cunningham. “From mornings with the Heidi and Frank Show, to Marci Wiser and her Bootcamp in middays, to Kevin and Sluggo in afternoons, nights with Greg Beharrell, and our weekend warriors John Clay Wolfe, J.D., Chris Carter, Matt Pinfield and Full Metal Jackie, all KLOS talent came in to work during the worst of the pandemic to keep the community connected.”
“This past year has been all about growth,” added KLLI VP/GM Irma Barrios. “Cali 93.9 was the first station with an all-female lineup in prime, starting your day with Angelica Vale; Caro Marquez hosts middays, and afternoons are with Melissa Rios. Our focus has been great live and local content and service. We served the community from the studio during the height of the unknowns about the pandemic, which is just one of the reasons we’re overjoyed to be #1 for Reggaeton y Mas.”
Marconi finalists were selected by a task force of broadcasters, and the winners were voted on by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The votes were tabulated by an independent firm. The awards were announced during the virtual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Celebration.
About Meruelo Media
Meruelo Media, Power 106 (105.9 FM), 93.5 KDAY, 95.5 KLOS, Cali 93.9, KWHY 22 TV, KBEH TV 63, Meruelo Studios, and Meruelo Digital are owned and operated by The Meruelo Group. The Meruelo Group is a privately held, diversified management company founded in 1986 by US Latino business executive Alex Meruelo. Meruelo Media is the largest minority-owned Media Company in Southern California.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
