Telemundo launches first Spanish-language local newscast in the St. Louis area

By St. Louis Public Radio

Telemundo launched the first Spanish-language local news broadcast in the St. Louis area this month.

The station aired its first St. Louis-focused news broadcast last Monday. The station is simultaneously producing local newscasts for the Telemundo station in Portland, Oregon.

Local newscasts air on Channel 45 at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

NBCUniversal-owned Telemundo expanded its national news and weather programming into St. Louis in 2022. But this month marks the first time the region will have a consistent Spanish-language broadcast news program.

Samuel Rivera, head of local news at Telemundo St. Louis, said the station has been planning a local newscast since he joined the team two years ago.

“We're not just talking about immigrants,” Rivera said. “We're talking about the Latino community who live in each city we have Telemundo (stations). And for us, it's important to give them the news they need.”

Rivera said immigration coverage will be a major focus but said newscasts will also cover education, politics, economics and breaking news events.

Rivera said the newscast aims to serve all St. Louis residents, regardless of the languages they speak.

“It's serving our community in St. Louis for everyone: Spanish and non-Spanish people, Latinos and non-Latino people,” Rivera said. “Because in the end, we know we are a community.” Read more here