Telecinco will become local ABC Network station in Puerto Rico

The ABC Television Network has reached a new affiliation agreement for Telecinco Inc’s WORA to be the new ABC station in Puerto Rico. Based in Mayagüez, the station will be called ABC 5 and will begin operations on November 1, 2014. The announcement was made by John Rouse, Senior Vice President, Affiliate Relations, ABC Television Network, and Jose Vizcarrondo, President of Telecinco Inc.

For the first time in this market, ABC programming will be broadcast on a full-power station with full over-the-air coverage of the entire territory, in addition to pay TV platforms.

Viewers in Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy all of the ABC shows, sports, and news in full high definition. As part of the new affiliation, WORA will broadcast the full ABC Television Network programming schedule, including hit primetime shows “Modern Family” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” as well as “Good Morning America,” “World News” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The channel will also highlight two new high quality productions: a newscast covering events of interest in Puerto Rico, and a fast-paced, incisive interview show anchored by a well-known TV personality to be announced shortly.

“Our goal is to position ABC as a leading network in this market, capturing the audience share it enjoys in other major US television markets,” said Vizcarrondo. “ABC has a loyal following in Puerto Rico, and we will grow with wider distribution, high-quality HD network programming, relevant local content and an active presence in the community.”

WORA TV, Channel 5, was founded in 1955 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. It has produced and broadcast news and local interest shows for almost 60 years, in addition to broadcasting various Spanish-language networks throughout its history. The station is recognized as one of the leading media firms in Puerto Rico. The company is known for its strong ties to the community, and has been the career launching pad for many of Puerto Rico’s leading television professionals.