Even though radio might seem a little old-fashioned these days, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many Miami locals. That’s why news that conservative media company Newsmax is moving to acquire two of the city’s historic Spanish-language radio stations, Radio Mambí and WQBA, has sparked a lively discussion online, with residents sharing their thoughts on what the change in ownership could mean for the local airwaves.
Specifically, Newsmax has agreed to purchase Radio Mambí (710 AM) and WQBA (1140 AM) for approximately $1.8 million, although the deal still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The company plans to bring Spanish-language news, talk shows, and community programming back to the stations, including Radio Mambí, which has long been an important voice for Miami’s Cuban-American community.
Notably, Radio Mambí has been a fixture of Miami’s airwaves for decades, particularly among Cuban exiles who relied on the station for news and political commentary about their homeland. However, its traditional live news and talk format was discontinued in December 2025, marking a major change for longtime listeners. Newsmax’s plans could now give the station a new lease on life, although exactly what its future programming will look like remains unclear.
Miami Locals Weigh In on Newsmax’s Radio Station Takeover
Over on Reddit, the news has sparked a mixture of criticism, concern, and even a little humour. One user was particularly unimpressed with the acquisition, arguing that “The radio down here is about to get a whole lot dumber, more reactionary and unhinged.”
Another commenter took a more thoughtful approach, writing, “local radio stations carry a lot of history and cultural significance hopefully the new ownership understands what made these stations important to miami listeners.“
Meanwhile, some questioned whether traditional radio still has much of an audience. “Lol what young person in Miami is using radio let alone AM channels 🤣” one user asked. Another quickly responded, “Probably not many, but their grandparents probably are.”
Offering a different political perspective, one commenter suggested the acquisition would do little to challenge competing Spanish-language broadcasters, writing, “not sure that puts a dent in Univision’s and Telemundo’s left propaganda“
For longtime listeners, the deal could mark a new chapter for two familiar voices on Miami’s airwaves. However, with Newsmax entering the picture, it’s clear that not everyone is tuning in with the same enthusiasm.
