Newsmax to Buy Miami's WAQI, WQBA for $1.8 Million

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 9, 2026 | 11:21am CT

Newsmax Radio

Newsmax has confirmed plans to acquire Miami AM stations WAQI (710 Radio Mambi) and WQBA (1140) from Latino Media Network for a reported $1.8 million. The deal would mark Newsmax's entry into radio station ownership. The company expects to begin operating and programming the stations in the coming months, subject to FCC and other regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Newsmax plans to expand Radio Mambi's Spanish-language news, talk and commentary, with a focus on Cuban American listeners and South Florida's broader Hispanic community. The company also plans to distribute Radio Mambi content online and through social media to reach a national audience.

"Radio Mambi is an institution," said Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy. "For decades, it has been the voice of a community that understands the value of freedom because it has fought to preserve it."

Newsmax said it will invest in local programming, community outreach and expanded news coverage for listeners in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties. The announcement did not specify a format for WQBA.

"WAQI and WQBA have deep roots in South Florida, and we look forward to building on their legacy while creating new opportunities to inform, engage, and connect with their audiences," said Ralph Renzi, CEO of Newsmax Radio and Audio.

The company's announcement did not disclose financial terms. Earlier media reports put the price at $1.26 million for WAQI and $540,000 for WQBA. A November 6 FCC application identifies Newsmax Radio LLC as the proposed assignee of WAQI's license. Kalil & Co. served as the exclusive broker.

Both stations were part of Latino Media Network's $60 million deal for 18 stations from TelevisaUnivision announced in 2022. WQBA ended local programming in July 2025 and most recently carried Radio Marti. WAQI retained some of its Spanish-language conservative talk programming after plans to drop the lineup in December 2025.

Newsmax already streams audio from its television programming and produces the syndicated "Rob Carson Show," which airs live weekdays from noon to 3pm ET.