Fútbol de Primera (radio network)
Alejandro Gutman launched Fútbol de Primera in August 1989 with a specific goal. He wanted soccer to be heard on music-formatted FM stations instead of traditional AM talk radio. This decision marked a historic shift for the sport in American broadcasting. The network worked closely with its affiliates to broaden the landscape beyond standard formats. Powerhouse matches over the years have been heard nationally without fail since that initial move. The strategy successfully placed soccer on substantial market lists of stations matching the quality of the games themselves.
Fútbol de Primera holds exclusive rights to major tournaments including FIFA World Cups and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. They have broadcast the World Cup continuously since 2002 through the most recent 2022 event. The network also covers Mexico's national team games and Copa América during 2015 and 2016. A record eight consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cups were covered by the station group. Additional broadcasts include the Copa Mundial de Futsal de FIFA and the Mundial de Clubes de FIFA. These agreements ensure listeners hear the biggest moments in global soccer history.
Andrés Cantor hosts the daily show which has run since 1989 alongside Sammy Sadovnik and Jaime Gallardo. Rosa Beatriz Sánchez provides analysis across Latin America and Europe from her position within the core team. María Antonieta Collins hosts a one-hour weekly show titled Casos y Cosas de Collins. Correspondents like Carlos Aranzamendi cover El Salvador while Enrique Kike Lanza reports from Honduras. Aldo Lara serves as the correspondent for Guadalajara and René Fernández handles Monterrey coverage. Mauricio Acosta operates out of Mexico City with David Ruiz stationed in Spain.
The network expanded to 115 affiliated stations across the United States and parts of Central and South America. Stations range from Albuquerque-Santa Fe in New Mexico to Atlanta, Georgia on La Mejor frequencies. Listeners can tune into 105.9 FM Jose or 1460 AM La Mejor depending on their location. The list includes markets like Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, and Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. International reach extends to Puerto Rico via WPAB 550 AM and various cities throughout California and Texas. This infrastructure allows broadcasts to be heard globally through traditional radio signals.
The network utilizes YouTube and Twitch channels to extend its broadcast reach beyond traditional radio listeners globally. Game broadcasts and the daily program are available online alongside terrestrial radio signals. This digital presence allows fans from anywhere to access content without needing local station affiliation. Fútbol de Primera maintains offices in New York City, San Francisco, and San Antonio to support these operations. Cantor serves as co-chairman of the network along with Alejandro Gutman to guide strategic direction.
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Common questions
When did Alejandro Gutman launch Fútbol de Primera?
Alejandro Gutman launched Fútbol de Primera in August 1989. The network aimed to place soccer on music-formatted FM stations rather than traditional AM talk radio.
What tournaments does Fútbol de Primera hold exclusive rights to broadcast?
Fútbol de Primera holds exclusive rights to major tournaments including FIFA World Cups and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. They have broadcast the World Cup continuously since 2002 through the most recent 2022 event.
Who hosts the daily show for Fútbol de Primera?
Andrés Cantor hosts the daily show which has run since 1989 alongside Sammy Sadovnik and Jaime Gallardo. Rosa Beatriz Sánchez provides analysis across Latin America and Europe from her position within the core team.
How many affiliated stations does Fútbol de Primera operate across the United States?
The network expanded to 115 affiliated stations across the United States and parts of Central and South America. Stations range from Albuquerque-Santa Fe in New Mexico to Atlanta, Georgia on La Mejor frequencies.
Where are the main offices located for Fútbol de Primera operations?
Fútbol de Primera maintains offices in New York City, San Francisco, and San Antonio to support these operations. The network also utilizes YouTube and Twitch channels to extend its broadcast reach beyond traditional radio listeners globally.