WAMI-DT: The Evolution of UniMás Miami
WAMI-DT, known on-air as UniMás Miami, is a prominent television station licensed to Hollywood, Florida. Serving the greater Miami metropolitan area, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, the station acts as the primary outlet for the Spanish-language network UniMás. Owned and operated by TelevisaUnivision, WAMI-DT operates as a sister station to WLTV-DT and shares a massive 150,000-square-foot studio facility called "NewsPort" in Doral.
While licensed to Broward County, WAMI-DT provides essential coverage for the West Palm Beach market, which lacks its own dedicated UniMás affiliate. The station's technical infrastructure is robust, with a transmitter located in Pembroke Park and an effective radiated power (ERP) of 1,000 kW.
Key Facts
- Current Branding: UniMás Miami
- Ownership: TelevisaUnivision (via UniMás Miami LLC)
- City of License: Hollywood, Florida
- Digital Channel: 24 (Virtual Channel 69)
- First Air Date: August 10, 1988
- Primary Network: UniMás
Station History and Early Years
The journey of channel 69 began long before it became a full-power station. In the 1970s, the frequency was used by W69AA, a translator for WCIX. By 1981, the FCC began reviewing applications for a full-power license. After a competitive process, Whitco Broadcasters was selected, intending to launch the first African-American-owned television station in South Florida.
However, the station's trajectory shifted in 1987 when the Home Shopping Network (HSN) acquired a majority stake. Signing on the air on August 10, 1988, as WYHS-TV, the station primarily served as a vehicle for HSN programming. This strategy was designed to leverage FCC "must-carry" provisions, ensuring HSN was available on local cable providers to compete with QVC.
The "CityVision" Era
In 1998, the station underwent a radical transformation. Rebranded as WAMI-TV, it became an independent station with a focus on the 16-to-34 demographic. Under the ownership of Barry Diller's USA Broadcasting, WAMI pioneered the CityVision format. This approach emphasized hyper-local, edgy content inspired by Toronto's CITY-TV.
WAMI became famous for its unconventional programming, including The Times (news), SportsTown, and Generation ñ. The station utilized "WAMI-cams" to show street life in South Beach and employed interactive hosts who engaged passers-by in live remote interstitials. This era was highly decorated, earning 18 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards and 22 Promax Awards.
Transition to Spanish-Language Broadcasting
The experimental CityVision era ended in 2002. Due to financial restructuring at USA Networks, the station was sold to Univision Communications. On January 14, 2002, WAMI-TV became a charter station for Telefutura, a secondary Spanish-language network that later rebranded as UniMás in 2013.
Today, WAMI-DT focuses on Spanish-language entertainment and news. It collaborates closely with sister station WLTV to produce Noticias 23 Al Amanecer en UniMás Miami, a weekday morning newscast, and the public affairs program Ahora en Nuestra Comunidad.
Technical Specifications and Programming
WAMI-DT transitioned from analog to digital broadcasting on June 12, 2009. It currently broadcasts a multiplexed signal, offering several subchannels to viewers.
| Channel | Resolution | Programming |
|---|---|---|
| 69.1 | 720p | UniMás |
| 69.2 | 480i | Confess |
| 69.3 | 480i | getTV |
| 69.5 | 480i | Quest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns WAMI-DT?
WAMI-DT is owned and operated by TelevisaUnivision through UniMás Miami LLC.
What is the "CityVision" format?
CityVision was an experimental broadcasting format launched by Barry Diller that focused on hyper-local programming, interactive street-level content, and a target audience of young adults.
Where are the WAMI-DT studios located?
The station operates out of "NewsPort," a 150,000-square-foot facility located on Northwest 30th Terrace in Doral, Florida.
Which markets does WAMI-DT serve?
While licensed to Hollywood, Florida, the station serves the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach markets.
What are the station's former call signs?
Before becoming WAMI-DT, the station was known as WYHS (1988–1992) and WYHS-TV (1992–1998).