WORA TV switching to ABC5 Puerto Rico on Nov. 1
Víctor Montilla
Beginning Nov. 1, Telecinco Inc.’s WORA station will begin operating as ABC5 Puerto Rico, offering the ABC Television Network’s full programming lineup throughout the island.
The announcement comes about a month after the ABC Television Network announced it reached an agreement with Telecinco to be the new ABC affiliate in Puerto Rico, offering viewers the chance to tune-in to all of the ABC shows, sports, and news in full high definition.
As part of the new affiliation, WORA will broadcast popular shows including “Modern Family,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Revenge,” “Scandal,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” as well as new programming, including “How to get Away with Murder,” “Black-ish,” and “Selfie.”
“We’re thrilled to offer our Puerto Rican viewers a new television alternative, with a range of entertainment and variety,” said Víctor Montilla, executive vice president of Telecinco Inc.
“We will offer a high-quality programming that is both relevant and entertaining, and that incorporates local talent. We want to be the supplier of this rich content, and in turn, respond to the needs of both the public and advertisers,” he said.
WORA TV, Channel 5, founded in 1955, has produced and broadcast news and local interest shows for almost 60 years, in addition to broadcasting various Spanish-language networks throughout its history.
“Our goal is to position ABC5 as a leader in this market. ABC has a loyal following in Puerto Rico, which will grow with a total market distribution, containing first-tier high-definition (HD) content, and an active presence in the community,” Montilla added.
The station will also present two new local productions: a talk show, led by a yet-to-be announced local talent, and a local newscast beginning in early 2015.
my only expectation is that ABC continues to give their normal programming. Also, that it doesn’t fall in non-prime time programing, as what happens with local WB which in comparison to State-side WB its horrible during non-prime time programming
So, the switchover happened. I had my Liberty DVR set to record “Once Upon a Time” on Sunday. Well, oops.. ABC5 WORA is not broadcasting it. No go for me. I thought the switchover was for the Off the Air broadcast only. Now, looking at the week ahead on my Liberty Guide.. I am missing almost all of my favorite shows! What the heck!!!???
If Liberty wants to change WORA to ABC 5 (ON CHANNEL 5!) that’s fine with me and wonderful for those that have basic cable. But — I’m paying big extra bucks to see all the U.S. Networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.)! I resent that fact that I’m now seeing local programs on my HD Channel 215. Either they fix this, or I want my money back!