New TV station offers unique local programming

MANGONIA PARK-- Rehearsals on the anchor desk are in full swing, workers are still running cables through the building and promos are edited at the last minute as a TV station is born.

Mi Pueblo TV is finally ready to broadcast over the air.

The station, which just moved next to CBS 12's building along Australian Avenue in Mangonia Park, had been on cable but is now taking over one of 12's digital channels, 12-2.

It's signal, carrying spanish local programming, will be seen anywhere from Boca Raton to Vero Beach and that's truly unique.

"This is the first news in Spanish, that's why we are different. People want to hear their news in their language and that's what we're going to do," said news anchor Leana Astorga after practicing on the TelePrompter.

Astorga is 1 of 38 employees at Mi Pueblo TV hired in recent months to build the area's only Spanish language TV newscast called "Noti Pueblo".

"It started as a dream from Oscar, the president of the company and what we've been able to accomplish in a year has been a miracle," said news anchor Jose Saldana.

In addition to news, 14 different local programs will be produced every week along with broadcasts of Spanish TV staples like "novelas" or soaps.

Despite the economy, station owners say now is the time for Mi Pueblo TV.

"It is very untapped, virgin territory here in Palm Beach County. There are no Spanish TV stations north of Miami-Dade County," said Eduardo Godoy, C.E.O. Of Mi Pueblo TV.

Oscar Nodarse, President and founder of Mi Pueblo TV added: "I've been in business in this area for 40 years. I want to give the best to the people of West Palm Beach, the best from my heart."

Station officials hope to be broadcasting over the air by Thursday.

You will able to watch them on Comcast channel 212 and over the air on Channel 12-2.