KAZA-TV

KAZA-TV, virtual channel 54 (UHF digital channel 47), is an Azteca América-affiliated television station serving the Los Angeles, California, United States that is licensed to Avalon, it serves as a flagship station of the network. The station is jointly-owned by Visalia-based Pappas Telecasting Companies (which owns a 80% interest) and Mexican broadcaster (and owner of Azteca América), TV Azteca (20% interest). KAZA's studios are located on Grand Central Avenue in Glendale, and its transmitter is located atop Mount Wilson.

History

The station first signed on the air on July 9, 2001, originally operating as an independent station, carrying a format of Spanish language music videos.

On November 30, 2006, NBC Universal (owner of rival KVEA, channel 52 and then-owner of KWHY-TV, channel 22) filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission to deny KAZA's license renewal, on basis that TV Azteca controlled 51.6% of the station (above the FCC-designated 33% interest limit for foreign owned broadcasters) via loans and other interests. According to the Los Angeles Times, it is believed to be the first challenge to a license renewal sent to the FCC since 1979 (apparently not acknowledging some challenges to the RKO General licenses in the early 1980s).