On February 10, RBR+TVBR first shared the news that Hispanic audio content creator and distributors Nueva Network, Costa Media, and MLC Media would be “aligning” their assets, ultimately impacting radio station management and operations, and the digital networks and sales arms into a combined entity.
Now, the man behind MLC Media will become the sole equity interest holder in Costa Media’s radio operations.
Paperwork filed with the FCC on Thursday indicates Costa Media is agreeing to sell WFAX-AM and W264DB in Falls Church, Va., and WCCM-AM and W279DH in Haverhill, Mass., to North Atlantic Media Inc.
That is an entity led by Carlos Moncada, who formed MLC Media, which predates both Nueva Network and Costa Media — launched in 2021 as entwined entities under José Villafañe, who had previously spent seven years in key sales roles at Entravision and earlier in his career served as National Sales Manager for the ambitious Spanish-language spoken word Radio Unica operation.
The filing is long-expected, as the changes nine months ago positioned Moncada as the individual who would hold majority ownership and oversee business operations, finance, MLC Productions in the U.S. and in Latin America, and Costa Media’s local broadcast stations. Villafane continues as Managing Partner and CEO.
Now, Moncada is filing the paperwork necessary to effectuate the change, with North Atlantic Media paying $2.5 million for the properties. Francisco Montero of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth served as the legal counsel, filing the paperwork with the FCC for its regulatory OK.
With its granting of the transfer of control, Moncada will hold 100% interest in Costa Media, taking 65% from Villafañe, and small percentages from Blanca Nuñez, Edwin Estrada, Claudia Andrea Wagner, and Gerardo López,
