Humberto Luna To Wake Up La Preciosa

And a Happy New Year to Mr. Luna, and Mr. Rodriguez, who is probably giggling with glee!

The official LBI LaRanchera.com Web site still lists among its employs a certain Humberto Luna. LBI Exposed wonders if the delay in updating the Web site may be due to lack of a Webmaster at LBI, since we haven't noticed any changes to station or company Web sites in a few weeks now.

Mr. Luna, we believe, went to Liberman at the request of then-PD Alfredo Rodriguez, who abandoned ship a few years ago. Mr. Rodriguez had been responsible for returning the call letters "KHJ" to the Los Angeles airwaves, after call letters the Liberman's had chosen were proven to aptly describe the programming on their stations, or "ka-ka". Mr. Luna came from a gig as host of "La Tarde Lunatica" (is that "lunatics in the afternoon?"), a series for Spanish-language television, and time on the air at Big City Radio's Viva 107.

According to an August 21, 2007 LBI press release:

KHJ/La Ranchera's signal covers all five counties in Los Angeles and is the home of legendary on-air personalities Humberto Luna and Jaime Piña.

Well, no more. Mr. Luna is moving on, and, not surprisingly, has once again been tapped by Mr. Rodriguez, to a position with the Clear Channel-owned La Preciosa spanish-language network. We think perhaps Mr. Rodriguez is more than a little thilled to "move the home" of such a legendary on-air personality, right away from his former employer.

CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO has named HUMBERTO LUNA as its new morning show host of its LA PRECIOSA NETWORK, starting JANUARY 20th, from 4-10a PT. The network comprises over a dozen stations, including KPRC/MONTEREY; KSJO/SAN JOSE; KBFP/BAKERSFIELD; KDIF-A/RIVERSIDE; KFSO/FRESNO; KIZS/TULSA; KTZR/TUCSON; and KWID-FM/Las Vegas.

"HUMBERTO LUNA is recognized as one of the premiere Spanish language radio personalities," CLEAR CHANNEL HISPANIC RADIO SVP ALFREDO ALONSO said. "Over the past 25 years, his accomplishments in audience rating success and community involvement are unmatched. It’s not everyday a personality of his caliber is available and we're extremely excited to be able to offer his unique talent to our audience."

"I am very proud to have HUMBERTO come aboard," LA PRECIOSA RADIO NETWORK GM ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ added. "His vast experience, his commitment to the profession, and his unique style will undoubtedly bring LA PRECIOSA AMD to another level of professionalism. He is a true icon and a first class act that others have tried to imitate for years."

"I am thrilled to join CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO and its LA PRECIOSA NETWORK and be able to reach listeners all over the country," LUNA said. "My LOS ANGELES show has always been graced with a loyal audience following and I look forward to making the same impact on a national level. This is an exciting moment for me and I'm delighted to become part of this accomplished group.:

LUNA replaces former host ALEX LUCAS, who left to pursue other opportunities last month.

© Copyright 2009 The All Access Music Group

We're sure La Ranchera listeners will miss Luna's style and excellence, including his wide range of guests, including the LAPD. But, they'll still have the opportunity to visit his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame at 6776 Hollywood Boulevard!

Other reading: http://www.mediabuyerplanner.com/2009/01/09/clear-channel-radio-names-humberto-luna-morning-show-host/