Background on Radio Capital and its Relevance
Radio Capital XEITE-AM 830 KHz, part of Capital Media, is a significant radio station in Mexico City. Capital Media also owns the newspaper Reporte Índigo and operates twelve other radio stations across the country. In 2017, Radio Capital’s parent company, Radiodifusoras Capital, S.A. de C.V., paid 7.583 million pesos to retain the frequency of XEITE-AM until 2026.
The Technical Issue and its Impact
In June and August 2024, Radio Capital notified the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) that an external problem prevented them from meeting their technical commitments. As a result, the station had to relocate its transmission antenna and plant to a more eastern location in Mexico City, near the Central de Abastos in Iztapalapa.
This relocation allowed Radio Capital to expand its authorized coverage area by 33,112 individuals. The new antenna location now shares space with two other Grupo Radio Fórmula stations: 970 AM and 1500 AM.
Opportunities and Challenges
- Increased Coverage: The expanded coverage presents an opportunity for Radio Capital to reach more listeners in Mexico City and nearby areas like Hidalgo and Tlaxcala.
- Financial Implications: The station must pay an updated concession fee of 45,041.78 pesos due to the increased coverage.
- Market Value: The frequency 830 AM could gain market value if sold to a third-party concessionaire.
- Advertising Potential: Radio Capital’s management can now approach advertisers, emphasizing the broader reach of their signal.
IFT Determination and Future Steps
Radiodifusoras Capital, S.A. de C.V. has until July 30 to accept the IFT’s determination. If they decline, the decision becomes invalid, and Radio Capital must submit a new request to another regulatory authority.
As a Category B station, Radio Capital can transmit from Mexico City to Toluca and Cuernavaca, as well as reach Hidalgo and Tlaxcala. According to INRA measurements, Radio Capital reached 18,147 listeners in Mexico City during the first quarter of 2025.
