Exclusive: Fresno’s beloved Spanish-Language show ‘Despierta Valle Central’ coming to an end
Univision Fresno morning show “Despierta Valle Central” (Wake up Central Valley),formerly known as “Arriba Valle Central,” is ending its decades-long run on local television this week. The show airs Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on KFTV Channel 21.
Rumors of the show being canceled began circulating last week.
The Bee reached out to Chris Morris, regional president and general manager of the Northern California region for TelevisaUnivision Wednesday afternoon for comment.
Morris said in an email that the company is “working on a formal press release,” though did not provide more details.
However, Univision Fresno’s online TV programming schedule lists that ”Despierta Valle Central” will air its last show Friday morning.
New programming will start Monday with the hour-long show being replaced by another hour of Univision’s national show, “Despierta America” for that day before the network’s coverage of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Starting Tuesday, “Noticias Univision California,” a Sacramento-based newscast that provides local news from Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto, will replace “Despierta Valle Central,” followed by the nationally syndicated show, “Despierta America,” according to the TV Listings Guide On TV Tonight.
The cancellation of ”Despierta Valle Central” marks the end of an era for thousands of viewers and Spanish-speaking households who have tuned in to watch the morning show since the 1990s when it was called “Arriba Valle Central.”
The show, along with its host Lupita Lomelí, have been a fixture on Spanish-language television in the Fresno region for more than three decades.
Many grew up with the showand it’s signature catchy jingle as part of their morning routine getting ready for work and school.
KFTV Channel 21 launched the morning show in 1990 under the name “Arriba Valle Central,” airing it live from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Currently, the 1-hour variety show is pre-recorded the previous day for broadcast at 6 a.m. The show provides community services, including round table discussions and live entertainment, such as band performances.
According to its website, the program “Despierta Valle Central” reports on topics related to education, immigration, health, voting, employment opportunities, road safety and more.
Lomelí has had a few co-hosts throughout her decadesas the on-camera face of “Despierta Valle Central,” including Pedro Santos in 1996 when it was Arriba Valle Central, Sayra Vazquez from 2012 to 2020 and, most recently, Univision’s on-air talent Jose Anaya.
The community-oriented program served as an information center for Spanish-speaking residents across the Central Valley.
It is unclear if Lomelí, who is fluent in English and Spanish, will stay on air at KFTV. The TV personality is also the Fresno Univision director of community empowerment. Lomelí organizes about three annual health fairs and helps organize “La Feria de la Educación” at Fresno State with Martina Granados.
This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Exclusive: Fresno’s beloved Spanish-Language show ‘Despierta Valle Central’ coming to an end."
