The Federal Communications Commission slapped Univision Communications Inc. with a record $24 million fine for failing to meet government rules for educational children’s programming.

The penalty involves charges that 24 Univision stations between 2004 and early 2006 circumvented guidelines on airing educational children’s programs by running soap operas aimed mainly at adults.

Univision had maintained that it met those requirements by broadcasting several telenovelas, or soap operas, one of which included a show that focused on 11-year-old twin girls switched at birth. Under a 1996 law, television broadcasters are required to air at least three hours a week of educational shows for children.

The penalty is part of a consent decree that would pave the way for Univision Communications Inc. to complete its $12.3 billion sale to private investors.

The previous record fine was $9 million, against the telecommunications company Qwest Communications International Inc. in 2004. The penalty was for failing to disclose business relationships with local competitors.