Category Archives: Hispanic Radio

A look at Jacobson’s discussions on the U.S. radio industry, and comments made to newspapers, radio stations and television stations.

Hispanic Radio

Raúl Alarcón Jr.: 2019 Hispanic Businessperson of The Year

Raúl Alarcón Jr., Chairman/ CEO of  Spanish Broadcasting System received the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “2019 Hispanic Businessperson of the Year Award” at a gala event tied to the USHCC’s 40th Anniversary National Convention in Albuquerque.

The award was presented by international top-selling artist Prince Royce (pictured, at left).

Every year, the USHCC recognizes an entrepreneur who exemplifies the best of America’s business community through their outstanding leadership, pioneering spirit and social and economic contributions.

The award, USHCC says, “highlights Alarcón’s strategic vision of integrating radio, television, entertainment and online/digital properties to capture growth opportunities with a clear eye on engaging the U.S. Hispanic consumer.”

USHCC President/CEO Ramiro Cavazos says, “Raúl Alarcón is a steadfast businessmen whose company continues to reach new heights and he inspires business leaders everywhere, especially in the media field. We are proud to recognize him as the 2019 Businessperson of the Year on our 40th Anniversary USHCC National Convention.”

Alarcón added, “I am incredibly honored to receive this award from the USHCC – an organization that does so much to support Hispanic entrepreneurs across our country. As an immigrant from Cuba, this is proof that the U.S. is truly the land of opportunity, where we can live the American Dream through hard work, a clear vision and the support of amazing organizations like the USHCC.”

Raúl Alarcón Jr. helped in creating SBS in 1983 and has been President and Director since October 1985. He took on Chief Executive Officer duties in June 1994.

On November 2, 1999, Mr. Alarcón, became Chairman of the Board of Directors and continues as Chief Executive Officer and President.

Currently, Mr. Alarcón is responsible for SBS’ long-range strategic planning and operational matters and is instrumental in the acquisition and related financing of each SBS station.

Hispanic Radio

Radio Lazer’s National Lineup Set

Lazer Broadcasting’s signature Radio Lazer-branded group of regional Mexican stations recently debuted a “sometimes crazy morning show.”

Now, the full on-air lineup is now set and ready for national launch.

With Tus Mañanas Lazer con La Tequi y Don Hercu kicking off each morning six days a week, and heard in several markets across California, the now nationally syndicated format is being offered through syndicator Envision Networks.

Yolanda “La Tequi” Velázquez and Elias Conde, alias “Don Hercu.” have entertained radio listeners for a combined 40 years and have been a broadcast team for the past six years.

The full on-air lineup is as follows: 

  • Tus Mañanas Lazer con La Tequi y Don Hercu (5 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
  • Beto “El Chocomil” (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
  • El Show del Tarzan y sus Jaladas (2 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • El “Chacal” Califas (7 p.m. – Midnight)

“The energy that Tequi & Don Hercu bring into the studio every morning is a great addition to the already great lineup in place at Radio Lazer,” said Jesus Garcia, Lazer Broadcasting’s Corporate Director of Programming. “The rest of the day’s lineup of El Chocomil, Tarzan y sus Jaladas, and Chacal combined with the new morning show is a powerful draw for potential affiliates in markets with a strong Hispanic community, wherever they are in America.”

Affiliate managers at Envision Networks can be reached at 216.831.3761 or at radiolazer@envisionnetworks.com.

Hispanic Radio

Fox Deportes Play-By-Play Man Gets A Syndicated AM Show

A Spanish-language radio host presently serving as a baseball play-by-play announcer for Fox Deportes has joined MLC Media Services to helm a new syndicated general-interest morning show being offered to Hispanic radio stations across the U.S.

Starting Jan. 14, Carlos Alvarez takes on hosting duties for the newly launched “El Cotorreo con Carlos Alvarez.”

A general-interest program, El Cotorreo will feature Los Angeles-based co-host Taly Taly Elizondo for news and banter.

Celebrity interviews, along with the latest news “on what is happening in immigration, entertainment, sports, wellness, motivation and more” is being promised to listeners.

Alvarez’s resume includes roles at Entravision, Univision and now-defunct TV network MundoFox.

“I am very excited to be joining the MLC family and their amazing team,” Alvarez said. “I know this new chapter will bring a lot of excitement. They have a top-notch roaster of syndicated programs and their experience will help me to grow in network radio.”

Carlos Moncada, MLC Media Services’ CEO, commented, “We are very happy to have a professional such as Carlos Alvarez join our team. Carlos has what our audiences love to hear and he has such great relationships with artists to give his listeners great content.”

MLC Media Services produces and distributes Spanish-language programming across the  U.S. and Mexico.

Signature programs include El Show de Alex ‘El Genio’ Lucas, Armida y La Flaka, El Show de Chiquibaby, El Show de Compa Mike, El Show de Toño, and Ana Lisa y Julieta.

Armida y La Flaka and Lucas, respectively, were just added to KSSE-FM “José”,  simulcasting KLYY-FM 97.5 in Los Angeles.

Hispanic Radio

Radio Lazer Gets A National Rollout

Like the “Radio Lazer” regional Mexican presentation heard on Lazer Broadcasting Corp. stations across the Golden State?

Now you can place it on your radio station, thanks to a joint syndication effort forged by Oxnard, Calif.-based Lazer, headed by Alfredo Plascencia, and Houston-based SuiteRadio LLC.

The 24/7 local affiliation service will be represented exclusively on a national level by Envision Networks.

This makes “Radio Lazer” a component of Envision 24/7 Network offerings with sales handled by the Cleveland-based company.

Lazer Broadcasting describes “Radio Lazer” as” a modern Regional Mexican format playing today’s most popular songs in a Top 40 environment. “

The format targets Hispanics aged 18-49, and is female-friendly.

Lazer Broadcasting COO Josh Mednick said, “For a while now, Lazer Broadcasting has been looking for the proper outlet to make our programming available to broadcasters across the U.S. We believe that SuiteRadio is the perfect partner. Pat and his team are terrific to work with and their technology and flexible delivery system make it so easy for both the content creator and the end-user.”

SuiteRadio COO Pat Fant, a radio industry veteran, added, “Our SuiteRadio crew is thrilled to be working with such a successful broadcaster in this highly sought-after market segment. No one executes Regional Mexican better than Lazer Broadcasting.”

The “Radio Lazer” format is the first of three Spanish language music formats that Lazer Broadcasting plans to make available through SuiteRadio.

Further details were not disclosed by Lazer.

Hispanic Radio

iHeart Plucks A Univision Radio Veteran With A ‘Tú’ Move

A 12 1/2 year Univision Radio veteran who has programmed Spanish Top 40 WRTO-FM “Mix 98” in Miami and Tropical WXNY-FM “X96.3” in New York has just teamed up with Enrique Santos and the iHeartMedia Latino operation by accepting the role of Program Director for one of its biggest Spanish-language radio stations.

Walo Dávila will take over the programming reins for WZTU-FM “Tú 94.9” in Miami, starting July 9.

He’ll work with the on-air personalities and sales team while overseeing the music programming and broadcast and digital operations of the Spanish Hot Adult Contemporary station, which is the flagship station of the Enrique Santos Show — hosted by the iHeartLatino Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.

Santos is a former Univision Radio talent, and Dávila worked with Santos at Mix 98.

Davila’s resume includes a role as a talk host for WKAQ-AM 580 in San Juan, a radio station that proved to be a vital lifeline for Puerto Ricans impacted by Hurricane Maria in fall 2017.

In Puerto Rico, he’s also note as a political satirist for Univision Puerto Rico, WLII-11.

Before joining Univision Radio, Davila was at Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) in Puerto Rico, holding the role of General Producer across the company’s stations — including Z93, Estereotempo, La Mega and the former Onda 94.

He started his career in radio in 1995 at WKVM-AM in Puerto Rico, as a co-host and producer of the “Horizontes” talk program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Walo to our team,” said Alex Tear, Regional SVP/Programming for iHeart in Miami. “His experience, creative energy, leadership and vast market knowledge will take iHeartMedia Miami’s TÚ 94.9 to even higher levels.”

While Santos’ nationally syndicated morning show is based at WZTU, in addition to his English-language Premiere syndicated CHR program On The Move, he was not Tú PD.

Those duties were most recently held by José Otero, Tear confirms to Hispanic Market Overview.

José (Gonzo) Otero was national Hispanic brand manager and PD of WZTU. He was born in San Diego, and started his radio career in 1998 in Tijuana, on air and in the creative department. He joined Univision Radio in 2004 and later worked at MVS Radio and Grupo Uniradio. He came to iHeartMedia in 2009 and has served as an air personality, PD, digital brand coordinator, operations manager, and national Hispanic brand manager, as well as supervised and developed multiple brands in Chicago, Fresno, and most recently Miami.

Otero was instrumental in branding the iHeartRadio app to the Hispanic community nationally, working closely with local and national sales teams, and has produced iHeartMedia’s international tentpole event Fiesta Latina since 2014.

Otero had recently moved to Miami to program TU 94.9 and work with the recently created iHeartLatino platform alongside Enrique Santos.

WZTU programming duties in the recent past had also been held by P.J. Gonzalez, serving in the greater role of SVP/Programming for iHeartLatino.

Hispanic Radio, Uncategorized

Former Univision Radio Content Head Joins Enrique Santos At iHeart

Enrique Santos now has a lieutenant to assist him in the build-out of iHeartMedia‘s Hispanic media activities.

Pedro Javier González, most recently VP/Content at Univision Radio, has been given the role of SVP/Programming for iHeartLatino.

González reports to Santos, who holds the role of Chairman/COO of iHeartLatino, and Brad Hardin, EVP/GM for iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group. González will be based out of iHeart’s Miramar, Fla.-based South Florida operations center.

González will work closely with Santos and Hardin to oversee the iHeartLatino brand and programming strategy, reborn in September 2016 with Santos at the helm after a previous effort involving Hispanic radio veteran Alfredo Alonso ended in January 2011 after a six-year tenure.

Specifically, González will assist Santos the recruitment of programming and on-air talent and will collaborate with iHeartMedia’s national and local sales teams to create and execute programming with partners.

Additionally, González will work with the National Programming Group’s Artist Relations department to plan and book talent for iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, the annual concert event staged by iHeart in South Florida.

“Pedro knows that this is an ever changing industry and is always ahead of the game when it comes to adapting to the listeners needs and demands,” said Santos. “His vast experience building winning radio teams combined with his programing knowledge and expertise will be key in our continued growth.”

González spent 13 years at Univision, where he worked closely with Santos, formerly associated with WRTO-FM “Mix 98.3” and as a successful morning host who for many years saw Joe Ferrero as his co-host.

Before coming to Univision, González was based in San Juan, as VP/Programming for UNO Radio Group, operator of the “Salsoul,” “Fidelity,” “NotiUno” and “HOT 102” cadenas in Puerto Rico.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to reunite with Enrique,” said González. “I’ve been following the great work that iHeartLatino has already done and I can’t wait to collaborate with iHeartLatino’s talented programming team and on-air personalities.”

Headline, Hispanic Radio

Univision Resets Its Corporate Sales Team

On the heels of promoting Steve Mandala to President of Advertising Sales and Marketing, as Keith Turner prepares for his reported retirement, Univision Communications has set a new leadership team in a move the company says “will maximize efficiencies while heightening partner, regional and local strategic focus.”

First, Trisha Pray will relocate to Chicago, her hometown, while continuing to report to Mandala as EVP/Sales and Client Development, leading all sales efforts in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, and “other growth regions.”

She was previously EVP/Network and Cable Sales and is a 25-year Univision veteran.

At the same time, Jorge Daboub is now EVP/Local Media Sales. He will report to both Mandala and John Eck, Univision’s Chief Local Media Officer.

Concurrently, Jack Randall is being promoted to EVP/Business Development. He will continue to report to Mandala.

Before joining Univision, Randall held sales roles with Fox Sports and United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) in both New York and Los Angeles.

Furthermore, John Kozack is being promoted to SVP, overseeing New York Network and Digital Sales. He will report directly to John Kelly, who will expand his role from EVP overseeing Digital and News Sales to include oversight of the New York Network Sales team.

Kozack played an integral part in building relationships with key agencies and has served as VP/Network Sales for Univision Network since 2003.

With more than a dozen years of experience in executive sales leadership, Kelly worked at NBC Universal.

Said Mandala, “This is a very exciting time for Univision fueled by new client needs, a rapidly-evolving media landscape and increased competition from external sources. I am confident that through their efforts, hard work and dedication, this group of talented individuals will continue to deliver innovative, action-driven solutions for our partners. All of them are respected media industry veterans who are widely regarded as strong leaders and strategic thinkers, and there is no better group of executives to collaborate and execute gracefully on behalf of UCI with some of our major agencies, which represent some of the biggest brands.”

Hispanic Radio, Uncategorized

Nominations Set For ​Medallas De Cortez Awards

Nominations Set For Medallas De Cortez Awards

The Hispanic Radio Conference is pleased to announce this year’s finalists for the prestigious Medallas de Cortez, the only awards dedicated to honoring the very best in Hispanic radio. The Medallas de Cortez awards are named in honor of Raoul Cortez, founder of the first Spanish-language radio station in the United States, KCOR/San Antonio, in 1946. Raoul Cortez was a visionary for his time and a legend for all times in the annals of Hispanic radio.

Radio Ink Publisher Deborah Parenti said, “The Medallas de Cortez awards represent a celebration of Hispanic radio and its dedicated professionals. Every one of them, in large markets and small communities, make Hispanic radio an intimate part of the lives of listeners and clients. This is the biggest year ever in terms of awards competition. While there can be only one winner in each category, we are extremely proud to recognize all of the finalists, who are truly worthy of our respect and admiration.”

Winners will be announced at the ceremony on Wednesday, March 28, as part of the Hispanic Radio Conference, March 28-29 in Fort Lauderdale at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty Six.

2017 Medallas de Cortez Awards Finalists

Marketer of the Year
Vladimir Gomez, Spanish Broadcasting System
Esmeralda Sosa, Univision/Los Angeles
David Loving, Univision/Houston
Liz Blacker, iHeartMedia
Jose Villafañe, Entravision

Local Personality of the Year
Eric Johnson & DJ Gallo Show, WYMY/Greensboro
Beto Diaz KLAX-FM/Los Angeles
Stephanie Himonidis, La Pantera Radio/San Antonio
Javier Romero, WAMR/Miami
Juan “Manny” Yanez, KOYE/Tyler-Longview
Betsy Vazquez, WXDJ/Miami
Josue “El Bronco” Del Castillo, KDDS/Seattle

Syndicated Personality of the Year
Cesar Lozano, Spanish Broadcasting System
Omar Y Argelia, Univision
Alex Lucas, AL & CM Broadcasting
El Bueno, La Mala y El Feo, Univision
Erazno y La Chokolata, Entravision

Program Director of the Year
Raymond Torres, WRUM & WRUB/Orlando, Tampa
Isabel Gonzalez, KLVE & KRCD/Los Angeles
Juan Martin Ovalle, KOYE/Tyler-Longview, TX
Oscar Rios, KLNO/Dallas
Julie Garza, WYMY/Greensboro, NC
Rogie Gallart, SBS/Puerto Rico
Pedro Escalera, KLZT-FM HD2/Austin, TX
Tony Luna, KLOL-FM/Houston

Sales Manager of the Year
Shirley Davenport, WYMY/Greensboro, NC
Elizabeth Paulina, WSKQ & WPAT/New York
Christian De La Cruz, KRZZ/San Francisco
Candy Cintron, WLZL/Washington, DC
Corinna Ruiz, KOYE/Tyler-Longview, TX
Mauricio Palacios, KISF, KRGT & KLSQ/Las Vegas

General/Market Manager of the Year
Brian Barber, WLKQ & WNSY/Atlanta
Carolina Santamarina, WXDJ, WRMA & WCMQ/Miami
Chris Carillo, KLAX & KXOL/Los Angeles
Ginger Dockery, KOYE/Tyler-Longview, TX
Mark Masepohl, KLNO, KDXX, KFZO & KFLC/Dallas
Roberto Yanez, KHOT, KOMR, KQMR & KHOV/Phoenix

Station of the Year
WCMQ/Miami
KLVE/Los Angeles
WRMA/Miami
KOYE/Tyler-Longview, TX
KGBT/McAllen, TX
WLZL/Washington, DC
WSKQ/New York

Broadcaster of the Year
Jesus Salas, Spanish Broadcasting System
Tomas Martinez, Solmart Media
Carlos Moncada, AL & CM Broadcasting
Mike Flood, KBBX/Omaha (Flood Communications)
Norberto Sanchez, Norsan Media

MONTERO TO RECEIVE SPECIAL HONOR

This year’s awards include the presentation of the Distinguished Leadership Award, which is not presented every year, and to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Hispanic radio. The special award will be presented this year to Francisco (Frank) Montero, managing partner of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.

“There could be no one more deserving than Frank,” Ms. Parenti said. “Frank has dedicated years of service to the Hispanic radio community, actively providing leadership and direction to organizations, including the founding of the Independent Spanish Broadcasters Association, aimed at fostering growth in the Hispanic radio sector.”

Montero was also instrumental in helping start the American Hispanic Owned Radio Association (AHORA). Over the years, he has represented the Hispanic Radio Association, the Puerto Rico Radio Broadcasters Association and served as an advisor to the Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference since its inception, among other significant contributions.

Click here to register for the Hispanic Radio Conference.  Adam R Jacobson, publisher of the Hispanic Market Overview and editor-in-chief of the Radio + Television Business Report, is participating as a moderator on a panel focused on Hispanic and multicultural millennials.

 

Bronze Sponsor

Medallas de Cortez Sponsor

Participating Sponsors

Corporate Sponsor

Media Partners
Headline, Hispanic Radio, Uncategorized

Chris Carillo To Oversee SBS/L.A. As Radlovic Exits Again

Chris Carrillo, a veteran of SBS’s Los Angeles operations who has served as GSM, LSM and as a Sr. AE for the company’s regional Mexican KLAX-FM 97.9 “La Raza” and Latin Rhythmic KXOL-FM “L.A. 96.3,” has been named VP/GM for the Spanish-language duo.

“Chris’s radio experience and acumen are a matter of indisputable record and we’re confident of his leadership abilities in taking our stations to the highest level of operational excellence in the Los Angeles market,” Rodriguez said. “He knows radio, he knows the advertisers, he knows the Company and its people and he’s intimately familiar with our West Coast stations. No one is more qualified to take over the reins of SBS Los Angeles.”

Carillo has also been a Sr. AE for Clear Channel’s radio stations in Los Angeles.

Carillo assumes duties held since mid-July by SBS COO Albert Rodiguez and, prior to that, by Marko Radlovic.

Radlovic exited on July 15 after rejoining SBS/Los Angeles as SVP/West Coast Regional Manager in June 2015.

In that role, he also had oversight of regional Mexican KRZZ-FM 93.3 in San Francisco.

Radlovic had previously held various managerial positions at SBS from 2001 through 2011, including roles as Chief Revenue Officer and COO. From 2011-2005, he served as President/Market Manager for Cumulus Media in Los Angeles.