The multicultural media company with Albert Rodriguez at the helm that owns heritage New York audio brands WBLS and WQHT “HOT 97,” along with the Spanish-language Estrella TV network, is seeking to “strengthen and expand” its news operations across its U.S. Hispanic consumer-targeted television, audio, digital, and streaming platforms.
This has led to bringing on a former President of News for the Univision network as a Senior Advisor.
Alina Falcón will focus her efforts on working with MediaCo’s news leadership to enhance editorial strategy and expand Spanish-language political coverage as the industry prepares for the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
“Spanish-speaking audiences deserve journalism that reflects the issues shaping their communities,” said Falcón, who has also served as Executive VP of News at Telemundo. “MediaCo has an important opportunity to expand trusted news coverage and deepen its connection with multicultural audiences.”
Interestingly, Kelly Boan, a Director of News & Marketing at Standard Media Group, which has agreed to part ways with all of its stations in the wake of its failed merger with TEGNA, was quoted in the MediaCo release. Boan holds the same role for Todd Parkin-owned Rincon Broadcasting Group, suggesting that Soohyung Kim‘s investment in both MediaCo and Rincon will bring a closer union of the two entities in the coming months.
“Alina’s experience leading some of the most influential Spanish-language news organizations in the country brings tremendous value to MediaCo’s newsroom strategy,” said Boan. “Her leadership will help strengthen coverage and ensure Hispanic audiences have access to the news and information that matters most as we approach the 2026 election cycle.”
