It started with a vision.
Great, defining things usually do.
The year was 2006. News outlets were reporting on a march in Los Angeles — 500,000 people strong — to protest a proposed federal crackdown on illegal immigration.
Streamline Publishing’s Eric Rhoads was watching and listening.
If Hispanic radio and, in particular, radio personality Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo — both credited for playing a significant role in mobilizing participants — could have such a powerful influence, what if Hispanic radio professionals banded together and harnessed their combined influence to expand and enhance its growth?
Out of that question came a vision, resulting in the first Hispanic Radio Conference, held in 2007.
The Hispanic Radio Conference broke important new ground, bringing together the leadership of Hispanic radio.
It also served as a touch point for the sector’s professionals by inspiring stations, brands, advertisers, media companies, and those working in Hispanic radio, and providing them with solid information and ideas on how to better take advantage of current opportunities in not only the Hispanic marketplace, but in the total market.
The Medallas de Cortez awards were established as the only awards dedicated solely to Hispanic radio. They are named in honor of Raoul Cortez, founder of KCOR-AM in San Antonio, the first commercially licensed Spanish-language radio station in the U.S.
This year marks the eighth Hispanic Radio Conference. The conference continues to be an umbrella event for Hispanic broadcasters, providing an annual opportunity to share ideas, discuss and debate challenges in a multi-platform world, and to network in a unified setting.
It’s also grown and evolved, in recognition of the need to look at the bigger picture. As Hispanic stations are now poised to compete more vigorously in markets across the country, it’s increasingly important to look “outside the box.”
In addition to terrific Hispanic radio participants, this year’s Hispanic Radio Conference includes a lot of smart idea creators and innovation makers. Speakers and panelists include representatives from BIA/Kelsey, C-Com, Clip Interactive, Craig Zinn Automotive Group, Fleishman Hillard, Harker Research, NAB, Triton Digital, and Vici Media.
Additionally, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly will provide the opening Keynote address. You’ll not only hear firsthand where he thinks the new FCC is headed, but he will also entertain some of your questions.
What began as a vision in 2006 is today a vibrant conference, eight years strong. Even if you aren’t part of a Hispanic radio station, if you compete with one in your market, you need to be there. What you learn at this conference can help you plan your strategy on the air and in the street tomorrow.
