MediaCo, which operates marquee urban radio stations HOT 97 and WBLS 107.5 in New York City, will be adding Estrella Media’s Spanish-language video, audio, and digital content operations under the same umbrella.
MediaCo announced that it has acquired all of Estrella Media’s network, content, digital, and commercial operations. Among the Estrella Media brands joining MediaCo are the EstrellaTV network and its influential linear and digital video content business, and Estrella Media’s expansive digital channels, including its four FAST channels, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Cine EstrellaTV, and Estrella Games, and the EstrellaTV app. The transaction closed on April 17, 2024.
MediaCo, which operates marquee urban radio stations HOT 97 and WBLS 107.5 in New York City, will be adding Estrella Media’s Spanish-language video, audio, and digital content operations under the same umbrella.
This transaction will also allow MediaCo to reach the established audiences of Estrella Media’s market-leading Regional Mexican radio stations, including Que Buena Los Angeles, home of the Don Cheto Al Aire nationally syndicated morning radio show, La Raza in Houston and Dallas, and El Norte in Houston.
The combined footprint of MediaCo positions it as one of the strongest radio content providers for Spanish and Urban music in both terrestrial radio and audio streaming. These audiences represent almost one third of the U.S. population and 100% of the consumer growth in the marketplace.
Jacqueline Hernández, an established media executive, will lead the company as the Interim CEO. Ms. Hernandez, who most recently served as CEO and Founder of New Majority Ready, a multicultural marketing and content strategy firm, has previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Telemundo, as well as Chief Marketing Officer at NBCUniversal Hispanic Enterprises, and recently served as a board member of Estrella Media.
“This combination of tested media brands and talented teams will fuel growth of content and distribution for the benefit of our multicultural audiences,” said Ms. Hernández. “We believe this combination is the first step in building a unique multicultural media company that will reach diverse U.S. audiences wherever they choose to consume content and create value for marketers working to reach these important audiences.”
“This leverages the strengths of two great companies to build something new,” said Deb McDermott, Chair of MediaCo. “We are committed to representing and serving the Hispanic marketplace, as well as continuing to represent and grow the diverse audience that MediaCo already serves. We see a need for media brands to embrace opportunities with all audiences, and Estrella Media is a key part of our growth strategy.”
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for MediaCo,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, current President and COO of MediaCo. “As we embark on this next chapter, we see a great opportunity to combine our strengths and capabilities to redefine how we deliver media to our diverse audiences.”
“This is a natural next step in the evolution of Estrella Media’s content operations to better serve our important U.S. Hispanic audience,” said Peter Markham, CEO of Estrella Media. “This transaction helps secure a bright and growing future for MediaCo to become the preeminent media company serving the multicultural audiences who drive ad spend ROI and brand growth.”
As part of the transaction, Estrella Media will continue to own and operate its local radio and television stations, while MediaCo provides the innovative programming and content to which their audiences have grown accustomed. MediaCo will also work to increase distribution with other broadcast partners, as well as to grow digital streaming, CTV, and AVOD assets.
