Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced the debut of the iHeartRadio Hispanic Network.
The broadcaster is expanding a partnership with Mexican and U.S. radio station owner Grupo Radio Centro; GRC will provide live broadcasts from some of its top-rated stations, according to the companies.
GRC’s parent company Grupo Radio Mexico owns and operates 51 radio stations in 13 Mexican markets; those will also be available on iHeartRadio on multiple platforms, including the web, mobile, gaming, home entertainment and automotive.
Later this year, iHeartRadio will get digital distribution rights for GRC stations, including regional Mexican KXOS(FM), Los Angeles. Clear Channel plans to replace local Mexican station ads with consumer-targeted U.S. ads, giving its advertisers “unprecedented access to the Hispanic community,” says CCME Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman, citing the more than 50 million Hispanic population in the U.S.; 65% of those are of Mexican descent.
GRC Chairman/CEO Francisco Aguirre said his company’s stations are “market leaders across all demographics” and the broadcaster anticipates their expansion into the U.S. through the iHeartRadio Hispanic network.
The deal also includes distribution rights to KXOS Spanish-language program “El Show Del Mandril.” Clear Channel’s Premiere Networks will distribute the show.
