MediaCo Holding, Parent Of Hot 97 and WBLS Radio, Acquires Estrella Media Spanish Language Operations

MediaCo Holding Inc. 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 linear and digital video content business, along with its digital channels.

The transaction closed on April 17 and terms were not revealed.

“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,” said the MediaCo Holding statement.

MediaCo operates marquee urban radio stations Hot 97 and WBLS 107.5 in New York City. The transaction will allow MediaCo to reach the 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 a leading radio content provider for Spanish and Urban music in terrestrial radio and audio streaming.

Jacqueline Hernández will lead the company as the Interim CEO. 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 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.”

As part of the transaction, Estrella Media will continue to own and operate its local radio and television stations, while MediaCo provides the 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.