Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Keywords

Spanish-language radio, Radio Sol, Spanish-language radio consolidation

Abstract

This study draws evidence from trends in Spanish-language radio proliferation and media consolidation to examine how the nation’s fastest growing ethnic group is served by this key news and information medium.

Latinos establishing themselves in historically non-Latino urban areas are statistically likely to turn to radio for information. However, the quality of programming can vary significantly and, in many cases, is exclusively entertainment produced outside the region. Local programming has been threatened by growth and consolidation, which have led to large corporations holding most stations in urban markets. Networks that distribute canned programming to their outlets ignore listener’s need for local news and information.

A case study of Seattle’s Radio Sol KKMO-AM 1360 shows the essential role locally produced programming plays in one such emerging Latino urban area. Radio Sol is often the only comprehensive source for stories in which the Latino voice is heard. Locally produced content enfranchises listeners with information Spanish speakers need to access services and participate in democracy.

Publication Title

Journal of Spanish Language Media

Volume

2

First Page

127

Last Page

141

Required Publisher's Statement

Copyright is owned by the author.

Journal name change in 2014: International Journal of Hispanic Media

Link to journal issue provided by publisher: http://ttunewscentral.com/zspanishmedia/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/vol-22009.pdf

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Hispanic Americans and mass media; Hispanic American--Social conditions; Radio broadcasting--Social aspects; Radio audiences--Seattle (Wash.)--Hispanic Americans

Geographic Coverage

Seattle (Wash.)

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

Download
COinS