Billboard to honor Pablo Raúl Alarcón.

Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) announced that Billboard has posthumously honored Mr. Pablo Raúl Alarcón with its 2009 Hall of Fame Award, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the development of radio and Latin music in the United States. Mr. Raúl Alarcón, Jr. will accept the award at the Billboard Latin Music Conference.

“I am truly honored to accept this award on my father’s behalf. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for radio have made his dreams a reality and helped build the largest Hispanic-controlled radio broadcasting company in the United States,” said Mr. Alarcón, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, Spanish Broadcasting Systems. “I am grateful to Billboard for recognizing my father’s contribution and am humbled to be accepting this award for him during our company’s 25th anniversary.”

Mr. Alarcón, Sr. began his career in Spanish-language radio broadcasting in the early 1950’s when he established his first radio station in Camagüey, Cuba. Upon his arrival in the United States, Mr. Alarcón continued his career in radio broadcasting as an on-air personality for a New York radio station before being promoted to Programming Director. Mr. Alarcón subsequently owned and operated a recording studio and an advertising agency before purchasing SBS’s first radio station and founding the company in 1983.

“During “Mr. Pablo Raul Alarcón’ long, and historic career he made tremendous contributions to Latin music and truly advanced the role Hispanics play in the music world,” said Leila Cobo, Executive Director, Latin Content & Programming, Billboard. “This award is rarely bestowed upon music executives and it is with great pleasure and admiration that we are honoring his legacy with the 2009 Billboard Hall of Fame Award.”