Clear Channel To Launch Hispanic Stations Across The USA.

Clear Channel Radio has announced plans to launch a multi-market initiative converting several of their non-performing English stations into Hispanic targeted formats.

The plans consists of converting between 20 – 25 stations that will be flipped in the next 12 to 18 months. Clear Channel currently has 18 stations already targeting Hispanic listeners across the U.S., the addition of the 20 – 25 stations to their current list would give them significant penetration and coverage of the US Hispanic market.

Alfredo Alonso has been named Sr. VP/Hispanic Radio division. Mr. Alonso previously was the Vice Chairman/President/CEO of Mega Communications.

To begin the new phase in the transition the company’s first stations to make the change to Español are FM Talker WMAX/Atlanta and north-suburban simulcast partner WHEL/Helen, GA, which become Spanish Contemporary “Viva 105.1 & 105.3” as WVWA and WWVA, respectively.

“The Hispanic radio audience remains largely underserved, especially outside the largest markets,” said John Hogan, chief executive officer of Clear Channel Radio. “We have a unique opportunity to participate in this rapidly growing, important sector and are committed to creating the highest-quality offering in the market. Alfredo helped create Spanish-language radio more than 15 years ago and his expertise will ensure we deliver the highest-quality programming for this audience.”

“It’s a momentous day for the Spanish radio industry,” said Alonso. “While the strides made in serving the Hispanic radio market have been significant to date, this represents an evolution in Spanish-language radio. My focus will be on identifying opportunities to bring Spanish language radio formats to all-sized markets, with unique radio stations that are as diverse as the Hispanic market itself.”