Hispanic Radio Shines: Medallas de Cortez Celebrate Industry Legends

Houston, TX, USA - The recent announcement of the 2025 Medallas de Cortez award winners marks a highlight at the Hispanic Radio Conference, which took place in Houston on June 11. This annual event celebrates significant achievements in Hispanic radio and multicultural marketing, underscoring the vital role this media sector plays in connecting communities. The conference, organized by Radio Ink, successfully gathered innovators, decision-makers, and broadcasters for two days filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities.

The most prestigious accolade, the Medallas de Cortez Lifetime Leadership Award, was bestowed upon Alex López Negrete, the President, CEO, and Co-Founder of López Negrete Communications. His remarkable leadership and contributions to Hispanic media have notably shaped the industry’s landscape. The awards themselves honor the legacy of Raoul Cortez, the pioneer who launched the first Spanish-language radio station in the United States, KCOR, back in 1946.

A Stellar Lineup of Award Winners

This year’s awards recognized an impressive roster of individuals and organizations among the peer-nominated finalists. The winners include:

These winners will be featured in the June issue of Radio Ink, highlighting their notable contributions to the industry.

Conference Highlights

During the conference, the opening keynote was presented by José Cancela, President of Telemundo Station Group, who focused on transformational leadership within the Spanish-language media sector. His discussions on the evolution of audience dynamics and the industry’s adaptation to revenue disruption captivated attendees. Furthermore, a significant session featured Raúl Alarcón, President/CEO of Spanish Broadcasting System, who shared his insights on „The Future of Hispanic Radio,“ marking his return to leadership after an impactful tenure with SBS.

Topics on the agenda included the implications of AI on radio, engaging Gen Z audiences while preserving heritage formats, and innovative strategies for local revenue building. Notably, media strategist Peter Remington encouraged attendees to embrace modern digital tools for radio advertising, pushing the boundaries of traditional marketing methods.

As discussed at the conference, the challenges and opportunities facing Hispanic radio will surely shape its future, particularly as it grapples with changing demographics and technological advancements.

With an emphasis on fostering community and recognizing excellence, the Hispanic Radio Conference continues to pave the way for growth and innovation in an ever-evolving landscape. For those interested in diving deeper into this vibrant community, registration for future events is already open, and more details can be found on the conference’s official site here.