MediaCo Positions Itself as a Leading Multicultural Multiplatform Powerhouse at 2025 IAB NewFronts
Combining the Strength of Estrella Media, HOT 97, and WBLS, MediaCo Reaches 20 Million People Monthly Across Video, Audio, And Events
New Announcements Include:
- EstrellaTV’s Bold 2025 Programming Slate Featuring Don Cheto Al Aire Live, Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento: Nueva Era, and Tigres Liga MX Soccer
- Launch of HOT 97 TV FAST Channel with Live Summer Jam Special and Daily Ebro in the Morning Live Show
- Expanded Content Distribution and Advertising Partnerships with Hemisphere Media, Curiosity Stream, New EstrellaTV Affiliates, and Local Out-of-Home Media with DO IT Outdoors
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) (“MediaCo”) today unveiled its new slate of multicultural, multiplatform content at the IAB NewFronts 2025, firmly positioning itself as a leader in serving Hispanic and Black audiences. Following the acquisition of Estrella Media’s operations and broadcast assets, MediaCo now reaches over 20 million people each month through its powerful portfolio of brands across video, audio, and events1.
The company also shared that EstrellaTV is the only network among the top four to show single-digit growth in M-F 7p-11p year-to-date. It posted year-over-year gains in 3 of the last 5 months—most notably a +33% surge in April – while Univision, Telemundo, and UniMás all declined during the same period. In Spanish-language FAST channels, MediaCo viewers grew 18% over prior year and ad sales reported that they monetized 101% more video ad impressions over the prior 6 months with more growth ahead.
At its NewFronts presentation, MediaCo announced thousands of hours of new live and interactive programming, highlighted by:
ESTRELLATV PROGRAMMING SLATE
Don Cheto Al Aire Live – The Nationally Syndicated and leading morning show in Los Angeles, ‘Don Cheto Al Aire’ Radio Show is now Live everywhere – EstrellaTV Network, EstrellaTV FAST Channel, EstrellaTV App, YouTube and Facebook and features seamless integration of fan interaction—bringing you real-time comments with listeners and viewers. Don Cheto and his three talented co-hosts – Said, Gisselle, and Chino – have won the hearts of millions of loyal followers in the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America through relevant and irreverent comedy and their spin on current events and the world of music and entertainment every morning.
Tengo Talento, Mucho Talent: Nueva Era – After a two-year hiatus, the award-winning entertainment competition series returns with Pepe Garza, Los Dos Carnales, Pancho Barraza, surprise guest judges and a reimagined competition format for today’s social media driven world. The excitement and drama will be in full force as an energized pool of everyday people from both the United States and Mexico try to become a star and win the $25,000 grand prize.
Tigres Liga MX Soccer – Experience the excitement of every Tigres Liga MX soccer match both men and women with live Spanish-language coverage on EstrellaTV, EstrellaTV FAST and the EstrellaTV App. Each match features passionate commentary, expert analysis, and exclusive access from the stadium, delivering an immersive experience that celebrates the intensity and pride of one of Mexico’s most iconic clubs.
Alarma TV – Alarma TV returns with a new season, now hosted by Hany Portocarrero and Cynthia Alesco! Airing nightly at 9PM on EstrellaTV, the viral news show delivers stunning stories and trending clips to millions of viewers and followers. Get ready for more impact, more drama, and more Alarm TV!
LAUNCH OF HOT 97 TV FAST CHANNEL
MediaCo also announced a new HOT 97 TV FAST Channel bringing the #1 in Hip Hop radio listenership in America to streaming TV. HOT 97 TV is a 24/7 non-stop source for hip-hop and Afro culture. From the street to the big stage, Hot 97 TV will feature programming covering real stories, music, exclusive shows, live events, lifestyle and the voices of influencers pushing the culture including:
Summer Jam Live Special – Experience one of the most iconic music events of the year with the ‘Summer Jam Live Special’ through unparalleled access to the energy and excitement of Hot 97’s legendary festival. From red carpet arrivals to exclusive backstage interviews with today’s biggest Hip Hop music stars and the Who’s Next winner performances, this special gives fans an insider’s look at the stories and moments shaping the event and music today.
Ebro in the Morning – Wake up with Ebro in the Morning, now broadcasting live on both Hot 97 radio and Hot 97 TV! Hosted by the charismatic trio of Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Rosenberg, this dynamic morning show delivers the perfect mix of hot topics, trending news, exclusive interviews, unfiltered commentary on culture and entertainment. What sets Ebro in the Morning apart is its seamless integration of fan interaction—bringing you real-time comments, community video uploads, and direct engagement with listeners and viewers. Whether it’s tackling the latest headlines or sparking thought-provoking conversations, Ebro and the crew keep it real, raw, and relevant every weekday morning.
Trace Awards 2026 – The Trace Awards is the ultimate global celebration of Afro music and culture, uniting the world’s biggest Afro stars and rising talents in an unforgettable event. This prestigious awards show shines a spotlight on the creativity, diversity, and influence of Afro music across the globe. After the amazing success of the 2025 edition in Zanzibar, with more than 500 million TV and digital impressions, the 2026 edition promises breathtaking live performances, electrifying collaborations, and moments that will shape the cultural landscape. From honoring iconic artists to celebrating groundbreaking newcomers, the Trace Awards showcase the heartbeat of Afro music and its vibrant community.
Nessa On Air – Nessa On Air is now available on Hot 97 TV, bringing the bold, unfiltered voice of Nessa from radio to screen in a fresh, TV show format. Known for her magnetic personality and fearless interviews, Nessa dives deep into the latest in hip-hop culture, celebrity news, social issues, and more—now with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, curated highlights, and polished visual storytelling. Each episode is crafted to give fans a front-row seat to Nessa’s signature mix of wit, authenticity, and real talk. Whether she’s chopping it up with today’s biggest stars or spotlighting emerging voices, Nessa On Air delivers must-watch moments, whenever you’re ready to tune in.
Funk Flex Freestyles – Fun Flex Freestyles is the ultimate celebration of hip-hop’s rawest, most unforgettable moments, hosted by the legendary DJ Fun Flex. This half-hour series brings together the most iconic freestyle sessions past and present, offering fans an exclusive look at the artistry, energy, and stories behind each performance. From breakout moments of future superstars to unexpected surprises, Flex delivers behind-the-scenes insights and personal anecdotes that highlight the passion, skill, and spontaneity of the culture.
Bridging Cultures – Bridging Cultures is a groundbreaking new Trace series on Hot 97 TV that explores the dynamic intersections between Afro culture and Hip Hop culture across the globe. From Lagos to London and New York City to Los Angeles, the series captures how music, fashion, art, and street culture are blending, influencing, and redefining each other in powerful ways. Through vibrant storytelling, exclusive interviews, and real moments on the ground, Bridging Cultures shines a light on the artists, creators, and communities driving this global cultural revolution.
EXPANDED CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AND AD SALES INITIATIVES
In addition to its content expansion, MediaCo announced several key distribution and advertising partnerships:
- Ad Sales Representation for Hemisphere Media’s FAST Channels (WAPA+, Todos Novelas, Más Pasiones, Todo Cine)
- FAST Channel Distribution Expansion for Curiosity Stream Spanish-language content – Curiosity Explora, Curiosity Motores and Curiosity Animales
- New EstrellaTV Affiliates in Boston, Colorado, and Texas
- Local Advertising Solutions through a new partnership with DO IT Outdoors
The announcements were made by Albert Rodriguez, Interim CEO, MediaCo; René Santaella, COO, MediaCo; Ivan Stoilkovich, EVP Video Operations & Development; and Nessa Host Hot 97.
“It’s a new day for Estrella Media, Hot 97, and WBLS — now together under MediaCo. We have built an organization capable of delivering unparalleled solutions across video, audio, and events for national and local advertisers on all platforms, reaching vibrant multicultural Hispanic and Black audiences,” said Albert Rodriguez, Interim CEO, MediaCo.
“Our focus is on driving innovation in content, technology, and distribution to super-serve multicultural audiences in today’s multiplatform world. We are going big in 2025 with thousands of hours of new original content driven by live and interactive experiences and making it available for free on all platforms. Everyone wins,” said René Santaella, COO, MediaCo.
1Source: Nielsen Media TV and Audio Research, Amagi and Custom FAST Channel Apps, YouTube and Facebook Subscribers. Specific sourcing available upon request.
ABOUT MEDIACO
MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, diverse-targeted media business. MediaCo stands at the forefront of entertainment and news, uniquely positioned as a leader in reaching multicultural audiences. Through its diverse portfolio of digital, television and radio properties including EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Hot 97, WBLS and Que Buena LA, MediaCo engages over 20 million people every month, delivering a dynamic mix of free, ad-supported streaming and terrestrial entertainment, music, and news across all major media platforms and on all devices. More info at www.mediacoholding.com.
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