A Note from Eric Rhoads, Chairman/Publisher of Radio Ink Magazine

Dear Broadcasters and Advertisers:

Hispanic Radio has become a critically important element of radio listening throughout the United States. Gone are the days when Hispanic radio was heard only regionally. Today, Hispanic radio is a monumental part of our industry. Here are some demographic facts.

• More than three-quarters of Hispanic Americans/Latinos live in the West and South; half of all Hispanics live in just two states: Texas and California.
• The Hispanic population has increased by more than 50 percent since 1990.
• People of Mexican origin represent the largest group of Hispanic Americans/Latinos at 58.5 percent, followed by Puerto Ricans (9.6 percent), and Cuban Americans (3.5 percent).
• Some counties in nontraditional Hispanic states, such as Georgia and North Carolina, have sizeable Hispanic populations.
• Thirty-five percent of Hispanic Americans/Latinos are less than 18 years of age.
• The median age for Hispanic Americans/Latinos is 25.9 years.

It used to be that Hispanic Radio was a speciality understood only by Hispanic broadcasters. Today, all radio companies are considering Hispanic programming, because every market in America will need Hispanic programming. Large radio groups are forming Hispanic radio divisions. Small groups are converting some stations to Hispanic formats. Hispanic radio is a market within a market; and like non-Hispanic radio, there will be a need for Hispanic programming in all demographics. Multiple Hispanic formats are evolving.

It is my belief that there is need for UNITY amoung Hispanic Radio operators. This industry-within-an-industry needs unity to strengthen its opportunity with advertisers. Though competition will always exist between operators, they will all benefit if all radio ships rise with tide of industry growth. By finding a unified way to build Hispanic radio and increase its tools, its opportunities, and its sophistication, we will see growth as an industry.

It is time that Hispanic Radio has its own conference. Therefore, Radio Ink launched the first Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in 2007 (May 22-23). This conference explored the opportunities, needs, and ways to build the industry and direct its future. We only expected about 100 people in this first year of the event and had close to 300 people! Our second annual event will be held on May 19-20th at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami and we will continue the tradition.

If you are involved in Hispanic radio at any level of management, programming, ownership, marketing, sales or advertising, I ask your support for this first conference to ensure success and a means of building together in the future. A giant piece of radio's future will be determined by Hispanic audiences.

I guarantee that this will be a positive, enlightening experience. It will help you grow personally and help grow your business. If you're not in Hispanic radio but think it's in your future, we hope you'll consider attending.

Sincerely,

B. Eric Rhoads
Publisher

PS: This conference will be presented in English.