MediaCo Unveils Estrella Media 2025 Programming Slate, Launches HOT 97 FAST Channel
MediaCo unveiled its 2025 programming slate and a shift in its business strategy at this year's IAB NewFronts, positioning itself as a multicultural, multiplatform media company targeting Hispanic and Black audiences.
Among the key highlights, the company is launching a HOT 97 TV FAST Channel and showcased EstrellaTV's featured programming: Don Cheto Al Aire Live , reality talent show Tengo Talento Mucho Talento: Nueva Era , and Tigres Liga MX Soccer. It also announced expanded content distribution and advertising partnerships.
Following the completion of its acquisition of Estrella Media's operations and broadcast assets on May 1st, MediaCo is looking to bolster its profile and reach by capitalizing on the combined strength of its Spanish-language radio, television and streaming properties across the country, alongside New York urban stations HOT 97 and WBLS, now reaching over 20 million people monthly.
"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," says Albert Rodriguez, Interim CEO.
Most of MediaCo's assets are Estrella Media broadcast and streaming properties whose content is in Spanish. The change in course boils down to economics, explains René Santaella, COO of MediaCo.
"In today's new media and entertainment environment where you are competing against big players and independent creators, success is driven by achieving massive scale with lower operating margins," states Santaella, a former former Sony and Disney ad sales and media executive hired to overhaul Estrella Media's digital division in 2020. "The broader content story doesn't mean you are pivoting from your roots. It means you are being smarter, faster and more innovative on how you are meeting audiences where they are consuming content.There are three critical success factors that drive our focus every day: scale, differentiation and hustle."
A key component of MediaCo's strategy is its expansion into streaming through FAST channels.The new 24/7 HOT 97 TV FAST Channel will feature hip-hop and Afro culture programming, including Summer Jam coverage and Ebro in the Morning . It plans to replicate the Don Cheto Al Aire Live TV and streaming video best practices for Ebro in the Morning .
"The launch of HOT 97 TV is taking an iconic radio brand and making sure it rides the wave of CTV streaming growth," says Santaella,"We are capitalizing on our brands but also our expertise in streaming TV, distribution, monetization and operations."
The company is currently building a new New York studio with specs and capabilities based on what has been done in Burbank for Don Cheto Al Aire , while working closely with talent.
The "new era" of talent show "Tengo Mucho Talento" returns to EstrellaTV after a two-year hiatus. MediaCo
MediaCo also announced new EstrellaTV affiliates in Boston, Springfield (MA), Colorado Springs, and San Angelo (TX), as well as distribution and advertising partnerships with Hemisphere Media, Curiosity Stream, and DO IT Outdoors, further expanding its reach across platforms and audiences.
Here's MediaCo's programming lineup:
EstrellaTV
Don Cheto Al Aire: L.A.'s nationally syndicated morning show, featuring Don Cheto and co-hosts Said, Gisselle, and Chino. now live across EstrellaTV Network, FAST Channel, App, YouTube and Facebook with real-time fan interaction.
Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento: Nueva Era: The talent competition returns after a two-year hiatus with judges Pepe Garza, Los Dos Carnales, Pancho Barraza, and guests.
Tigres Liga MX Soccer: Live Spanish-language coverage of men's and women's Tigres matches on EstrellaTV platforms with expert commentary .
Alarma TV: Viral news show returns with new hosts Hany Portocarrero and Cynthia Alesco, airing nightly at 9PM on EstrellaTV.
L to R: Laura Stylez, Ebro Darden and Peter Rosenberg, hosts of "Ebro in the Morning." MediaCo
HOT 97 TV FAST Channel
Summer Jam Live Special: Exclusive coverage of Hot 97's music festival featuring red carpet arrivals, backstage interviews with top Hip Hop stars.
Ebro in the Morning: Popular morning show now live on both Hot 97 radio and TV, hosted by Ebro Darden, Laura Stylez, and Rosenberg.
Trace Awards 2026: Global celebration of Afro music and culture following the successful 2025 Zanzibar edition that garnered 500 million impressions.
Nessa On Air: Radio personality Nessa brings her voice from radio to screen in a TV show format.
Funk Flex Freestyles: Half-hour series hosted by DJ Funk Flex showcasing iconic hip-hop freestyle sessions past and present, features behind-the-scenes insights.
Bridging Cultures: New Trace series exploring intersections between Afro and Hip Hop culture and their influence worldwide.
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