As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, Noticias Newswire presents an exclusive interview with Emmy Award-winning journalist Mercedes Soler, who emphasizes the enduring power of radio in engaging Hispanic audiences. This conversation is particularly timely as it coincides with a celebration of Hispanic contributions and achievements in the U.S.
In an in-depth discussion with Bill Gato, CEO of Noticias Newswire and co-editor of Hispanic PR Blog, Soler elaborates on her transition from television journalism to radio entrepreneurship. Together with her husband, Tomás Martínez, Soler co-founded Solmart Media in 2014. The network comprises seven Spanish-language radio stations that serve over 1.5 million listeners in Southwest and Central Florida.
Soler's career is marked by her role as a founding anchor of Univision's Primer Impacto, a groundbreaking news show where she spent two decades. She further solidified her reputation at CNN en Español before venturing into radio with Solmart Media. Her journey reflects a commitment to connecting with the growing Hispanic market through radio.
The 54-minute interview stands out for its documentary-style production, featuring dynamic visuals like photos, videos, maps, and animations that enhance Soler's insights. These visual elements make the interview an immersive experience, exploring topics such as radio's resilience in the digital age and its unique community engagement.
Nielsen data highlights that 97% of U.S. Hispanics tune into radio monthly, making it the most widely consumed media among this demographic, surpassing TV and digital platforms. Soler emphasizes this point, stating, "There’s no other media that people go back to, that people trust, that holds your hand, that becomes your friend on a daily basis, like radio. Not television, not cable, not streaming, not phone, not Spotify, not social media. Radio is not only not dead. Radio is the strongest force in media today."
This interview is particularly significant for marketers and PR professionals aiming to connect with the Hispanic market. During Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the rich history and contributions of Hispanics in the U.S., Soler's story of entrepreneurship and media innovation serves as an inspiring example.
Key takeaways from the interview include the surprising ways radio outpaces other media in reaching Hispanic audiences and insights into how Soler and her husband built Solmart Media to serve Hispanic communities in Florida. Additionally, understanding the Regional Mexican music format is highlighted as crucial for marketers targeting U.S. Hispanics. The interview also underscores the continued relevance of press releases and authentic media pitches in Hispanic radio.
The full-length interview offers invaluable lessons for Hispanic PR professionals, entrepreneurs, and marketers. To watch the interview, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtAmbW6eYI. To read the full transcript, click here.
