Biggest U.S. Radio Network To Boost Spanish-language Stations

MIAMI, United States (AFP) - Clear Channel, the largest US radio network, plans to boost its Spanish-language programming by changing languages at some 20-25 if its stations, the company said.

Clear Channel has 1,200 radio stations across the country, 18 of which pffer Spanish-language programs. But over the next 18 months it will make the change to Spanish at 20-25 more for music or news.

"My focus will be on identifying opportunities to bring Spanish language radio formats to all-sized markets, with unique radio stations that are as diverse as the Hispanic market itself", said Alfredo Alonso, a Spanish-language radio pioneer in the United States who was hired to lead the shift.

"The Hispanic radio audience remains largely underserved, especially outside the largest markets," added John Hogan, chief of the radio division of Clear Channel.

As many as 40 million Hispanics live in the United States, and have become the country's largest minority.