October 15-16, 2020 Miami Fl
In 2007, Radio Ink launched the first Hispanic Radio Conference. It was an idea that sprang from a news story receiving widespread coverage across broadcast and cable news networks. Massive (peaceful) crowds had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and elsewhere during the spring of 2006 to demonstrate against an immigration bill that was then pending in Congress. Funny how much, and yet how little, has changed. Eric Rhoads was inspired to act by something he knew instinctively. Nonetheless, he was mesmerized by seeing it in action once again. It was the power of radio its ability to persuade and move listeners. In this particular instance, Eddie “Piolin” Sotelo and other popular Hispanic radio personalities had engaged their audiences across the country in a common cause. That joint call to action resulted in major demonstrations, proving the adage about strength in unity. And it provoked an idea: if Hispanic radio could mobilize the listening masses, why couldn’t its leadership do the same with advertisers, financial backers, and other business interests by using their combined influence to grow its voice within the industry?