New York’s Daily News this week decided to shut down its weekly Spanish-language publication Hora Hispana. The move comes barely one year after relaunching it, and a few weeks before its signature Puerto Rican Parade special issue, one of its largest.
Both Maité Junco and Rodolfo Quebleen, who were charged with editorial duties, have been let go. Staff was notified Thursday about the decision and as of Friday morning they were already packing their belongings. One sales rep and a designer were also let go.
A Daily News spokespman confirmed Hora Hispana was shut down, saying simply “There was not enough advertising to support it.” The spokesman also said Viva, a monthly, English-language section inside the Daily News, is expected to continue. Junco was editor of Viva, so it is yet unclear who will be producing it. A Latino weekly section inside the paper is also expected to continue.
Launched in 2004, Hora Hispana printed 120,000 copies and was distributed to targeted neighborhoods in New York City and Hudson County and New Jersey with the highest percentage of Hispanics. The newspaper covered topics relevant to Hispanics living in the New York City area. It featured New York City journalists including Albor Ruiz and José Simián, who wrote about politics, music and immigration.