ESPN, Inc. announced that 1050 AM will be the new home of ESPN Deportes Radio, the 24/7 national Spanish-language sports radio network in the U.S., starting September, 2012 to coincide with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month (Sept.15- Oct. 15). ESPN Radio’s New York station will be heard on 98.7 FM beginning April 30 and will simulcast content on both stations until the launch of ESPN Deportes Radio. The radio network expands its reach rounding out its coverage in the top 10 U.S. Hispanic markets by offering the first and only Spanish-language sports radio station in the NY metropolitan area.
“As part of ESPN's continual commitment to serve the U.S. Hispanic sports fan, we are thrilled to provide New York fans with a sports station that offers culturally relevant programming in Spanish,” said Freddy Rolon, Vice President of ESPN Deportes Programming and Business Initiatives. “The launch of ESPN Deportes Radio will also provide advertisers and marketers a unique opportunity to reach local Hispanics sports fans in this market.”
ESPN Deportes Radio’s expansion into this key market will round its reach in the top 10 U.S. Hispanic markets, reaching close to 80 percent of the U.S. Hispanic population. Recently, the network has taken big leaps in expanding its distribution, including the addition of 97.5 FM in Chicago early this year. ESPN Deportes currently has 45 affiliates nationwide.
“Since we opened our doors in 2005, ESPN Deportes Radio has experienced tremendous growth across the nation.” said Rolon. ” We continue to connect with the Hispanic sports fan by providing up-to-the-minute news, a portfolio of events that is unparalleled in audio and a forum for passionate discourse.”
In 2012, ESPN Deportes Radio has offered over 300 hours of live sports events are scheduled for the year in addition to a wide variety of sports talk programming. Events include: Euro 2012, Mexican League Soccer; Spain’s La Liga, Copa Libertadores, CONCACAF Champions League, and MLS, among others. The network is also the Spanish-language radio home of Major League Baseball’s regular season games every Sunday as well as the All-Star Game, League Championship Series and World Series.
