Raul Alarcon Jr.
Chairman/President/CEO, Spanish Broadcasting System
A radio kingpin with the independence to make his multiplatform dreams come true
What makes Spanish Broadcasting System a crucial partner for Latin artists? A multiplatform approach that uses the strength of its 20 stations in the top U.S. Hispanic markets to power radio, touring, TV and digital. “Exciting opportunities continue to abound in music entertainment if you can leverage multiple platforms that simultaneously serve audiences and advertisers,” Raul Alarcon Jr. says.
As head of the company and majority shareholder, Alarcon has the ability to quickly implement new strategies. This month SBS will launch AIRE National Networks, which will sell and syndicate Spanish-language entertainment to more than 90 affiliated stations. And SBS’ new LaMusica.com digital platform will include an artist development component.
SBS Entertainment, the company’s live entertainment division, had a 120% year-over-year increase in ticket sales in 2013 to 284,000. The division undertook tour production and promotion for Carlos Vives and Ricardo Arjona — respectively the second and fifth highest-grossing U.S. Latin tours of 2013, according to Billboard Boxscore.
“I believe significant opportunities for the music industry are to be found in Latin America,” Alarcon says when asked about investing outside of his core business. “I’m equally convinced there’s a profusion of new talent waiting to be discovered and exploited. Certainly, audiences are clamoring for it.”