Radio Bilingüe is experiencing its first leadership change in the Latino radio network’s 45 years. Founder and long-serving executive director, Hugo Morales, will now share his role with newly appointed co-director José Martínez Saldaña.
This shift was announced on the network’s Línea Abierta program. Saldaña, coming from a background in youth-focused non-profit leadership, joins Morales in a trial co-executive arrangement that will be evaluated after a year. His journey is deeply rooted in the immigrant experience, having moved to the United States from Michoacán at age eight.
Saldaña’s career has largely focused on assisting high school students, including many from migrant backgrounds, to access higher education.
This leadership change coincides with operational shifts within the network. María Araña has transitioned from director of operations to a role as producer and senior advisor, with José Morán stepping in as the new director of operations.
The Spanish-language news and talk network, originating in California, owns stations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, with programming heard across the continental US as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. Since 1976, Radio Bilingüe has evolved into the largest Spanish-language public radio network in the United States, dedicated to delivering educational and informative content to Latino and indigenous audiences.
Radio Bilingüe was awarded a $2 million grant from the State of California in November. This funding, sourced from the State General Funds, will facilitate the expansion of Radio Bilingüe’s facility in Fresno. The enhanced facility will feature areas specifically designed for youth radio education and community events.
