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Hispanic radio can sell groceries, cell phones, cars, and furniture, but can it sell itself? The radio industry as a whole often complains that agencies are out of touch — that ad execs in New York or L.A. don’t “get” radio’s impact on real consumers. Is this true, or does radio fail to make the most important first sale, selling itself to the agency?

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will keynote the 2017 NAB Show Tuesday, April 25. The address is expected to provide insight into the FCC’s policy and regulatory objectives related to broadcasting, technology and communications law, and regulation. The new FCC Chairman will also be on the April 17 cover of Radio Ink Magazine.

The Long Island newspaper is called This is Country. It's a free, full-color newspaper dedicated to all things country music and will be published quarterly. JCV Long Island Market Manager Bruce Shephard said, “This is Country is the perfect fit for Long Island, lots of interviews, lots of behind-the-scenes pictures, and the country lifestyle all the time."

The station has just won eight Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Association Awards. WTOP’s Chris Core was recognized for his series Core Values in the Editorial category, Kristi King for her “Sip ‘N Shop” feature, and Max Smith in the Individual Reporter category.

The station raised $138,853 with a two-day radiothon, March 2 and 3, and fundraising event. Since 2011, WFLS has raised over $863,000. Steve Waters & Jessica Cash from the 93.3 WFLS Morning Show broadcasted live from 5am - 7pm both days.

The financial situation doesn't seem to be getting any better for radio's second biggest company. A press release states Cumulus has terminated its exchange offer due to the recent court ruling against the company and Cumulus "will continue its evaluation of alternatives to address its capital structure including through ongoing discussions with its stakeholders."

Politics aside, whether you love him or hate him, there is something going on right now that could impact Hispanic radio so badly that stations could be forced to change formats or have difficulty surviving.

The company launched Hot 103.7 FM, a new R&B station, on Friday. The station debuts with the kickoff of “Big Abe in the Morning”, hosted by Abraham “Big Abe” Johnson. Johnson is an on-air veteran in New Orleans and has previously worked as a producer and assistant program director in the market.

For the Radio Ink Hispanic Radio Conference later this month in Fort Lauderdale. If you are not registered yet GO HERE before the price increases tomorrow. Check out the agenda HERE which includes FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly as one of our keynoters.

It's true. The former Univision executive is leaving radio to join Cirque du Soleil. As of April 4th Valle will be the VP of sales for the company, based out of Las Vegas. Valle told Radio Ink he didn't want to leave radio but this opportunity with Cirque is just to epic to pass up. Valle is moderating the Hispanic Radio Executive Leadership Roundtable at our upcoming Hispanic Radio Conference.