Photo: Spanish Broadcasting System

Since 2004 Gloria Broussard, known to her listeners as Gloria B, has called WPAT AMOR 93.1 FM, a New York radio station, home.  Nearly 600,000 Latinos in New York listen to her show from 10 am to 3 pm every week. 
 
According to promotional materials, one of the main attractions to the show is Gloria B’s real life close relationship with her listeners many of whom call in daily to speak with her. She created “La encuesta del día,” a daily segment that airs everyday at noon. During the show Gloria B corresponds through e-mail and fax with her fans while she is on air. Listeners can also get in contact with Gloria B through her private cell phone and when they leave her voice messages she plays them on the air throughout the show.
 
The Gloria B show was ranked 15 during its first two years. According to the Arbitron Radio Market Ratings for New York Spring 2007 (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), her show has skyrocketed to the top third spot in the tri-state area. It is also the second most popular among women overall.

Perhaps what attracts fans is her humanity and willingness to share painful and embarrassing aspects of her life. During the show, Gloria B has shared her struggles with life from a hangover to ovarian cancer. She apologized on the air for failing to make her credit card payment on time.

Broussard’s radio career began in 1993. She first worked as an assistant program director for WSKQ 97.9. She rose to Metro Traffic’s news and traffic reporter for radio stations WADO, WSKQ, WXLX, and WLIR from 1994 to 1996. In 2000, Broussard worked with “Al Despertar,” a Univision Channel 41 news program. In 2002, she shared entertainment news and  gossip from New York as part of “Cotorreando” on Telemundo.

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is one of the largest publicly traded Hispanic-controlled media and entertainment companies in the United States. SBS owns and operates 20 radio stations located in Hispanic markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico.

“Emotional Branding: How to capture the heart and mind of the Hispanic consumer” audio recording

“Emotional Branding” was recorded January 2007 during the Strategic Research Institute 13th Annual Blockbuster Marketing to U.S. Hispanic and Latin America conference in Miami, Florida. Receive a free downloadable copy by completing our Visitor Survey.

 Click here to receive a free copy of Emotional Branding

 Jaime Kalfus, chief insights officer, The Bravo Group

Photo: The Bravo Group

New York, New York — The Bravo Group appointed Jaime Kalfus chief insights officer. In her new role Kalfus will be responsible for overall development of strategic and account planning functions at The Bravo Group.  

“Jaime brings fresh thinking to the way that we understand and connect with our consumers,” said Linda De Jesús-Cutler, chief operating officer and president, The Bravo Group. “She will inspire those around her toward the development of powerful ideas and breakthrough creative.”

Most recently, Kalfus was associate director of Brand Planning at Deutsch where she served as the interim leader of the department. In that role, she was responsible for the strategic planning on the agency’s largest client of J&J/McNeil and directed the brand vision on the Olympus new business win. Kalfus also provided mentorship to the eight brand planners in the department, assisting with growth plans for their development.
Prior to Deutsch, Kalfus spent most of her career at Young & Rubicam Brands.

“I believe there is a real opportunity for Bravo, as a pioneer in multicultural marketing, to continue to push thought leadership about the power and uniqueness of different segments of our society,” said Kalfus. “My team and I hope to infuse the entire agency with a spirit of curiosity that will result in innovative solutions to drive our clients’ businesses forward.”

The Bravo Group, a Young & Rubicam Brands company, is an agency with over 27 years serving multi-national companies trying to reach consumers within the U.S. Hispanic marketplace. Established in 1980, The Bravo Group creates marketing programs that include research and strategic planning, advertising, interactive and digital, direct, promotional and event marketing, media planning/buying, branded entertainment and public relations. The company is headquartered in New York.

Hispanic Marketing and Public Relations Understanding and Targeting America’s Largest Minority book

“A must resource for practitioners/professionals expecting to reach US Hispanics; also valuable for college programs in marketing, public relations and communications. Highly recommended.”

 Choice magazine

Click here to buy Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations today!

Deborah Von Brod, director of Music and Media Licensing, MegaTV

Photo: MegaTV

Miami, Florida - Mega TV WSBS-22, an affiliate of Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) appointed Deborah Von Brod director of Music and Media Licensing. Von Brod’s duties will include the licensing and authorizing of music content on MegaTV shows, websites, concerts, and special events. In the new position, she will be working closely with authors and publishers, American Society of Composers, BMI, and Society of European Stage Authors & Composers as well as managing contacts with Sony-BMG, EMI Music, Warner Music Latino, and Universal Music Group.

“Deborah Von Brod is a vital addition to MEGA TV,” said Cynthia Hudson, chief creative officer and executive vice president, SBS. “With her valuable experience as a producer and Senior Director for various music and recording projects, she has a unique expertise in planning, contract negotiation, event marketing, acquisitions, licenses, publications, and legal matters. Deborah will be an integral member of the team, and we welcome her to the SBS family.”

Previously, Von Brod worked on more than 20 variety shows for Sony-BMG Music, EMI and WEA Latina with Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Chayanne. In addition, Von Brod has also worked on 35 shows for Pepsi Music Latin America that aired in 14 different countries, 24 shows performed on 16 different cruise lines around the world and two biographical documentaries for The Discovery Channel Latin America and Iberia for which she received an Emmy nomination.

“Latino Family Dynamics” audio recording

 Brenda Hurley and Liria Barbosa

Find out

Marissa Lopez, West Coast assistant manager, Peermusic

Photo: Peermusic

Los Angeles, California - Independent music publisher peermusic promoted Marissa Lopez to West Coast assistant manager, peermusic Latin. Lopez was formerly West Coast creative assistant for the Latin Division. In her new role, she will oversee administrative activities for the West Coast Latin division of peermusic and work closely with talent.
 
She will be responsible for new artist recruitment, song placement, and maintening peermusic’s existing Latin roster. In addition to nurturing the careers of artists such as Upground, Charanga Cakewalk and Los Pinguos, Marissa will work in tandem with peer’s Spanish-language catalog.
 
“Marissa has played an integral role in the growth of the Latin Division of peermusic, and in her new role she will continue to keep peermusic at the cutting edge of the Latin industry,” said Yvonne Gomez, Latin creative director for peermusic West Coast and Mexico. “We are so proud of her and feel honored to have someone with Marissa’s talent and unparalleled work ethic as part of the peermusic Latin team.”
 
Born and raised just outside of Los Angeles, Marissa joined peermusic in 2003. Prior to joining the music publisher, Marissa worked for La Banda Elastica, a Latin rock magazine and marketing firm; where she directed promotions, oversaw LBE Group marketing campaigns for various corporate clients including Bromley Corp., Arenas Group, Tower Records, Watcha Tour and Batanga. She was also executive assistant to the company presidents. 

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 35 offices in 27 countries. With a quarter of a million country, blues, jazz, pop, Latin, and rock ‘n’ roll titles in the company’s catalogue, peermusic is one of the largest privately owned companies of its kind in the world.

Reach Hispanics online today with

“Marketing to Hispanics Online” audio recording

Identifying and characterizing the booming Hispanic online market

Joel Bary, Alex Carvallo and Matias Perel

Find out about

• The 16 million Latino online users
• Latino online users by gender
• What they do online
• Their language preferences
• How to reach Hispanic urban youth online
• What affects their online behavior
• What influences their purchases

Click here to purchase an audio recording about marketing to Hispanics online

Frank Escobedo, associate publisher, The Business Press and La Prensa

Photo:  Press-Enterprise Company

Frank Escobedo was recently appointed associate publisher of The Business Press and La Prensa. The new position was created to consolidate the Affiliated Products Group of The Press-Enterprise Company; to extend and expand the company’s affiliated products; and to develop and launch other targeted niche media products for the communities and businesses in the fast-growing inland southern California marketplace.

“Frank is a well-rounded media executive and brings a wealth of experience, a strong record of success, innovation and a passion for serving the business and Latino communities,” said Ron Redfern, chief executive officer of The Press-Enterprise Company. “It’s a privilege to have someone of his talent leading the growth of our affiliated products group, and we’re delighted he has joined our team.”

Escobedo most recently served as general manager of La Voz Publishing, LLC, where he led the Hispanic initiatives for The Arizona Republic. During that time, he developed and grew a number of Spanish-language media products for the Phoenix community. He began his career with the Laredo Morning Times, where he occupied a number of positions in advertising, eventually becoming vice president and general manager. During his tenure at the Laredo Morning Times, he increased revenue and spearheaded a team that created a Web presence for the paper.

“I am very pleased to be joining The Press-Enterprise Company, and I look forward to working in the dynamic community of the Inland Empire,” said Escobedo. “The PE has a reputation for outstanding journalism, a commitment to community, and I pledge to continue to uphold the high standards already in place. My family and I also look forward to becoming active members of the community and making this area our new home.”

The Press-Enterprise Company is a subsidiary of Dallas-based Belo Corporation. A Fortune 1000 company, Belo owns 19 television stations, four daily newspapers. The Company also owns or operates seven cable news channels and more than 30 websites.

Discover how to reach Latinos in language today with

“Hispanic Market Translation Issues” audio recording

Presenter Martha E. Galindo

Translation company owner Martha E. Galindo explains

• Why it’s important to reach your clients in language 
• Ins and outs of translations issues
• How to select a translator
• What to expect
• How to save on translation costs
• Much more

Click here to purchase Hispanic Market Translation Issues

Photo: The Bravo Group

New York, New York - The Bravo Group recently hired Tony Sarroca as chief creative officer. An executive with over 20 years of advertising experience, Sarroca joins The Bravo Group from Prolam Young & Rubicam in Santiago, Chile.

At his previous job he was partner and chief creative officer. In 2001, was voted best creative director in Chile by El Ojo de Iberoamérica. This year the same festival ranked him amongst the top 20 creative directors in the region.

“Bravo’s focus continues to be to deliver outstanding creative work. Tony will be a great asset as the agency’s chief creative officer to build on the incredible momentum that Bravo has had so far this year and shepherd the work for our longtime clients and our recent new business wins,” said Linda De Jesús-Cutler, chief operating officer and president, The Bravo Group.

Prior to his work with Prolam Young & Rubicam he was creative director at McCann-Erickson, where he was responsible for the creative work on global brands such as Coca-Cola, Gillette, Goodyear, Esso and General Motors. Sarroca began his career as a copywriter for AMW/J. Walter Thompson.

The Bravo Group, a Young & Rubicam Brands company, is an agency with over 25 years serving multi-national companies trying to reach consumers within the U.S. Hispanic marketplace. Established in 1980, The Bravo Group creates marketing programs that include research and strategic planning, advertising, interactive/digital, direct, promotional and event marketing, media planning/buying, branded entertainment and public relations. The company is headquartered in New York.

Target Latinos effectively by anticipating changes in the market with

“Hispanic Projections” audio recording

Presenter Roger Selbert, Ph.D.

Find out

Click here for details on “Hispanic Projections”

Rick Najera, head of Current Programming and Development, LATV

Photo: LATV

Los Angeles, California – LATV hired Rick Najera to develop new shows and genres and build on the success of existing programs. He will be head of Current Programming and Development. Under Najera’s direction, LATV’s lineup will feature live real-time programs airing at 7 p.m. ET or 4p.m. PT. The programs are expected to feature interactive segments with the audience in-studio and at home via telephone, email, Internet chat and text.

“After seeing Rick’s theatrical release of ‘Latinologues,’ my first thought was that he would be a great fit for LATV. Not only does he have great insight into U.S. culture, but Rick is talented in many areas of our business,” said Danny Crowe, president and founder, LATV. “Rick has worked successfully at the highest levels of the English- and Spanish-language creative worlds; and, as an established writer, director, producer, and actor, he is well equipped to guide our staff through LATV’s national launch as well as drive the future growth and success of the network.”

“It’s exciting to be working with such a great group of young professionals,” said Najera. “LATV was the first channel to offer bilingual, bicultural television and set the bar for this genre. What impressed me about LATV is that even though until now they could only be seen in Southern California, they have already created a national brand. They have produced entertaining television with young Latinos behind and in front of the camera. With LATV’s national launch, we hope to inspire as well as to entertain. LATV will continue to be a true alternative to general programming.”
 
Najera, an award-winning writer and producer, has been honored twice by Hispanic Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Latinos in America.” A writer on groundbreaking television comedies such as “MAD TV” and In “Living Color,” he is the writer, director, producer and creator of his own comedy, “Latinologues.” 

This compilation of comedic and poignant monologues most recently ran for 16 weeks on Broadway.  According to promotional materials it is the first Latino written, created, directed, produced comedy with an all-starring Latino cast in the history of Broadway. 

Najera has received two consecutive Writers Guild of America Award nominations for Outstanding Achievement and Best Writing in a Comedy/Sketch Series for his writing for “MAD TV” and an Imagen Award for “Latinologues” for Best Live Theatrical Performance. 
 
LATV’s national rollout will begin in April 2007 with Post-Newsweek station affiliates in Houston (KPRC), Miami (WPLG), Orlando (WKMG) and San Antonio (KSAT). LATV will be multicast on these stations’ digital spectrum as a standard-definition channel. LATV will also be carried on basic cable through its affiliates and be carried in Los Angeles, California on KJLA via cable, broadcast and satellite.

Reach Latinos consumers with electronic publicity tools with

“Electronic Publicity and Broadcast Public Relations” audio recording

David Henry presenter

Broadcast publicity expert David Henry shares insights drawn from years of experience to help you target Latinos effectively during this presentation and interview.

Find out how: to reach Latinos with electronic publicity; how many TV stations offer news programming in Spanish in the U.S.; which markets have the number one newscasts in Spanish; which markets offer bilingual news TV programming; and much more.

 Click hereto purchase a downloadable or CD audio recording with a presentation on Electronic Publicity and Broadcast Public Relations by David Henry

Andres Fuentes

La Opinión hired Andres Fuentes as vice president of Sales. Fuentes will oversee the publication’s advertising sales organization including local retail, national, online, integrated sales and new business development. Additionally, he will work with ImpreMedia corporate sales in building out cross-market integrated sales programs. He will report to Monica Lozano, publisher and chief executive officer of La Opinión.

“Andres brings enormous dynamism and a proven track record to La Opinión,” said Lozano, “His experience in cross platform sales is critical to our organization as we diversify the scope and product mix to meet customer expectations and sustained revenue growth.”

Most recently Fuentes was the general sales manager at Univision Radio’s KLVE-FM and KTNQ-AM. He worked with Univision for seven years. KLVE-FM is described in promotional materials as one of the largest radio stations in the Univision Radio Network.

In the 1990s, he worked at La Opinión as general manager of La Opinión Para Ti, a home delivered publication co-produced in partnership with the Los Angeles Times. Fuentes is a graduate of the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, Chile.

La Opinión is a leading Spanish-language daily newspaper. According to promotional materials it distributes 124,000 copies throughout the five-county Southern California area and reaches over 482,000 readers on a daily basis. La Opinión is owned and operated by ImpreMedia LLC.

“Latino Media and Hispanic Media Training” audio recording

Presenters Federico Suverbi, Ph.D. and Elena del Valle, MBA

 Click here to purchase a downloadable or CD audio recording with Latino media and Hispanic media training presentations by Federico Subervi, Ph.D and Elena del Valle, MBA

Verónica Vela

Photo: The Bravo Group

The Bravo Group recently promoted Verónica Vela from management supervisor to account director. Since joining the company in 1999, Vela has been a leader on the Wyeth account, a Bravo account since 1984.

She currently oversees work on nine Wyeth products. Vela was responsible for the launch of the first Hispanic market advertising campaign for the sleep aid Advil PM. She also, working in collaboration with Bravo Uno-a-Uno, introduced the Spanish language pages for the product website. Vela has worked on several cause and awareness accounts, including the Pfizer’s New York Hispanic Health Awareness program and the March of Dimes’ public service announcement campaign focused on folic acid to prevent birth defects.

In addition, as Sears account supervisor, Vela oversaw the development of original creative and the implementation of all media activations and promotional sponsorships. As senior account executive she coordinated and managed multi media production including shoots and recordings; and developed and managed the implementation of integrated marketing plans targeting Hispanic consumers. 

“Verónica has truly been a rising star at Bravo. She has helped build Wyeth into a leader in their category. She has been instrumental in building Bravo’s pharma expertise and generating results for powerful brands like Sears, Advil, etc. I am always proud to see one of our long-standing employees continue to build their career and flourish at Bravo,” said Linda De Jesús-Cutler, chief operating officer and president, The Bravo Group.

The Bravo Group, a Young & Rubicam Brands company, is an agency with over 25 years serving multi-national companies targeting U.S. Hispanic consumers. Established in 1980, The Bravo Group creates marketing programs that include research and strategic planning, advertising, interactive and digital, direct, promotional and event marketing, media planning and buying, branded entertainment and public relations. The company is headquartered in New York.

Improve your knowledge of the U.S. Hispanic market with

Hispanic Marketing and Public Relations Understanding and Targeting America’s Largest Minority book

Click here to see a table of contents and to buy your copy today!

Howard Bolter, president and COO, LATV 

Photo: LATV

Los Angeles, California — LATV, a bilingual music and entertainment network distributed via digital multicast, appointed Howard Bolter president and chief operating officer. Based in Los Angeles, Bolter will administer the day-to-day operations of the network. He will oversee business development, legal and business affairs, production, operations, engineering, information technology, and human resources.

“In addition to managing E! Network’s domestic and international production and operations over the past three years, Howard is one of the top network launch specialists in his field. His proven leadership skills, hands-on experience and technical know-how will be key essentials as we launch and build the network,” said Danny Crowe, president and founder, LATV. “Howard brings a unique combination of creative and operations experience. I very much look forward to working with him to make LATV a success.”

Most recently, Bolter was executive vice president at Wobo Media, a broadband company that combined high-definition video with community programming for Baby Boomers. Prior to working at Wobo, he was senior vice president of Network and Production Operations at E! Networks. There, Bolter oversaw the E! franchises, the daily production of over 30 original television series, the Network Operations Center and the development of Internet-based distribution strategies.

Before joining E!, Bolter headed up Production, Operations and Engineering for the Hubbard Media Group’s satellite and cable network, Moviewatch.  He was also responsible for the start-up of CNET and the producer for the company’s pilot programs.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, LATV has focused on bicultural youth broadcasting since 2001. The network targets the 16- to 34-year-old Latino with content that includes multi-genre music, lifestyle and entertainment. 

Find out how to reach Latinos through TV and Radio campaigns with

“Electronic Publicity and Broadcast Public Relations” audio recording

David Henry presenter

Find out

• How many TV stations offer news programming in Spanish in the U.S.
  • Markets where top newscasts are in Spanish
  • Which markets offer bilingual news TV programming
  • Top 2 TV networks offering Spanish language news
  • How mainstream marketers are finding new opportunities in Spanish language broadcast media

 Click hereto purchase a downloadable or CD audio recording with a presentation on Electronic Publicity and Broadcast Public Relations by David Henry