Time’s Up To Select 2026’s Medallas De Cortez Honorees

Why It Matters

Highlighting top talent elevates the Hispanic radio sector, attracting advertisers and reinforcing industry standards.

Key Takeaways

• Nomination deadline: March 13, 8 pm ET.
• Awards celebrate Hispanic radio's pioneering legacy.
• Seven categories honor on‑air, sales, and management talent.
• Winners revealed at May 27‑28 conference in Phoenix.
• Early‑bird conference registration now available.

Pulse Analysis

The Medallas de Cortez awards trace their roots to 1946, when Raúl Cortez launched KCOR, the first full‑time Spanish‑language radio station in the United States. Over eight decades later, the honors serve as a cultural touchstone, spotlighting the innovators who keep Hispanic radio vibrant and relevant. By linking the awards to Cortez’s pioneering spirit, Streamline Publishing reinforces the narrative that Hispanic media is both historic and forward‑looking, a point that resonates with investors and advertisers seeking authentic audience connections.

Today’s Hispanic radio market commands a rapidly expanding share of the U.S. audio landscape, with advertisers recognizing its purchasing power and cultural influence. The seven award categories—Personality of the Year, Sales Manager, Market/General Manager, Station of the Year, among others—provide a comprehensive framework to celebrate the full spectrum of talent that drives ratings, revenue, and community engagement. Recognizing high‑impact campaigns and revenue‑generating sales teams not only rewards excellence but also sets benchmarks for peers, fostering a competitive environment that spurs innovation across programming and monetization strategies.

The upcoming Hispanic Radio Conference in Phoenix doubles as the awards ceremony, creating a high‑visibility platform for networking, deal‑making, and industry education. Early‑bird registration and a limited hotel block encourage attendance from station executives, advertisers, and agency partners eager to tap into the market’s growth trajectory. By aligning the awards with the conference, Streamline Publishing amplifies the business relevance of the honors, turning celebration into a catalyst for new partnerships and strategic initiatives that will shape the sector through 2026 and beyond.