Spanish Language Radio in Tucson
Monday, 12 October 2009 18:44
In order to get a feel for Tucson's Spanish radio traditions and culture, Sean Hillier asked Bob Diaz, Ernesto Portillo Jr., and Marco Otero, about what the industry means to them and their interests in it.
Spanish radio has a deeply rooted tradition in Tucson, Ariz. going back to the late 1920s. It has grown from an afternoon community update show to where it is today, with more than five all Spanish radio stations.
But in order to get a better feel for radio in the Old Pueblo today, it is important to know how it got here and where it has come from.
Listen to Ernesto Portillo Jr., son of Tucson Spanish radio icon and pioneer Ernesto Portillo Sr., give a brief summary of the very beginning of Spanish radio in Tucson.
Portillo Jr. also talks about the recent history of Spanish radio in Tucson here:
Having a basic knowledge of the history of Latin radio in Tucson leads us to look at the individuals who are a part of the history being made today.
Listen to three men who have been at or near the forefront of the radio industry in Tucson, Ariz.
Click here to listen to Bob Diaz, who has spent time in the Tucson Spanish radio industry on and off since the early 1980's.
Click here to listen to Ernesto Portillo Jr. In addition to being a major Tucson media professional (newspapers and radio), he is the son of Tucson Spanish language radio pioneer Ernesto Portillo Sr.
Click here to listen to Marco Otero. He has been in the Spanish language radio community in Tucson, Ariz. since arriving in the United States more than 20 years ago.
Written by Sean Hillier
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