The purchase of 18 Spanish-language radio stations by a group of progressive Latinos is drawing criticism and opposition, particularly in Miami, where Cuban exiles accuse them of trying to stifle conservative voices. As we reported here, the creation of the media group, the Latino Media Network conglomerate, is sought by prominent Latinos in the country who are negotiating a $60 million deal to buy 18 radio stations in ten US cities. The venture is led and founded by Stephanie Valencia, a former Obama administration official who now runs Equis Research, and Jess Morales Rocketto, also at Equis Research and a veteran of the campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

According to the group, the media in question is part of efforts by Democrats and supporters to ensure access to reliable news and information to local and Latino communities, amid the increase in the flow of fake news in Spanish that has circulated mainly since the presidential elections in 2020, especially after the invasion of the US Capitol on January 6th last year. Another important factor that preceded the agreement to create the startup Latina Media Network was the launch of the first conservative Spanish-speaking satellite radio network, “Americano”.

The stations negotiated in the deal include Rádio Mambí, an AM station in Spanish conversation format that has historically been a voice for Cuban exiles, despite some changes in the last decade.

According to NY Post “The deal has been harshly criticized by Republicans in Florida, from the Cuban American House delegation to Sen. Marco Rubio and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Coalition members said they are exploring legal ways to contest the takeover”.

While Democrats have signaled concern about the spread of misinformation and fake news in the media, Florida Republicans understand that the reasons presented are accusations that seek “to distract from the Democrats’ lackluster performance among Hispanic voters in South Florida in the 2020 election”, according to the same publication.

Stephanie Valencia, the co-founder of the Latino Media Network, told the publication that the purchase presented itself as an unmissable opportunity, mainly due to the possibility of keeping the group in the Latinos hands.

“We are going to be looking at this from a business perspective. How do we maintain the spirit of what these stations are? How do we balance journalistic integrity and ensure we build spaces for free speech?” she said.

One of the most popular commentators, Ninoska Perez, a fervent Trump supporter, has assured listeners that they have been told there would be no major changes.

“Radio Mambi got its start in the 1980s with support from the Reagan administration and has long received federal funding to beam Radio Marti’s anti-communist content into Cuba for an hour after midnight each morning. Cuba, in turn, tries to jam the station’s signal from reaching the island”, according to the NY Post.

Also, according to the publication, there was a press conference held by the conservative coalition Assembly of the Cuban Resistance where Irina Vilariño, co-owner of a chain of Cuban restaurants in South Florida, said: “Only if we were deaf and blind not to understand the motives behind this buyout”.

Prior to the approval of the Latino Media purchase agreement, the group still needs to transfer broadcasting licenses followed by a public comment period. If approved, the transition could take place in one year with completion expected in late 2023.