HMC Raises Concerns Over Transfer of SBS

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 5, 2026 | 4:26pm CT

Hispanic Marketing Council (HMC)

The Hispanic Marketing Council (HMC) is urging the FCC to closely examine the public-interest implications of the proposed transfer of control of Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), citing the potential impact of a change in ownership on Hispanic audiences and communities served by the broadcaster.

In comments filed with the Commission in MB Docket No. 26-240, HMC said the proceeding involving SBS and a related petition concerning ownership represents an opportunity for regulators to examine the broader implications of the proposed ownership structure.

HMC, a national trade organization representing marketing, communications and media companies serving the U.S. Hispanic community, said its concerns extend beyond the circumstances of SBS or the transaction itself.

The organization pointed to SBS's operation of several major Hispanic radio stations in key U.S. markets, saying those outlets provide news, information, emergency communications, entertainment and opportunities for community engagement to millions of Americans.

"Accordingly, a change in ownership has the potential to affect the audiences, programming, services, and communities served by the licenses involved," HMC said. The group added that Spanish-language media can play an especially important role in connecting audiences with information and their local communities.

HMC said the FCC proceeding should not be viewed solely as a question of who owns the media company, but also how the public-interest responsibilities associated with SBS's broadcast licenses would continue to be fulfilled. Those responsibilities include providing Spanish-language news and information, emergency communications and community service.

The organization urged the FCC to conduct a "thorough and careful review" of the proposed ownership structure before making a final determination and to provide sufficient opportunity for investigation, discussion, public input and analysis of its potential effects.

HMC Executive Director Horacio Gavilan said the Commission should give appropriate consideration to the interests of millions of Americans who rely on Spanish-language media for information, connection and community engagement.