Spanish radio station purchase encounters opposition in Miami

MIAMI — A serious effort backed by Democratic fund-raisers to buy Spanish-language radio stations is stirring up opposition in Miami, the place Cuban exiles describe it as an try and stifle conservative voices in markets the place Democrats have misplaced floor.

The Latino Media Community, a startup based by two political strategists who labored for President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s presidential marketing campaign, reached a $60 million deal to amass 18 AM and FM stations in 10 U.S. cities from Televisa/Univision. The settlement, introduced June 3, nonetheless wants Federal Communications Fee approval.

Hispanics with roots throughout Latin America hearken to the stations in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, McAllen, Fresno and Las Vegas, together with some Hispanic communities the place Democrats have misplaced floor to Republicans.

However the deal isn’t going over nicely in Miami, the place Radio Mambi is fashionable amongst hardline Cuban exiles.

“We might have to be deaf and blind to not perceive the motives behind this buyout,” Irina Vilariño, who co-owns a series of Cuban eating places in South Florida, stated at a information convention held by a coalition referred to as the Meeting of the Cuban Resistance.

The community has raised a complete of $80 million from high-profile traders corresponding to actress Eva Longoria, who can also be a Democratic political activist, and former Florida Republican Occasion chairman Al Cardenas, now a critic of former President Donald Trump. The debt concerned is financed by Lakestar Finance LLC, an organization affiliated with Democratic mega-donor George Soros.

The deal has been harshly criticized by Republicans in Florida, from the Cuban American Home delegation to U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Coalition members stated they’re exploring authorized methods to contest the takeover.

Democrats have pointed to some reveals on Radio Mambi and different Spanish-language radio stations when elevating issues about disinformation, particularly following the Jan. 6 rebellion on the U.S. Capitol. Republicans say these accusations are used to distract from the Democrats’ lackluster efficiency amongst Hispanic voters in South Florida and Texas within the 2020 election.