Bel Hernandez Castillo

After five years in the making, the award-winning documentary Ugly Little Monkeys is entering its next chapter—on its own terms.

Directed by David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, the documentary has enjoyed a successful film festival run, earning multiple honors including Best Directors and Best Documentary. Now, rather than following a traditional distribution path, the filmmakers have chosen a strategy that reflects a growing movement among independent creators: owning their distribution and maintaining direct control over their audience.

Ugly Little Monkeys, the documentary that chronicles the birth of the youth mariachi movement in the United States, begins its distribution journey today.

Maintaining control of their documentary’s distribution was important to Valdez and Castillo, so they chose OnTheHiway, a global streaming platform that allows filmmakers to manage their own releases while retaining ownership of audience data and revenue streams.

OnTheHiway does indeed provide the tools for filmmakers to control their distribution, audience data, pricing, and revenue streams –  however it does not automatically provide the audience, marketing, or discoverability that traditional distributors sometimes bring.

Unless you are a big studio film, the marketing and distribution usually falls on the filmmakers. No streaming platform, distributor, or VOD service can provide the one thing every film needs most: audience awareness. Distribution makes a film available. Marketing makes it discoverable.  

According to Jon Reiss, distribution strategist and author of Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era, “50% of your time and resources should go into connecting that film to an audience. In today’s crowded content landscape, discoverability has become one of the greatest challenges facing independent filmmakers. A film cannot succeed if audiences don’t know it exists.”

He argues that filmmakers must stop viewing distribution as a post-production task and instead build audience engagement into the filmmaking process from the beginning.

Castillo and Valdez understood early in the production process that audience-building begins long before a film reaches distribution. One of their most strategic decisions was inviting Academy Award-nominated actor, director, and producer Edward James Olmos to join the project as Executive Producer. Having worked together with Olmos on several film and television projects, Castillo knew that Olmos not only shared a passion for preserving Latino cultural heritage but also brought immediate credibility and visibility to the documentary.

Olmos’ involvement became a valuable marketing asset throughout the film’s journey. His name help attract attention to the project from its earliest stages, while his continued support has helped raise the documentary’s profile among both industry professionals and general audiences. Today, Olmos introduces the film on its streaming platform release, lending his voice and endorsement to the project. He has also participated in key screenings, including a high-profile presentation at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, helping generate awareness and audience engagement.

For independent filmmakers, the lesson is clear: marketing is not something that begins when a film is finished. By intentionally building relationships, securing influential advocates, and creating promotional opportunities throughout production, filmmakers can lay the foundation for a successful release long before distribution begins.

Highlighting other choices that added to the storytelling of the documentary included reaching out to artists and talents who could speak to the context of the documentary or in some cases, first hand to the storyline of an Irish Catholic priest who gathers a handful of small town kids and forms the first youth mariachi group in the United States. Those interviews are some of the key elements that now serve to market the film among not just in the U.S. but worldwide.  

• Within the first five minutes of the documentary, mariachi music is established as a worldwide phenomenon through a montage of mariachi ensembles performing the classic “La Negra” in Japan, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Portugal, China, and New Zealand. Their participation later helped generate screenings of the documentary through Mexico’s Consulates in their respective countries.

• The interview with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt provides one of the documentary’s most insightful perspectives, having grown up in Tucson and knowing about the Changuitos Feos/The Ugly Little Monkeys. Ronstadt helped introduce mariachi music to mainstream American audiences through her landmark album Canciones de Mi Padre, which became one of the best-selling non-English-language albums in U.S. history.

• The interview of Grammy Award winning Ruben Fuentes, a legend in Mariachi music and musical director of the world famous Mariachi Vargas the Tecalitlán.  He also was a producer of Ronstadt ‘s Canciones de Mi Padre.  He was interviewed at his home in Mexico City before his passing.  He credited Los Changuitos Feos—The Ugly Little Monkeys—with helping popularize and elevate mariachi music throughout the United States while introducing generations of audiences to the artistry of Mariachi Vargas.

• Adding to all this, Co-director Enrique Castillo who is also an actor, narrated the documentary. Castillo’s recognizable voice and decades-long acting career, most notable as Montana in Taylor Hackford’s Blood in Blood Out, have also become valuable promotional assets, drawing audiences to screenings where he regularly participates in post-film discussions and Q&A sessions.

• A special screening in Tlalpan, Mexico, hosted by the Mexican Consulate, demonstrated the film’s international appeal. Audiences enthusiastically embraced the story of a youth organization that helped preserve and expand Mexican culture in the United States and beyond. The reception has already opened doors for additional screenings throughout Mexico.

At every the screenings what resonates with audiences is the storytelling.  Ugly Little Monkey tells the story of a group of young boys from Tucson, Arizona, some who didn’t even know Spanish or how to play an instrument, who then went on and became world class musicians and singers in spite of the obstacles.

Several of the members of the group grew up to lead world class Mariachi groups of their own, one of those groups is the renown Mariachi Cobre that has been playing at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida for over 30 years.  Several other members went on to teach Mariachi music at schools and universities.

We experience the story through the eyes of the one-time innocent kids, now grown men, who share their unforgettable journey about an Irish Catholic priest who gathers a handful of small town kids, some as young as nine years old and forms the first youth mariachi group in the United States. A priest who brought much joy and pain to their journey.  Through all the music, the magic, the pain and the triumph, it is the music that triumphs. 

More than simply documenting a musical ensemble, Ugly Little Monkeys explores how mariachi became a bridge between cultures, communities, and countries. Through performances and interviews, the film demonstrates how youth mariachi programs have flourished across the United States and beyond, inspiring young musicians while preserving an important cultural tradition.

For Valdez and Castillo, the journey of Ugly Little Monkeys is far from over. Through a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming, community screenings, and international cultural partnerships, the filmmakers are demonstrating that independent documentaries can find audiences while retaining ownership of their story.

The marketing of the film continues, even after its streaming premiere, through screenings.  One of the most significant upcoming public screenings will take place at LéaLA, the largest Spanish-language book fair and literary festival in the United States. Open to the public, this special community screening will take place on September 24 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles as part of the festival’s programming. Adding to the celebration will be a performance by the members of the current Changuitos Feos/Ugly Little Monkeys mariachi group. The group will be flown in from Tucson to perform live for attendees.  

This screening represents precisely the kind of strategic audience development that independent filmmakers increasingly rely upon—bringing the film directly to communities already invested in its subject matter. 

In many ways, the path chosen by Ugly Little Monkeys mirrors the message at the heart of the film itself: preserving cultural traditions while creating new opportunities for future generations. By embracing innovative distribution models and continuing to engage audiences in person, the filmmakers are ensuring that the legacy of the Original Changuitos Feos/Ugly Little Monkeys—and the enduring power of mariachi music—will continue to resonate for years to come.

While many filmmakers wait until a film is completed to think about distribution, Ugly Little Monkeys demonstrates the value of building audiences throughout the production process. Every interview, festival appearance, community partnership, and cultural connections became part of a long-term marketing strategy that is now helping the film reach audiences around the world.

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The holidays are here, which means long drives, airport lines, late-night wrapping sessions, and those quiet moments when everyone finally naps and you can slip in your earbuds. This season, I am turning to podcasts made by and for Latino audiences (and anyone who loves a good conversation). 

Latino podcasts are having a moment, and the numbers prove it.

According to the Edison Latino Podcast Listener Report, “Latino podcast listenership has grown significantly, with a 72% increase in monthly listeners among U.S. Latinos aged 18+ since 2020, far outpacing general population growth.” The report also notes that the rise is tied to a growing desire for content that reflects Latino culture and lived experiences. It has created a more diverse and highly engaged audience, with women now making up half of all listeners and spending more time with podcasts than the general U.S. population.

These shows feel intimate, like calling your favorite prima, your best friend, or the mom who always tells you the truth (even when you don’t want to hear it). Here are five podcasts I am listening to this holiday break, each with a different vibe, a different purpose, and a whole lot of heart.

1. “Motherish” with Pamela Silva and Karen Comas
For the moms who crave honesty, humor, and a reminder that we are doing better than we think.
Hosted by first-time moms Pamela Silva and Karen Comas, “Motherish” is the kind of podcast that understands the chaos of parenting without ever judging it. Episodes range from tackling toddler tantrums to raising confident kids, figuring out family travel, and calling out “performative mom culture,” all with the warmth, humor, and realness of two Latina friends who tell it straight. It is comforting and surprisingly grounding. It is the perfect companion for moms trying to keep it together during the busiest season of the year.

2. “Big Deal” with Codie Sánchez
For the dreamers, the hustlers, and anyone ready to level up.
Codie Sánchez, daughter of immigrants, former journalist, and now one of the most influential voices in business, brings a bold, bilingual perspective to entrepreneurship. Her “BigDeal” podcast strips away the jargon and gets straight to the “how”: How to launch a business. How to invest. How to take control of your financial life (even/especially if you did not grow up with money). What makes this podcast special is Codie’s fearlessness. She is the friend who hands you the blueprint, reminds you that you are capable, and pushes you to actually take the leap.

3. “Encontrando Una Luz en Su Caso” with Maribel Piza
For families trying to navigate immigration with clarity and hope.
Every week, high-powered immigration attorney Maribel Piza breaks down the biggest changes in United States immigration law in a way that is direct, calming, and empowering. She does it all in a bilingual tone that feels like talking to a trusted tía who also happens to be a legal powerhouse. In every episode, Maribel delivers three top stories affecting immigrant communities nationwide and gives listeners something even more important: hope. This podcast is essential listening for anyone impacted by immigration policy or anyone who wants to stay informed.

4. “The Perez Hilton Podcast” 
For the entertainment lovers who also appreciate a little nostalgia.
Say what you want, but Perez Hilton remains one of the most recognizable names in entertainment. What makes his “PHP” show different from his early days online is the maturity and cultural self-awareness he brings now. With his co-host Chris Booker, Perez is funny, he is honest, and he shares stories shaped by his Miami Cuban upbringing, his queerness, and his decades covering Hollywood. This show feels like catching up with your chismoso friend who somehow always has the tea on what’s happening right now with all the context behind it.

5. “Latino USA” with Maria Hinojosa
For those who want depth, news, culture, storytelling, and truth.
Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, “Latino USA” is the longest running Latino-focused news and culture program in the country. Hinojosa and her team deliver deeply-reported stories that explore identity, politics, history, art, and community with nuance and compassion. Listening feels like taking a masterclass in who we are as a people. If you want something meaningful to carry you into the new year, start here with voices you can trust.

Honorable Mention: “The Dr. Ferrer Podcast”
For the health curious and the ‘my doctor never explains anything’ crowd.
Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a bilingual pulmonologist and public health expert, brings a refreshing mix of science, compassion, and cultural understanding to medical conversations. His co-host is his Gen Z daughter Amanda, who keeps him honest and asks the questions we are all afraid to ask our doctors. Together, they break down everything from Sleepy Girl Mocktails to gut health to the real science behind “Sana Sana colita de rana.” (Spoiler: it works if you believe). “The Dr. Ferrer Podcast”  feels like being invited into a family discussion, one where a doctor dad explains health trends without the jargon. He also reminds us that healing is both physical and emotional. It is the perfect listen for starting the new year with healthier habits.

The post 5 Latino-Powered Podcasts We’re Obsessed With This Holiday Break first appeared on .

De Los Santos and Nava, both members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA), are the writer and producer, respectively, of Say a Little Prayer, with an all-Latino lead cast,including Luis Fonsi, Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz, Vivian Lamolli, and Angélica María, capturing the rich and diverse experiences of Latinx communities, making a profound impact on the film landscape. 

Nancy De Los Santos was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and headed for trouble. She left Catholic high school for public high school and joined a Latina girl gang. One thing led to another, and she turned her life around, graduating from UT Austin and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Nancy began her career in Chicago as producer of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s film review program At The Movies. With her production guidance, the show was nominated for two national Emmy Awards.

She’s worked as Associate Producer on the iconic Latino features My Family and Selena, and written for television shows Resurrection Blvd., American Family, and East Los High. Nancy was invited to Equinox, the Sundance of Europe, where her feature script Answer To My Prayer (Which ultimately became Say a Little Prayer) was work-shopped with writer Nora Ephron. Nora invited Nancy to submit for the theatre production “Love, Loss, and What I Wore”. Nancy’s personal story about her old gang sweater was accepted for the play, which has been staged in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Mexico City, proving the adage… “It all comes around…”

As the first Latina elected to the Board of Directors at the WGA, De Los Santos’ contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. The Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF) will honor her with the prestigious “Trailblazer in Screenwriting Illustrious Award” for her pioneering work, talent, and commitment to helping the Latino community exemplify those who are changing the narrative. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 27, 2025, during the 2025 Mexican-American Film and Television Festival and Awards to be held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood.

Nava is a producer, screenwriter, and director who made her directorial debut with the award-winning film Free Lunch in 2024. She also collaborates with her husband, Patrick Perez Vidauri, at Migrant Filmworks, which they founded in 2011. They are dedicated to producing innovative content for the growing U.S. Latino market. Additionally, they are founding members of a collective of mid-career filmmakers based in the U.S. committed to advancing, accelerating, and amplifying Latino-American storytelling.

Cristina Nava is co-founder of Migrant Filmworks overseeing development and production. A veteran screenwriter and producer of film and television, she has supervised massive international television series, as well as intimate feature films. She has produced shows for Nickelodeon, Telemundo, and many more.  As a member of the Writers Guild of America,  Cristina enjoys the challenge of adapting client’s ideas into fully formed screenplays.  In 2020 Cristina took the client’s original concept and developed,  wrote and produced the romantic comedy  Divorce Bait starring Vannessa Vazquez (East Los High) and Justin Berti (Secret Lives of Housewives). This movie was acquired by the Samuel Goldwyn Company after a bidding war with Lionsgate.

Two visionary filmmakers whose innovative projects inspire audiences and are redefining cinematic storytelling that includes Latinos.

The post Recognizing Filmmakers Nancy de Los Santos and Cristina Nava on Women History Month first appeared on .

Say a Little Pray Will Stream on Apple TV+ and Prime Video This Valentine’s Day

Grammy Award-winning artist, Luis Fonsi has a lot love to share this Valentine’s Day. He made his acting debut as the romantic lead in the film Say a Little Prayer which is now set to make its video-on-demand premiere on Apple TV+ and Prime Video starting February 14, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Migrant Filmworks and New Cadence Productions have announced that the film will be on VOD following a successful limited theatrical run over the holidays last year when it screened in more than 120 theaters across the U.S. and the Caribbean, Say a Little Prayer is now set for its digital debut.

After reciting an ancient prayer the three “amigas” embark on a sacred mission to find their true love. What comes next is the story of Say a Little Prayer, which resonated among audiences when it had its theatrical release in November.  Audiences gave the film a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (a site where audiences can cast their vote for their favorite film). Say a Little Prayer truly resonated with audiences making  it a “must see” movie on Valentine’s Day and beyond!

The film stars Vannessa Vásquez (Divorce Bait), Jackie Cruz (Orange is the New Black), and Vivian Lamolli (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), alongside Fonsi. The supporting cast includes Angélica María, Pepe Serna, and Chris Kattan, adding depth and humor to the story.

Set in the vibrant city of San Antonio, Texas, the film follows Adela (Vásquez), an art gallery owner; Ruby (Cruz), a social media influencer; and Cristina (Lamolli), a school teacher. When the trio performs a special prayer that promises to lead them to their soulmates, romance blossoms in the most unexpected ways, taking them on an emotional rollercoaster of love, self-discovery, and friendship.

A major highlight of the film is Luis Fonsi’s involvement, not only as an actor but also as a musician. His song The Prayer In Your Eyes serves as the film’s title track, adding an emotional resonance that enhances the storytelling.

Director Perez Vidauri spoke highly of his time working with Fonsi, “It was an honor and a pleasure to direct Luis Fonsi in this picture. He is a natural. He’s a lifelong performer and an amazingly authentic artist with a pure heart. It was important to all of us to bring this inclusive, Tejano-flavored story to life. I’m proud to help shine a light on Latino culture in the U.S. and hopefully enrich our cinematic tapestry.”

The film is produced by Cristina Nava of Migrant Filmworks and De Los Santos, with Edward James Olmos and Fonsi serving as executive producers.

Audiences can look forward to a heartfelt and entertaining film that celebrates love, culture, and the power of friendship.

The post Luis Fonsi Shares The Love On Valentine’s Day In ‘Say A Little Prayer’ first appeared on .

Audible and Fresh Produce Media are bringing back The Big Lie with a new eight-part installment titled The Big Fix: A Jack Bergin Mystery. Created by John Mankiewicz and directed by Aaron Lipstadt, this gripping audio drama stars Jon Hamm as private investigator Jack Bergin, navigating corruption and displacement in 1950s Los Angeles. The new season debuts exclusively from Audible on Thursday, April 24.

This standalone story transports listeners back to 1957, where they’ll be reacquainted with Jack Bergin (Hamm), now L.A.’s hottest private investigator, who suddenly finds himself entangled in a web of power, corruption, and murder that reaches the highest levels of Los Angeles’ government and elite.

As Bergin investigates a brutal murder at the request of an old flame (De La Reguera), he uncovers a deadly conspiracy to forcefully evict a Mexican-American community to capitalize on the land around the Brooklyn Dodgers’ new home. Set in the aftermath of the real-life Chavez Ravine evictions – an oft-forgotten, dark moment in L.A. history with very real modern-day relevance – this timely audio drama from Audible and Fresh Produce will immerse listeners in the gritty underbelly of a city on the cusp of transformation, where the price of progress may be more than anyone is willing to pay. The cast includes returning stars La Reguera and John Slattery, alongside newcomers Alia Shawkat, Omar Epps, Taylor Zakhar Perez, among others.

“Returning to Jack Bergin’s world for The Big Fix has been an incredible experience, and collaborating once again with John Mankiewicz is truly a privilege,” said Hamm. “This season explores a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter in 1950s Los Angeles history, and I’m proud to be part of bringing it to light.”

“With The Big Fix, we’re diving deeper into a complicated period of American history, the Brooklyn Dodgers move to Los Angeles,” said Executive Producer Mankiewicz.

The series is written by Mankiewicz, Jamie Napoli, Daniel Pyne, Katie Pyne, and Aaron Lipstadt and executive produced by Mankiewicz, Jon Hamm, Alia Shawkat, Jason Ross, Colin Moore, Pyne, and Lipstadt.

Season one of The Big Lie is available on Audible, with The Big Fix premiering exclusively on Audible on April 24, 2025.

The post Ana de la Reguera Returns to Audible’s ‘The Big Lie’ Podcast Alongside Jon Hamm first appeared on .

By Mina Briseño

Part comedy, part social commentary, part travelogue, Roots of Comedy With Jesus Trejo gives you an inside look of the other side of the laughter, revealing how the most memorable comedy traces back to the roots of a community with themes that are central to the series. Jesus Trejo, an LA based comedian embarks on an emotional odyssey as he visits with comedians from all walks of life, delving into their childhood, style of comedy and their why.  Why they become a comic, why they choose the jokes they tell, and just plain piercing the facade of the comedian.

Along his journey, Trejo visits six U.S. regions (Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, Austin, Los Angeles and Chinle, Arizona).  He meets with six rising comedians who explore the mosaic of our nation through the lens of stand-up comedy. The six episode series with 30-minute episodes is executive produced by Jesus Trejo, Juan Devis and Danny Lee, and co-produced for PBS by PBS SoCal and BIPOC-production studio CALICO in association with the National Multicultural Alliance. 

Trejo is a Los Angeles-based comedian, actor and writer. Born and raised in Long Beach, Trejo’s first hour stand-up special Stay at Home Son recently premiered on Showtime. He was a Staff Writer on Hulu’s now cancelled TV comedy  This Fool and also the host of Tacos Con Todo. a web series in which he navigates the LA taco scene with celebrity guests. Also an author of two upcoming children’s books, Trejo was named in “Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch” in 2017 and is a paid regular at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

Beginning on Friday, May 24 all six episodes of Roots of Comedy With Jesus Trejo will stream for free on the PBS app and PBS.org as a special release. The series will also be available to stream on the PBS YouTube channel, following the television broadcast premiere on PBS stations across the country on Fri., June 21 at 10 p.m. ET/ 9 p.m. CT.

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Tifre will oversee the commercial strategy for Latino Media Network and be responsible for positioning it as a leading multi-channel platform. She will focus on growing its revenue both locally and nationally and building and leading a high-performing sales team.

“We welcome Rosie to the LMN familia. As an esteemed and accomplished sales leader with audio and digital platforms, Rosie will be able to position Latino Media Network with advertisers who want to reach the fastest growing part of the US population,” said Valencia and Rocketto.

Tifre’s career in advertising sales and marketing management experience spans more than 25 years. Over the course of her career, she has overseen over $350 million in ad revenue and grown incremental revenue as a leader in both total market and multicultural sales in audio and digital channels such as streaming, podcasts, and satellite. Additionally, her vertical sales experience spans several categories including auto (luxury and domestic), CPG, beauty, retail, healthcare, telecom, home, and entertainment.

Tifre is a proud Hondureña, Afro-Latina of Garifuna heritage. The Garifuna people are descendants of indigenous tribes mixed with Africans that can trace their roots back to West Africa. 

Tifre was the recipient of the “Distinguished Publisher Award” by the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She was also part of the leadership team recognized on Adweek/Brandweek’s Hot List for 2 consecutive years during her tenure at Selecciones. Tifre is a graduate of New York University and lived in Madrid, Spain to complete a B.A. degree in Journalism, Spanish, and History.

The post Latino Media Network Names Rose-Anne Tifre As Chief Revenue Officer first appeared on .

NGL will continue to cater to a vast network of Latinx creative and media partners, reaching U.S. Latinx communities via an array of social media and editorial sites, in-person and virtual community events, and published research and helping advertisers connect with these coveted consumers, regardless of age or language preference. 

“Latinx media consumption is exploding. NGL’s expertise in Latinx media solutions and our shared commitment to culturally relevant creativity makes it a great addition to GoDigital’s portfolio,” said Jason Peterson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GoDigital Media Group. GoDigital Media Group (“GoDigital”), a global media and technology conglomerate focused on community, content, and commerce, announced today the acquisition of NGL Collective with the backing of MEP Capital, a media and entertainment-focused investment firm.

“Latinos are the largest ethnic group in the U.S., accounting for 11% of the buying power, and yet their contribution is consistently excluded in media and entertainment,” said Leguizamo, Co-founder and Partner of NGL Collective. “With NGL Collective and mitú’s shared commitment to amplifying the voices of the Latinx community, our platforms and reach will expand. We will create more opportunities for Latinos in front of and behind the camera to speak directly to our community and influence how America sees us and how we see ourselves.”

NGLs premium Latino video offerings on the web, mobile, social, and connected television and #1 comScore ranking, coupled with mitú’s community of more than 13 million social followers and web visitors, will provide an unmatched video-driven experience for consumers and advertisers. 

With the combined market presence of mitú brands, comprising of wearemitú, somosmitú,  FIERCE, crema, and Things That Matter, and NGL brands, consisting of Latina Moms, Hispanic Kitchen, and Hispanicize, the new NGL community may well be the largest gathering of Latinx influencers, content creators, entrepreneurs, trendsetters, and media and entertainment innovators in the world. NGLs in-house Emmy®-nominated production team will also join forces with mitú’s social content and brand studio team, which operates mitú Studios, a 14,000-square-foot studio in Eastside Los Angeles. 

NGL will be helmed by the current NGL Chief Executive Officer and Founder David Chitel, with the creative support of Partner John Leguizamo. Vanessa Vigil will be elevated from General Manager of mitú to Chief Brand Officer of NGL. Ben Leff, NHL’s Chief Operating Officer, Ben DeJesus, President of NGL Studios, and Joe Bernard, NHL’s Chief Revenue Officer, will remain in the same capacities. Stephen Brooks, President of mitú and Latido Networks, will oversee the integration of the two companies, focusing on strengthening GoDigital’s investments in Latinx media.

“This unprecedented business combination solidifies our mission of being the #1 New Generation Latinx digital-first media and entertainment company in the U.S.,” concluded Chitel.

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The recent launch of the Latino Media Network (LMN), made history as the largest media company launched by U.S. Latinas. Activist/entrepreneurs Stephanie Valencia and Jess Morales Rocketto executed the biggest capital raise for a Latina-owned & operated startup in the U.S with over $80M in capital raised from a diverse set of investors. The news also included the announcement of the signing of a major deal with TelevisaUnivision to acquire radio assets in 10 cities.

With the acquisition of the Latino radio stations from TelevisaUnivision, LMN will soon own radio stations in the top ten media markets in the U.S., including Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, Fresno, Chicago, McAllen, San Antonio and Dallas. Together these markets comprise a third of the U.S. Latino population.

“As Latinos drive population growth in the United States they continue to navigate the ocean of information on what is happening in the world and their place in it. With minority media on the decline, now is the time to be investing in more resources to create content for Latinos by Latinos. Through the unique combination of creative content and new and existing media platforms to serve our community, we can embrace cultural pride and collectively empower Latinos,” said LMN Founder Valencia. “I want to thank TelevisaUnivision for the great work they have done building these stations in Latino communities and entrusting us to grow them moving forward.”

LMN’s mission is to be a company owned by Latinos for Latinos. The company aims to help Latinos make sense of the world and their place in it by inspiring, informing and celebrating Latinos through an audio-focused multimedia network. The network will embrace cultural pride by telling Latino stories, addressing community concerns and exposing opportunities and resources.

“Media can make a difference and real change in our world. I’m so proud to be a part of Latino Media Network as together we will ensure that our media includes narratives that uplift our voices,” said Eva Longoria. “My mission is to tell and amplify all of our community’s stories so the world can see the joy, the power, and the heart of our community in ways that are still all too rare.” 

This dynamic duo, whose impressive backgrounds include fighting for workers and women of color at civil society and political organizations.  Valencia is an author and the founder of Equis and has held leadership roles in tech, philanthropy and government. Rocketto, a native of Norwalk, California, is Chief of Moonshots at Equis and a social entrepreneur and civil society leader.

Together, Valencia and Rocketto have assembled an impressive list of Board members, investors and advisors which include:

Maria Elena Salinas: Award-winning journalist and author, including co-anchor of Univision’s evening news for more than 30 years. Principal MES Multi-Media LLC.

Eva Longoria: Director, Actor, Activist, Philanthropist and Businesswoman. CEO and Founder, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Founder, Casa del Sol Tequila.

Dr. Eduardo Padrón: President Emeritus, Miami Dade College; Strategic Corporate Advisor; Board, Urban Institute. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Al Cardenas: Board member Coral Gables Trust Co., Investor and Treasurer, American Business Immigration Coalition; former longtime Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, and former Chair of the American Conservative Union.

Maria Contreras Sweet: Co-Founder Pro-America Bank; former US Administrator of the Small Business Administration; former Secretary of Business and Transportation for the State of California.

Monica Lozano: Former publisher and CEO of La Opinión and CEO of its parent company, ImpreMedia, LLC. Currently on the board of Walt Disney Corporation, Apple, Inc. and Target Corporation.

Henry R. Muñoz III: An American activist, business leader, designer & philanthropist. He has launched national movements including Momento Latino, TheDream.US and Latino Victory to support the Latino community through awareness, college funding and electoral support.

Luis Ubiñas: Investor, advisor, and corporate board member. Former President Ford Foundation, Senior Partner McKinsey and Company. Current corporate director at AT&T, Chairman, Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.

Tom Castro: Founder and CEO of El Dorado Capital: radio entrepreneur, investor, and corporate director. Has bought and sold over 50 radio stations serving the Latino community. Currently on the boards of Nielsen and Cumulus Media. Former Director of Time Warner.

Juleyka Lantigua: Founder/CEO, LWC Studios: Peabody-nominated audio creator, former NPR, Atlantic Media, and Random House.

Tom Chavez: Hi-tech entrepreneur, author and co-founder of super{set}, a startup studio that builds and funds software companies.

Christy Haubegger: Founder, Latina magazine and current Executive Vice President, Chief Enterprise Inclusion Officer and Head of Marketing & Communications, at WarnerMedia.

Alicia Bassuk: Founder of Ubica Leadership Strategies, advising senior executives including public, private and nonprofit sectors, and championship sports franchises globally. Bassuk is a partner and investor in several ventures, including Kinzie Capital Partners and Core Innovation Capital.

Jess Morales Rocketto: Chief of Moonshot Strategies at Equis. Co-Founder of Families Belong Together, Poderistas, and Supermajority. Formerly National Domestic Workers Alliance, Hillary for America, Obama for America.

Stephanie Valencia: Co-Founder and President at Equis. Co-founder of Poderistas, Latino Talent Initiative, The Latina Collective, and Latinos44. Formerly Google, Obama White House, United States Congress.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Fletcher Heald, and Herrera Arellano all advised on the deal.

The transition of the stations will happen The deal will be complete following FCC approval and a one-year transition agreement between TelevisaUnivision and Latino Media Network, which is expected to conclude in Q4 of 2023. LMN is in the process of recruiting outstanding talent and will make an announcement about the senior management team later this year.

The post Newly launched Latino Media Network focused on content creation, talent incubation, and distribution across multiple platforms first appeared on .

This all-day event to be held at the world-famous Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. It will feature presentations, panels and breakout sessions to support increased distribution, awareness and viewership for OTT businesses that are owned and operated by minorities and underrepresented groups. 

This unique conference will focus on the ever-growing production of streaming content. Formerly EMA, OTT.X was established in April 2006 through the merger of the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) and the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association (IEMA). Its far-reaching discussion topics will include: AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand),  FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) and Subscription Matching the Right Model With the Right Content and Audiences; Gaining Meaningful Distribution for Indie Content Creators; Making Money with ad Supported Video; Producing Content for Underrepresented Groups and Reaching a Diverse Audience.

The confab will create a dynamic forum where like-minded members of the various streaming content industries can network and grow their businesses. When asked why he thinks a summit focused on diversity is important, OTT.X EVP, Eric Hanson replied, “While OTT streaming holds the promise of leveling the playing field for all people to create, produce and distribute content, the industry continues to be dominated by businesses that are owned and run by a strikingly homogenous demographic. The OTT.X Diversity Summit brings together content creators, distributors, platforms and services across the breadth of human experience to share, learn and connect; advancing their businesses and amplifying their voices.”

Because the event is more focused on distribution rather than creative production, it would most benefit filmmakers seeking distribution and emerging channels looking to grow viewership. The panel of industry experts will discuss: how small independent creators and distributors can thrive amongst media megaliths; the challenges and strategies for succeeding in financing, licensing, and staffing; the risks of over-focusing on a target audience and how to reach a wider demographic; business models that develop and retain viewers and monetize content; and how to create an ad-supported business model. If it sounds like a hefty curriculum chock-full o’ vital info — it is. 

For anyone dreaming of streaming, this is where you can find all the answers to your question.  Make reservations for the OTT.X Diversity Summit. For all info: https://www.ottx.org/events-and-programs/diversitysummit/

Your career and creative soul will thank you.

The post Latinx Voices at the OTT.X Diversity Summit June 9 first appeared on .