MediaCo Reports Strong Year-End Audience Growth
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 22 2026
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Should l Buy MDIA?
MediaCo announced 'strong' year-end audience growth across its radio portfolio, 'delivering significant gains in key markets and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing audio companies in the country." The company said, "Driven by increased listening and expanded reach, MediaCo posted robust year-over-year performance across Adults 25-54, with particularly strong results during weekday Prime listening hours, underscoring the continued strength of the company's culturally relevant brands and local-first programming strategy. Top Market Highlights: New York City: +18.3% AQH and +9.9% Share, led by HOT 97's weekday resurgence and steady WBLS performance; Los Angeles: +25.0% AQH and +38.2% Cume, driven by the continued rise of Que Buena LA; Dallas: +31.1% AQH and +15.0% Cume, powered by growth at KNOR and KBOC...MediaCo also delivered strong gains among Adults 18-49, led by HOT 97, Que Buena LA, KRQB, and KTJM, reinforcing the company's connection to culturally engaged, high-value listeners and its ability to drive meaningful engagement across younger demos. Standout Station Performance: HOT 97: +40.6% AQH and +30.6% Share among Adults 18-49, Share among P25-54; +54.3%; Que Buena LA: +25.0% AQH and +17.3% Share among P25-54, with strong weekday growth; KNOR : +45.0% AQH and +21.9% Share among P25-54 driven by increased weekday listening."
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About MDIA
MediaCo Holding Inc., its subsidiaries, and a variable interest entity, is an owned and operated multimedia company. The Company is focused on television, radio and digital advertising, premium programming and events. The Company manages its operations through two business segments: Audio and Video. The Company’s Audio Segment includes both MediaCo’s and Estrella’s radio stations serving New York City, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, and Dallas, TX demographic market areas that primarily target Black, Hispanic, and multicultural consumers. The Audio Segment derives revenues primarily from radio and digital advertising sales, but also generates revenues from events, including sponsorships and ticket sales, licensing, and syndication. The Company’s Video Segment includes Estrella’s television stations, offering an aggregation of Spanish-language programming, including originals, topical entertainment, reality, news, and comedy.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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See More
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See More
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- Content Impact: MediaCo's EVP of Content & Growth, Kudjo Sogadzi, noted that the success of the morning show 'Mornings with Mero' reflects the ongoing power of culturally relevant live programming, indicating a growing audience engagement during critical listening hours.
- Market Competitive Edge: Local Markets VP Maire Mason emphasized that New York is the most competitive radio market in the U.S., and achieving a top-three rank in both major buying demographics underscores the strength of the HOT 97 brand and its commitment to consistent audience growth.
- Audience Connection Strategy: HOT 97 Assistant Program Director Katrina B stated that the team is focused on building connection and consistency every morning, with the positive audience response and growth directly reflecting the effectiveness of these efforts, showcasing the brand's influence in culturally driven programming.
See More
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- Enhanced Brand Influence: MediaCo executives noted that achieving a top-three rank in major buying demographics underscores the strength of the HOT 97 brand and its commitment to consistent audience growth, especially amid an overall market decline in listening.
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See More
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- Increased Audience Engagement: MediaCo COO Rene Santaella stated that COMBATE GLOBAL brings highly engaged viewership to all platforms, with a consistent live schedule allowing fans to know exactly how to watch every fight, thereby strengthening the brand's market impact.
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See More
