ABSTRACT
The 1970s was an important decade of maturation for the fledgling Spanish-language television industry in the United States. Spanish International Communications Corp. (SICC) acquired additional conventional broadcast stations and, importantly, began reaching new audiences through low power and satellite repeater stations. During the ’70s many SICC stations became self-supporting; although most of the profits were invested back in the company (Besas, 1984), some were sent to Mexico to pay down debts. Spanish International Network (SIN) expanded its program distribution and advertising sales capacity, while enjoying more success at convincing advertisers of the Hispanic market’s viability. Local markets and independent stations also matured during the decade. This chapter offers profiles of two stations serving New York during the 1970s to illustrate challenges they faced in becoming profitable enterprises with greater standing among Spanish-speaking communities, as well as the television market at large.
