MediaCo Holding Inc. will launch its HOT 97 TV channel on WASA‑TV in the New York market on March 31, 2026, expanding the brand from radio into television.
The new channel will also be carried on Spectrum channels 811 and 1236 throughout the New York metro area. Programming will include “Mornings with Mero,” “Nessa On Air,” and “HOT 97 News,” and the launch is part of a broader strategy to broaden MediaCo’s media presence and meet growing demand for Spanish‑language content across multiple platforms.
The move follows MediaCo’s acquisition of WASA‑LD in May 2025. WASA‑LD is a low‑power station licensed to Port Jervis, New York, but its transmitter sits atop One World Trade Center, giving the company a strong broadcast footprint in the city. The launch also dovetails with the company’s Spanish‑language news expansion, including the appointment of Alina Falcón as Senior Advisor to enhance editorial strategy ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections.
MediaCo’s financial health remains challenging. In 2024 the company generated $95.57 million in revenue, up from $32.39 million the year before, yet it reported losses. Trailing‑twelve‑month revenue reached $127.48 million with a –29.9% profit margin, and the Altman Z‑Score indicates distress. The TV launch is therefore a strategic attempt to diversify revenue streams and tap new advertising opportunities.
"This is a natural evolution of one of the most powerful brands in media. Expanding HOT 97 TV in New York allows us to meet our audience everywhere – on‑air, on screen, and across platforms, while creating new opportunities for brands to engage with culture in real time," said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP, Content & Growth. "New York is the foundation of HOT 97. This launch gives advertisers direct access to a deeply engaged audience through a truly multiplatform solution spanning TV, audio, and digital," added Maire Mason, Vice President & General Manager, MediaCo Local Markets.
The launch positions MediaCo to compete for advertising dollars in a crowded media landscape, leveraging its strong hip‑hop brand and expanding into Spanish‑language content. However, the company’s ongoing financial pressures mean the new venture must generate sufficient revenue to offset losses and improve profitability. The move signals MediaCo’s intent to broaden its media footprint while navigating a challenging fiscal environment.
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