EstrellaTV Posts Record 14% Prime-Time Audience Growth in 2025
EstrellaTV achieved a 14% year-over-year increase in Adults 18–49 prime-time ratings in 2025, its first annual gain since 2018 and the strongest growth in network history. The network also recorded a record 57% YoY gain in 4Q25 and three consecutive quarterly increases, including a 23% jump in 2Q25.
1. EstrellaTV Expands into Orlando with New WDYB-CD Station
MediaCo Holding Inc. is set to launch its newest television outlet, WDYB-CD, as an EstrellaTV affiliate in Orlando, Florida on March 24, 2026. This strategic move positions the network directly in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing Hispanic markets, where the population has increased by more than 25% over the past decade. For the last 17 years, EstrellaTV content in Orlando has been carried by Hearst Television’s WKCF 18.3; the transition to an owned-and-operated station is expected to enhance local programming control, boost ad inventory by up to 30%, and allow for targeted marketing campaigns designed to capitalize on Orlando’s annual influx of 75 million visitors. MediaCo projects that the new station will contribute a low-single-digit percentage boost to the company’s overall advertising revenue in 2026, as it leverages local news, sports partnerships and community events to deepen audience engagement.
2. EstrellaTV Delivers Record Audience Growth in 2025
In 2025, EstrellaTV achieved a landmark 14% year-over-year increase in Adults 18–49 prime-time ratings (Mon–Sun, 7p–11p), marking the network’s strongest performance since its launch in 2009 and its first annual prime-time gain since 2018. Based on 16 years of Nielsen Panel Only data, this result more than doubles the previous annual record of 6%. The momentum built steadily throughout the year, with quarterly gains of 23% in Q2, 0.3% in Q3 and a historic 57% jump in Q4—the largest quarterly advance in company history. Monthly data showed growth in nine of the last 13 months, including back-to-back December gains. Late-night programming saw a notable surge: Noticiero Cierre de Edición averaged 35,200 Adults 18–49 viewers at 10:00 p.m., while the 11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. slot, led by Alarma TV and Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, recorded its highest quarterly delivery. Management emphasizes that this demographic strength underpins more competitive ad rates and positions EstrellaTV for sustained revenue acceleration in 2026.