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Los 40 (stylized as LOS40, formerly Los 40 Principales, Spanish: Los Cuarenta) is a Spanish & English Top 40-themed music radio station that broadcasts current and recent music, primarily focusing on genres such as pop, dance, electropop, Electro Latin, and Reggaeton. The brand is operated in various Spanish-speaking countries by PRISA Radio. It is recognized as the first thematic radio station in Spain, with an audience of almost three million listeners.[1] Originating as a music show at Radio Madrid (now Cadena SER) in 1966, it transitioned into an independent radio station in 1979.

Thanks to the success of the program and the increase in the number of FM stations and receivers, Los 40 gradually expanded its daily broadcast duration, eventually reaching 24 hours of daily broadcasting in 1979 on the new radiofórmula 40 stations, still part of Cadena SER. In 1985, Los 40 began broadcasting via satellite. During the 1987-1988 season, Los 40 became an independent radio station known as Cadena 40, while still under the control of Grupo PRISA, the parent company of both Cadena 40 and Cadena SER.

Los 40 also operates in ten other countries, establishing its presence as a significant international music radio station in Spain and Latin America. The station primarily targets a demographic of individuals aged 12 to 30 years old.

The format of Los 40 is characterized by a youthful and dynamic style, incorporating a casual language that appeals to a young audience. The station emphasizes both music and musical information, as well as the presentation of songs.

Los 40 can be accessed through FM dials, national DTT broadcasting, streaming services, and mobile applications.[2]

Broadcast

[edit]

LOS40 stations are broadcast in: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, United States, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

The stations predominantly play contemporary hit music in Spanish and English contemporary hit music, featuring a mix of American, Latin American, Pan-European, and British artists. The music selection varies by region, with stations in Mexico and Panama stations focusing more on European and English-language music, whereas Chile and Costa Rica feature more reggaeton and bachata.

History

[edit]

Los 40 Principales began as a music program on Cadena SER's Radio Madrid. In 1965, Spain's Ministry of Information and Tourism mandated FM station launches, leading to a focus on music programming due to production costs. The following year, Rafael Revert was tasked by Cadena SER to create a music show for a younger audience, resulting in the creation of the 40 Principales chart. The first show aired on 18 July 1966, with "Monday, Monday" by The Mamas & the Papas topping the inaugural chart.

Initially, it was broadcast on 10 stations within the network. The program's duration expanded over time, starting with two hours, then increasing to four hours, and eventually to eight hours when it transitioned to a weekly edition on Saturdays.

The program was pre-recorded and distributed to Cadena SER stations across Spain, which broadcast it simultaneously at the designated time. The success of "Los 40 Principales," particularly among young audiences, led to an increase in programming hours and the development of its unique style, known as the "40 Style." This style is characterized by a youthful, casual language that emphasizes both music and musical information, as well as the presentation of songs.

The use of Onda Media was crucial for transmitting the "40 Style," as FM radio was less commonly used at the time. On Saturday afternoons, Onda Media stations broadcast eight hours of "Los 40," during which listeners could vote for the number one song.

In 1979, 40 Principales became a dedicated radio network. The network started satellite broadcasts across Spain in 1985 and expanded into Latin America in the 2000s.

In 1990, the chart show extended to television through Canal+ followed by the launch of 40 Principales TV in 1998. This channel continued until its closure in September 2017.

Timeline

[edit]
  • 1966: On 18 July, the radio program Los 40 Principales is launched on Cadena SER's Radio Madrid. This program marks the inception of the "40 list" and is the predecessor to the current show Del 40 al 1. The first song to achieve the number one spot on this new chart is "Monday, Monday" by The Mamas & the Papas. Following its debut, Los 40 Principales quickly expanded to ten additional Cadena SER stations, broadening its reach across Spain.
  • 1979: Los 40 Principales evolves into a pioneering radio format by inaugurating its first exclusive stations dedicated solely to broadcasting the program. While these stations specialized in the Los 40 content, they remained an integral part of the Cadena SER network. This development marks a significant expansion in the program's delivery, allowing for more focused and continuous music broadcasting under the Los 40 brand.
  • 1985: On 2 November, Los 40 Principales celebrates a major milestone with its 1,000th week on air. This special week sees "Dancing In The Street" by David Bowie and Mick Jagger climb to Number 1 on the chart. Additionally, in 1985, Los 40 begins satellite broadcasting, significantly expanding its reach to cover the entire nation of Spain. This technological advancement allows the program to deliver its content more broadly and consistently across the country.
  • 1987: The radio stations operating under the Los 40 Principales brand achieve independence from Cadena SER, leading to the establishment of the network as Cadena 40 Principales. This organizational change marks a significant development, allowing the network to operate with more autonomy while still maintaining its core focus on the Top 40 music format.
  • 1988: Los 40 Principales achieves a significant milestone by becoming the most listened to radio station in Spain, surpassing conventional radio stations. That year, the network reaches an impressive audience of 5,000,000 listeners, solidifying its status as a major player in Spanish radio broadcasting and marking its widespread appeal across diverse demographic groups.
  • 1990: Los 40 Principales takes a significant technological leap by beginning satellite broadcasting. This move makes it the first music station in Spain to distribute content in stereo and digital sound to all its local offices, enhancing the audio quality and listener experience across the country. Additionally, the station's popular chart countdown, Del 40 al 1, transitions to television, being broadcast regularly on Canal+. The TV show is presented by Fernandisco, further expanding the brand's reach and influence in Spanish media.
  • 1991: Los 40 Principales marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of success in radio broadcasting. However, September of the same year sees a significant change in personnel as José Antonio Abellán, one of the station's most famous announcers, departs from Los 40. Abellán's exit marks the end of an era for the station, reflecting both the evolving nature of radio broadcasting and the dynamic careers of its key figures.
  • 1992: Rafael Revert, the founder and only director of Los 40 Principales until this point, leaves the station. His departure ushers in a new era under the leadership of Luis Merino, who steers the station in a new direction. Merino focuses on targeting a younger demographic, specifically aiming to capture listeners between the ages of 16 and 25. This strategic shift is part of an effort to rejuvenate the station's audience and appeal to a more youthful market. Additionally, 1992 marks the beginning of digital sound broadcasting for Los 40, further enhancing the audio quality and modernizing the station's offerings.
  • 1996: Los 40 Principales makes a significant expansion into the digital age by establishing a presence on the Internet for the first time. This move allows the station to reach a broader, global audience and engage with listeners in new and interactive ways. In the same year, there is a change in leadership as Javier Pons takes over from Luis Merino as the director of the radio network. This transition continues the evolution of Los 40 as it adapts to changing technologies and listener preferences.
  • 1997: Los 40 Principales launches "Card 40" in collaboration with La Caixa, a major financial institution in Spain. This partnership introduces a co-branded credit card designed to offer special benefits and promotions linked to the radio station, such as discounts on music purchases and exclusive access to events.
  • 1998: On 1 September, Los 40 Principales expands its media footprint by launching 40 TV, a television channel dedicated to music. This new venture is broadcast on the Canal Satélite Digital platform, now known as Canal+. The launch of 40 TV signifies a significant step in broadening the brand's reach, providing a visual component to the popular radio content and offering viewers a mix of music videos, interviews, and live performances directly related to the Top 40 music charts.
  • 2000: Jaume Baró takes on the role of managing Los 40 Principales. His leadership marks a new chapter in the station's history as it continues to evolve and adapt to changes in the music industry and listener preferences.
  • 2004: Los 40 Principales expands its brand into print media with the launch of Revista 40, a magazine aimed at complementing the radio station’s offerings. This publication is marketed for the first time, providing fans with more in-depth content, including artist interviews, behind-the-scenes features, and extended coverage of the music industry. This move represents a diversification of Los 40’s media presence, aiming to engage its audience through multiple platforms.
  • 2005: Los 40 Principales extends its television reach with the transition of 40 Latino, a Spanish-language version of 40 TV, from Digital+ to free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT). This shift allows 40 Latino to become accessible to a wider audience, enhancing its visibility and availability across Spain. The channel focuses on Latin and Spanish-language music content.
  • 2006: Los 40 Principales celebrates a significant milestone, marking its 40th anniversary. This year is particularly memorable due to a record-breaking event when La Oreja de Van Gogh premieres their single "Muñeca de trapo," which achieves unprecedented audience numbers for the station. Additionally, 2006 sees the inauguration of The 40 Principales Awards, an annual music awards ceremony that recognizes the best in music as voted by the station's listeners.
  • 2007: The 40 Principales Awards expand internationally, with Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile joining the celebration.
  • 2010: On 15 May, Los 40 Principales introduces a significant change to its programming format, a new approach in Spanish radio. The station begins broadcasting uninterrupted blocks of music without advertisements for the first 40 minutes of each hour. The remaining 20 minutes of the hour are then divided into four advertising blocks—two for national broadcasting and two for local content—interspersed with two or three edited songs. This change is designed to maximize listener engagement by providing longer periods of continuous music. In early August, a further adjustment enhances this format, offering 47 minutes of hits each hour.
  • 2011: In early October, financial constraints lead PRISA Group, the owner of Cadena SER, Cadena 40 Principales, and Cadena Dial, to cede its digital terrestrial television (DTT) frequency to Mediaset España. Consequently, the three channels cease broadcasting on DTT, although they continue their normal operations on other platforms, including radio and online streaming. This transition marks a significant shift in the distribution strategy for these stations due to economic pressures. Additionally, in May 2011, Los 40 Principales embraces mobile technology by launching a dedicated application available for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry devices.
  • 2012: In November, Los 40 Principales expands its awards program with the inauguration of the Premios 40 Principales América in Veracruz, Mexico. This event marks the independence of the American version of the awards from the original Premios 40 held in Madrid.
  • 2014: At the start of the broadcast season, Los 40 Principales introduces significant changes to its morning programming. The popular morning show Anda ya, previously hosted by Xavi Rodríguez, welcomes a new lead in 'Gallo Máximo', who takes over as the morning captain. This change is part of a broader initiative to refresh and energize the morning slot, a crucial time for engaging listeners. Additionally, the Lo+40 brand, which had been dormant, is revived by Xavi Martínez.
  • 2015: Despite maintaining its status as the music station with the largest audience in Spain, Los 40 Principales experiences a significant decline in listenership. Over the course of one year, the station loses 17.8% of its audience, reducing its total to 2,940,000 listeners by the end of 2015.
  • 2016: As Los 40 Principales celebrates its 50th anniversary, the station undergoes a significant rebranding in May. It drops "Principales" from its name to become simply LOS40. Alongside the new name, a refreshed logo is introduced. The rebranding coincides with the renaming of the station's annual music awards to the Los 40 Music Awards, previously known as the 40 Principales Awards. Eva Cebrián spearheads these changes, marking a new era for LOS40 and its alignment with contemporary music and cultural trends.
  • 2017: Despite ongoing efforts to rejuvenate its format and offerings, LOS40 continues to experience a decline in its listener base, recording 2,871,000 listeners by the end of the year.[3] In response to this trend, LOS40 makes several strategic moves to regain its footing in the competitive radio market. Firstly, it returns to broadcasting on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) through a partnership with TEN, aiming to expand its reach and accessibility. The station also introduces fresh faces and formats for the new broadcasting season (2016–2017). Los 40 Trending debuts with Arturo Paniagua as the host, and Anda ya sees a new co-presenter, Cristina Boscá, join Dani Moreno. Boscá transitions from Formula 40 to Anda ya, bringing a new dynamic to the popular morning show. The LOS40 app, initially released in 2011, undergoes significant updates. It now includes four new online radio streams and features improved design and reliability. Additionally, the web player is revamped, enhancing user experience with more robust functionality and a modern interface. Between July and August, LOS40 launches the Los 40 Summer Live tour, billed as the largest Spanish musical tour to date. The tour features performances by well-known singers and LOS40's own DJs, creating a major event that blends live music with the station's brand.
  • 2018: LOS40 shows signs of recovery, regaining a portion of its audience lost in previous years. By the end of the year, the station reports a listenership of 2,935,000.[4] In mid-April, LOS40 also makes a strategic branding change, moving away from the slogan "Music Inspires Life," which had been in place since the 2016 rebranding. The station opts to revert to its earlier slogan, "All Successes."
  • 2019: Yu No Te Pierdas Nada, a popular program on LOS40 hosted by Dani Mateo, concludes its run after six years. Dani Mateo and the show transition to Europa FM, marking a significant change in the radio landscape. This move initiates a new chapter for both the host and the program as they aim to engage audiences on a different network, while LOS40 faces the challenge of filling the void left by one of its prominent shows.
  • 2020: On 30 August, Luis López, a longstanding figure at LOS40, announces his retirement from the World Dance Music radio program after 18 years of leading and hosting. His tenure at LOS40 spanned 28 years. López confirms that his successor starting September 2020 would be José Luis Garaña de los Cobos, widely known as DJ Nano, from Madrid.

Game 40

[edit]

From 1992 to 1998, Los 40 hosted Game 40, a weekly video game show in Spain.[5] Airing on Sunday evenings, the show was initially hosted by Juan Luis Ferrer before Guillem Caballé took over, infusing the program with a dynamic and entertaining style. Caballé, along with co-hosts Manuel Martín Vivaldi, Ángel Ortiz, and Carlos Ulloa, presented segments that included game reviews, news, and comedy, all interspersed with music from video game and anime soundtracks.[6][7] Despite competition from sports programs, it garnered significant listenership.

Controversy

[edit]

In December 2014, DJ Paul Hip asked listeners of 40 Principales Chile what they would do for free music concert festival tickets.[8] The radio station hosted a competition for contestants to come up with their own challenges. If their challenge was accepted by the radio DJ, they were given the opportunity to complete it to win the tickets.[9]

A female listener offered to do "anything including licking whipped cream out of a human anus" to win tickets to the Mysteryland EDM festival. Hip took the woman up on the proposal - in the middle of his show.[8] On 17 December 2014,[10] she completed the act live on air.[9][11][12] Hip then proceeded to invite listeners of the radio station to kiss the woman[13] who had just licked whipped cream from his anus to win tickets of their own.[14]

The radio station's production team[13] tweeted an uncensored image of the act,[9] which went viral over Twitter and caused controversy,[13] with Twitter followers[9] calling the act "misogynist and humiliating" and questioning the station's ethics and journalistic integrity. The radio station later issued an apology saying they were sorry if they had offended their audience and they probably should not have accepted such challenge, but assured it was completely "voluntary and even suggested by the participant" in a contest that was open to what ever each contestant wanted to do. The radio station deleted the tweet promptly after the negative reactions and assured their fans the contest's only purpose was to have fun, and not to hurt or demean anyone.[15]

Former presence

[edit]

LOS40 has previously operated in Nicaragua and Paraguay, where it was replaced by La Buenísima and an evangelical radio station, respectively.

Awards and recognition

[edit]

Los 40 has received multiple accolades throughout its history. In 1985, it was awarded the Ondas Award in the National Radio category. Prior to this, in 1982, Pepe Cañaveras also received an Ondas Award. In 1998, Joaquín Luqui was honored with the Ondas Award for Best Music Program Presenter, and the program "Del 40 al 1" won the Ondas Award for Best Specialized Television Program.

In 2000, the program "En tu casa o en la mía" won the Ondas Award for the most innovative and original radio program and for its service to society. In 2003, Juanma Ortega received the Golden Antenna as the presenter of the morning show "Anda ya!", which also received the Ondas Award for radio innovation in 2004. In 2010, Frank Blanco was awarded the Golden Antenna by the Federation of Spanish Radio and Television Associations.[16] In 2013, "Yu: No te pierdas nada" won the Ondas Award for radio innovation.[17]

In September 2015, Los 40 launched the "40 Global Show," a new program broadcast in 11 countries, featuring global music news presented by Tony Aguilar. This program also established a direct connection between the different Los 40 stations in Spain and Latin America.

Events

[edit]

Stations

[edit]
Location Callsign Frequency Property
Bogotá, Colombia HJL81 100.4 MHz Caracol Radio
Buenos Aires, Argentina LS4 105.5 MHz Radio Continental
Guatemala City, Guatemala TGCV 93.3 MHz PRISA
Madrid, Spain LOS40 93.9 MHz PRISA
Mexico City, Mexico XEX-FM 101.7 MHz PRISA
Panama City, Panama 91.3 MHz PRISA
Quito, Ecuador 97.7 MHz PRISA
San José, Costa Rica 104.3 MHz La Nación
Santiago, Chile 101.7 MHz Ibero Americana
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 88.5 MHz PRISA

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Los 40

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from Grokipedia
Los 40 is a commercial owned by Media, specializing in formats that feature pop, pop-rock, and electronic music aimed at young Spanish-speaking audiences. Launched in 1966 as the program Los 40 Principales on Cadena SER's Radio , it evolved into a standalone network that broadcasts in 12 countries across and , reaching millions of listeners weekly. Rebranded as LOS40 in 2016 to mark its 50th anniversary, the network maintains dominance in Spain's music radio market with a share exceeding 45% and has expanded digitally, including a recent U.S. launch in 2024 to serve Latino communities. Notable achievements include hosting the annual LOS40 Music Awards, which recognize top artists and have grown into a major event celebrating Spanish-language music trends. The network's influence extends to live events, festivals, and digital platforms, solidifying its role in shaping consumption among over 29 million global listeners.

Broadcasting Format

Music and Content Focus

Los 40 operates as a (CHR) network, emphasizing current and recurrent drawn from Top 40 charts, with a primary focus on pop, , electropop, and Latin-influenced genres such as , trap, and urban sounds. The station curates playlists based on listener votes, sales data, and streaming metrics, prioritizing Spanish-language hits alongside international tracks to appeal to audiences in , , and expanding markets like the . This format ensures high rotation of tracks from artists achieving commercial success, often integrating bilingual content to bridge English and Spanish markets. Beyond music playback, which constitutes the core of its , Los 40 incorporates lifestyle-oriented content tied to musical trends, including artist interviews, music news updates, and thematic segments on emerging viral sounds and genres. Signature elements like weekly countdowns, like Del 40 al 1, aggregate listener input and chart performance to rank top songs, fostering audience engagement through interactive voting. Specialized shows explore subgenres, such as urban music sessions or dance mixes, while podcasts and on-demand features extend access to exclusive content like live event recaps and artist spotlights, reinforcing the network's emphasis on timely, hit-driven entertainment over niche or archival programming. In regions with localized adaptations, such as the U.S. expansion launched in January 2024, the focus sharpens on Latin artists' contributions to global charts, blending , tropical, and influences to target listeners without diluting the overarching Top 40 structure. This approach maintains a balance between broad commercial appeal and genre diversity, avoiding deep dives into non-mainstream styles, as evidenced by its programming across over 40 U.S. stations by early 2024.

Programming and Schedules

LOS40 stations operate on a contemporary hit radio (CHR) format, prioritizing current from English and Spanish-language artists, with playlists curated to appeal to a youthful through high-energy and minimal talk segments outside dedicated shows. Weekday programming typically structures around drive-time blocks, featuring morning shows that blend upbeat tracks, comedic sketches, and engagement to energize listeners during commutes, followed by midday segments focused on new releases and artist spotlights. Afternoon and evening slots often include interactive countdowns and thematic music hours, while weekends emphasize extended chart recaps and specialized genres like urban or dance variants. Schedules vary by country to accommodate local tastes and regulations, but syndicated flagship programs provide consistency across the network. In , for instance, "Anda Ya" airs weekdays from approximately 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM, hosted by Dani Moreno and featuring humor-driven content alongside hits. The network's signature "Del 40 al 1," a top 40 countdown hosted by Tony Aguilar, broadcasts Sundays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, compiling listener-voted and sales-based rankings updated weekly. Overnight programming reverts to automated or DJ-led "Música Continua" blocks, playing non-stop tracks from 10:00 PM onward to maintain 24-hour coverage. In Latin American markets like , local adaptations include "¡Ya Párate!" from 5:00 AM weekdays, a high-energy morning program with Gabo Ramos emphasizing motivation and current pop, transitioning to afternoon shows such as "La Corneta" hosted by Eduardo Videgaray for satirical commentary on entertainment news. Colombia's schedule incorporates "¡Que Visaje La Vida!" in late afternoons, focusing on urban and cultural discussions. These variations ensure relevance, with core rotation drawing from global charts while allocating 70-80% airtime to songs rather than speech, as per the format's emphasis on rhythmic flow.
Time Slot (Approximate, Weekdays - Example)ProgramHost/Format
6:00 AM - 10:00 AMAnda YaDani Moreno; music, humor, interaction
10:00 AM - 1:00 PMMidday music blockDJ-led hits and
1:00 PM - 4:00 PMAfternoon driveEntertainment-focused segments
6:00 PM - 10:00 PMEvening specialsThemed music (e.g., LOS40 Urban)
10:00 PM - 6:00 AMMúsica ContinuaContinuous playback
This structure supports high listener retention, with adjustments for holidays or events like live concert broadcasts to integrate real-time engagement.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Expansion (1966–1980s)

Los 40 Principales began as a on Radio , part of the network, with its premiere broadcast on July 18, 1966. Conceived as a youth-oriented show, it presented weekly rankings of the top 40 , drawing from international pop and emerging domestic artists to capture the era's cultural transitions in post-Franco . The inaugural episode featured hosts Olimpia Torres and Ángel Carbajo, and the first number-one single was "" by . In its initial years, the program aired daily for two hours, fostering rapid listener growth through its focus on contemporary hits and establishing itself as Spain's primary music chart authority. By the , it had solidified its role in popularizing global trends like rock and alongside Spanish-language releases, reflecting broader societal and rising . This period saw the show's influence extend within the SER network's reach, though primarily centered in , setting the stage for format evolution amid increasing competition from television and imported media. The late marked a pivotal shift, as in 1979 Los 40 Principales adopted continuous 24-hour programming, pioneering this model in by eliminating traditional time slots and nighttime closures. This change enabled round-the-clock playback, enhancing accessibility and listener engagement, which propelled audience expansion and positioned the format for national scaling. By the early 1980s, these innovations supported initial frequency acquisitions beyond , culminating in full network independence from in 1987 as Cadena 40 Principales.

National Dominance and International Growth (1990s–2000s)

In the , Los 40 Principales solidified its position as Spain's leading music , achieving record audiences amid growing competition from newly deregulated private broadcasters. By May 1990, the chain reported 4,150,000 listeners, marking the highest audience figure for any radio network at the time and surpassing generalist stations like in the music segment. This dominance stemmed from its focus on contemporary hits, weekly charts, and youth-oriented programming, which resonated during Spain's and cultural shift toward pop and international music. By 1991, listener numbers approached five million, reinforcing its status as the top musical outlet ahead of conventional broadcasters. Throughout the decade, the network expanded its national footprint via technology initiated in the mid-1980s, enabling synchronized programming across over 100 affiliated stations and enhancing its market share in urban centers like and . Audience surveys from the EGM (Estudio General de Medios) consistently highlighted its lead in the 14-44 age demographic, with innovations like televised shows on Canal+ further boosting visibility and listener engagement. This era represented the peak of its domestic influence, as it captured the surge in pop-rock and popularity tied to global trends. Entering the 2000s, Los 40 Principales sustained national leadership while pursuing international growth, particularly in , where it established stations in countries including , , , and to tap into shared linguistic and musical markets. This expansion built on its Spanish success formula, adapting formats for regional audiences and fostering cross-border synergies in programming and artist promotion. By the mid-, the network's 40th anniversary celebrations underscored its operational maturity, with events drawing massive attendance and signaling readiness for global scaling amid rising challenges.

Rebranding and Modern Era (2010s–Present)

In May 2016, Los 40 Principales underwent a major rebranding to LOS40, reflecting a strategic shift toward digital entertainment and global reach under parent company PRISA Radio. The new branding featured a multicolor ribbon logo symbolizing cultural connections and diversity, while simplifying the name to emphasize its core identity as a music network. This change coincided with the network's 50th anniversary celebrations, aiming to adapt to evolving media landscapes by integrating streaming, podcasts, and multimedia content. Throughout the late 2010s, LOS40 revamped its programming to incorporate innovative formats, expanded time slots for music analysis, and launched sub-brands like LOS40 Dance, which exemplified digital transformation through online platforms and targeted dance music content. In November 2018, sister station M80 Radio was discontinued after 25 years, reoriented as Los 40 Classic to focus on classic hits within the LOS40 ecosystem, consolidating PRISA's music offerings. The network also introduced Podium Podcast in 2016, evolving into a podcasting hub by 2019, enhancing listener engagement beyond traditional broadcasts. Into the 2020s, LOS40 expanded internationally, launching LOS40 USA in January 2024 to deliver Spanish-language hits to U.S. audiences, featuring artists like and via syndicated formats. By March 2025, partnerships with networks like Radio Network enabled further U.S. rollout of its programming, targeting over 45 million young Latinos. These developments underscore LOS40's adaptation to streaming dominance and regional Mexican influences, maintaining its position as a leading music brand across 13 markets including , , , and .

Ownership and Operations

Parent Company and Corporate Structure

Los 40 operates as a brand under PRISA Radio, the radio division of Grupo Prisa, a Spanish multinational media conglomerate headquartered in Madrid. Grupo Prisa, established in 1972, encompasses diverse operations including newspapers like El País, educational publishing via Santillana, and audio content production, with radio assets reaching audiences in over 20 countries through owned stations, licenses, and partnerships. The corporate structure positions within , which handles spoken-word and music formats such as , Los 40, and Dial, under the oversight of 's executive leadership, including CEO Joseph Oughourlian and radio head Francisco Ros. In , Los 40 maintains direct ownership and control via 's fully consolidated radio entities, following the April 2022 acquisition of the remaining 20% stake in the radio division from Grupo Godó for an undisclosed amount, eliminating minority interests and streamlining decision-making. Internationally, the structure involves a mix of wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, and brand licensing agreements to adapt to local regulations and markets; for instance, in , holds majority stakes in station trusts or collaborates with partners to broadcast Los 40 programming, as seen in where it controls 55% of a trust including FM Los 40 alongside other frequencies. This decentralized model allows to leverage global content distribution while delegating operational aspects to regional entities, supported by centralized digital platforms for streaming and podcasts.

Stations and Geographic Reach

Los 40 operates primarily through a network of FM stations in , managed by Radio, providing nationwide coverage via owned and affiliated transmitters in major cities such as (93.9 MHz), , and , among others. This domestic footprint supports a format focused on contemporary hits, reaching millions of daily listeners within the country. Internationally, the Los 40 brand extends to through franchises, partnerships, and local stations in countries including (e.g., XEX-FM 101.7 MHz in ), , , , (97.7 MHz in ), (91.3 MHz in ), , , and the . These operations often involve collaborations with local broadcasters, adapting the core Top 40 format to regional preferences while maintaining synchronized programming like the weekly "Del 40 al 1" . The network's presence in these markets has established it as a trendsetter for young Spanish-speaking audiences. In January 2024, Los 40 expanded into the via LOS40 USA, a syndicated service available on 20 radio stations across 12 states with significant populations, supplemented by online streaming at los40.us. This initiative targets the U.S. Latino market, integrating with the brand's existing content to broaden its hemispheric influence. Overall, Los 40 broadcasts in 12 countries, amassing over 50 million listeners globally.

Signature Programming

Key Shows and Features

Anda Ya serves as the flagship morning program on Los 40, airing weekdays from 6:00 to 11:00 a.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., hosted by Dani Moreno ("El Gallo") and Cristina Boscá. The show combines contemporary hit music playback with humorous segments, listener calls, celebrity interviews, and topical discussions to engage early audiences, often featuring pranks like "Las Bromas de San Bernardino" for entertainment value. It has maintained strong listenership as Spain's leading musical morning broadcast, emphasizing energetic starts to the day with integrated news updates and artist promotions. Del 40 al 1, the network's signature countdown show, airs Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., presented by Tony Aguilar since its evolution from earlier chart formats. This program ranks the top 40 hits based on a composite of digital sales, , radio , and public votes, revealing the weekly LOS40 list with commentary, music clips, and global music insights. Originating from the station's foundational Top 40 emphasis established in 1966, it remains a cornerstone for chart tracking and fan interaction, updated weekly to reflect current trends in pop, , and urban genres. Additional features include specialized segments like the LOS40 Urban Music Show, hosted by Charlie Jiménez, focusing on urban and hip-hop tracks with biweekly updates, and interactive elements via the LOS40 app for on-demand podcasts, live voting, and personalized playlists. Listener engagement extends to polls influencing chart positions and events tie-ins, such as pre-awards specials, reinforcing the network's role in shaping Spanish-language music consumption across and . These elements prioritize empirical popularity metrics over subjective curation, ensuring alignment with verifiable hit performance data.

Charts and Listener Interaction

Los 40 publishes a weekly titled Lista LOS40, ranking the top 40 songs based on , , and listener input across its network. The updates every , capturing contemporary hits in genres such as pop, , and urban music, with positions determined by a blend of metrics that emphasize . Listener voting constitutes a core mechanism for influence, allowing users to select their preferred track via the official or app, directly impacting the potential ascent to number one. This process encourages real-time participation, where aggregated votes from the station's millions of weekly listeners can elevate emerging or fan-favorite songs. For example, during the chart week of October 25 to November 1, 2025, "Tu vas sin (fav)" by reached the top position, reflecting sustained listener support over 40 weeks on the list, while tracks like "Golden" by Huntr/x & Demon Hunters Cast held at number two. Such interactivity extends to digital platforms, where the chart syncs with and playlists, enabling further votes and shares to amplify listener-driven rankings.

Events and Recognitions

Los 40 Music Awards

The Los 40 Music Awards are an annual gala organized by the Spanish radio network Los 40 to honor outstanding achievements in popular music, encompassing both Spanish-language and international artists. Launched in 2006 under the name Premios 40 Principales to mark the network's 40th anniversary, the event initially focused on recognizing top performers based on radio airplay and listener popularity metrics derived from Los 40's programming. The first ceremony featured categories such as Best Spanish Song and Best International Artist, with early winners including established acts like Alejandro Sanz and international figures like Madonna. Following the of the from 40 Principales to Los 40 in 2016, the awards adopted their current name, , while expanding categories to include emerging genres like urban music and digital streaming impact alongside traditional radio-driven metrics. The selection process combines jury evaluations from industry professionals with public voting via the Los 40 app and website, emphasizing empirical listener engagement data from the network's charts, such as Del 40 al 1. Ceremonies typically feature 20-25 categories, divided into national (e.g., Best Spanish Artist, Best Album) and international segments (e.g., Best International Song, Best Video), with additional honors for tours, collaborations, and breakthrough acts. Held in prominent Spanish venues like Barcelona's or Madrid's WiZink Center, the event draws over 10,000 attendees and is broadcast live on television and radio, reaching millions through Los 40's stations across and . Recent editions, sponsored by Santander since 2020, have incorporated high-profile performances and collaborations, such as those by and international guests like , reflecting the network's focus on crossover appeal. By the 19th edition on November 8, 2024, more than 200 artists had received awards, with repeat winners like and dominating Spanish categories due to sustained chart performance. The awards' credibility stems from their alignment with verifiable airplay data and figures, though critics have noted potential favoritism toward Los 40's promoted tracks; nonetheless, empirical success metrics, such as post-award surges for , support their influence on the Spanish music market. The 20th edition is scheduled for November 7, 2025, at Valencia's , highlighting continued growth with sold-out tickets and confirmed performers like Aitana.

Other Events and Promotions

LOS40 organizes the annual LOS40 Summer Live tour, a free multi-city concert series held across during July and August, featuring emerging artists, established performers, and network DJs. In 2025, the tour ran from July 10 to August 6, visiting locations including El Campello, Mislata, , Candás, Simancas, and , with lineups such as Naiara, La Beba, Safree, and in select stops. The network runs ongoing promotions through platforms like Cartelera LOS40, where listeners register to win tickets to partnered concerts and events, emphasizing to live music. In , LOS40 México frequently offers boletos giveaways for specific shows, such as anniversary concerts by acts like Los Claxons or performances by regional artists, tied to on-air contests. Additional localized events include the LOS 40 San Fermín Sessions in on July 5, 2025, at Plaza del Castillo, and seasonal pop series like Los 40 Capital Pop and Primavera Pop tours, which promote themed live performances in various Spanish regions. These initiatives extend LOS40's reach by integrating radio branding with festivals and programming.

Controversies

Notable Disputes and Criticisms

In 2014, Los 40 Principales faced backlash for promoting the #ReportaTuMarica on , intended as a playful call to report effeminate behaviors among male listeners but widely interpreted as homophobic and derogatory toward gay individuals, sparking significant outrage and calls for on . The station defended the campaign as lighthearted fan interaction tied to a contest, but critics, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, condemned it for reinforcing stereotypes, leading to temporary damage to its public image in and broader Spanish-speaking markets. In 2018, the network dismissed comedian Antonio Castelo from its flagship morning show Yu, following a series of controversial on-air jokes and posts deemed offensive, particularly toward women and public figures, amid the broader "caso Castelo" scandal that implicated collaborators like Dani Mateo. The decision was part of Radio's effort to retain the program's viability and avoid advertiser pullouts, as Castelo's remarks had drawn formal complaints and media scrutiny for crossing into and insensitivity. This incident highlighted tensions between the station's entertainment format and evolving standards on speech, with some commentators arguing it reflected selective enforcement amid 's corporate pressures. Los 40 has also drawn criticism for its rigid playlist curation, accused by independent artists and analysts of prioritizing major-label releases over diverse or emerging talent, potentially stifling innovation in through algorithmic and commercial biases. While the station maintains its charts reflect listener and market demand, detractors point to historical patterns where pay-for-play allegations surface in regional markets, though no formal regulatory findings have substantiated systemic violations.

Responses and Resolutions

In December 2014, amid backlash over an uncensored tweet showing a female listener kissing the exposed backside of Hip during a "Rayos y Centellas" promotional challenge for tickets, Los 40 Principales (then branded as Los 40 Principales) issued an on-air apology read by host Daniel Segovia. The station stated the act was voluntarily proposed by the participant, with no intent to offend, but acknowledged regretting acceptance of the challenge and any resulting discomfort. No regulatory sanctions or lawsuits followed the incident, allowing the station to continue operations without interruption. In response to recurring criticisms of rude or unfiltered content on affiliated programs like Colombia's Impresentables, host Valentina Taguado defended in October 2024, asserting it extends beyond mere to appeal to listeners seeking authentic, trend-driven entertainment rather than sanitized discourse. Such defenses have typically preempted formal resolutions, with no documented shutdowns or content overhauls, preserving the network's youth-oriented programming amid subjective complaints from audiences favoring stricter norms.

Impact and Legacy

Achievements and Market Success

Los 40 has established itself as the preeminent radio network in , leading the thematic radio segment per Estudio General de Medios (EGM) measurements. In the third wave of 2024, it achieved 3,057,000 daily listeners from to , outperforming other music stations and reinforcing its market dominance. This figure aligned with the network's year-end total of 3,057,000 daily oyentes for 2024, followed by a strong start to 2025 with 3,035,000 daily listeners, attributing sustained leadership to program innovations like Anda Ya!. Audience metrics have shown resilience amid industry fluctuations, with Los 40 maintaining the top position among musical chains despite a second-wave 2025 dip to 2,879,000 daily oyentes—a 15.4% decline from prior periods but still ahead of rivals such as Cadena 100's 1,739,000. The network's extended portfolio, including Los 40 Classic (which hit a record 852,000 daily listeners in early 2025), contributes to a broader monthly reach exceeding 8.9 million across variants like Los 40 Dance and Urban. Commercially, Los 40's expansion beyond underscores its global ambitions, launching LOS40 on January 19, 2024, to deliver Spanish-language hits to the U.S. market and integrate with its existing footprint in over a Latin American countries, amassing more than 50 million total listeners. This growth builds on its pioneering status as 's first thematic station since , enabling trendsetting influence in pop and contemporary genres while driving ancillary successes like the annual , which draw international artists and fan votes across , Latin, and global categories.

Cultural and Industry Influence

Los 40 has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary , particularly among demographics in and , by prioritizing in pop, , and urban genres that reflect evolving musical preferences and social trends. The station's programming, which emphasizes current and recent releases, has fostered a shared auditory landscape that bridges regional differences, amplifying Spanish-language tracks and contributing to the mainstreaming of Latin rhythms in everyday listening habits. With operations spanning 11 Spanish-speaking countries, it serves as a cultural conduit, introducing listeners to both local talents and international crossovers, thereby reinforcing linguistic and rhythmic identities amid . In , where Los 40 commands a leading position in music radio, its daily audience reached 3,057,000 listeners by the end of , according to Estudio General de Medios data, underscoring its dominance in influencing daily patterns. This reach extends to over 50 million global listeners across its formats, enabling the station to propagate cultural narratives through music that often intertwines personal expression with broader societal themes, such as identity and resilience in communities. On the industry front, Los 40 wields considerable power through its weekly Lista LOS40 , recognized as Spain's most significant radio-based ranking, which aggregates from Promusicae sales figures and international metrics to determine hit status. This not only drives streaming and physical sales but also elevates emerging Latin artists by providing radio airplay—a critical factor in career breakthroughs amid the sector's shift toward digital platforms—contributing to the explosive growth of the Spanish market, where Latin-influenced genres have fueled revenue surges. By prioritizing verifiable hit over subjective curation, the station has incentivized labels to align releases with its rotation criteria, thereby streamlining promotion strategies and accelerating the global export of Hispanic acts. Events tied to the station, such as the , further amplify this impact by spotlighting high-performing artists, fostering industry networks, and correlating with subsequent spikes.

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