Albert Rodriguez
Mediaco HoldingAbout Albert Rodriguez
Albert Rodriguez (age 60 at Dec 31, 2024) is Chief Executive Officer and President of MediaCo; he was appointed in October 2024 after joining the company in January 2024 as Chief Revenue Officer and President of MediaCo Audio. He previously spent 24 years at Spanish Broadcasting System, most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University . Under his leadership, MediaCo has highlighted strong operating momentum: EstrellaTV posted +47% YoY P18–49 prime-time growth and its highest weekly total-day P18–49 audience in 2025, with management noting revenue growth is “rapidly” improving; social reach also accelerated across Instagram and Facebook for EstrellaTV and HOT 97 . MediaCo further strengthened its balance sheet by repaying a $7.3 million convertible note in November 2024 .
Past Roles
| Organization | Role | Years | Strategic impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MediaCo Holding Inc. | Chief Executive Officer & President | Oct 2024–present | Leads diversified radio/TV/digital portfolio; signed 2025 proxy as CEO; elected Class II director in Nov 2025 |
| MediaCo Holding Inc. | Chief Revenue Officer & President, MediaCo Audio | Jan 2024–Oct 2024 | Led revenue strategy across audio; elevated to CEO in Oct 2024 |
| Spanish Broadcasting System | President & Chief Operating Officer | 24 years prior to 2024 | Senior operating leadership in Hispanic media; multi-decade operating track record |
Fixed Compensation
| Element | Amount | Effective date / Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary | $700,000 | Sep 16, 2024 | Per new employment arrangement approved by Board |
| Target annual cash incentive | $525,000 | Sep 16, 2024 | Determined at Committee discretion |
| Actual bonus paid | $0 | 2024 | No bonus disclosed in 2024 Summary Compensation Table |
| Salary actually paid | $186,723 | 2024 | Prorated compensation for 2024 |
Performance Compensation
Annual Cash Incentive
| Year | Target ($) | Performance metrics | Actual/Payout ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 525,000 | Determined at Compensation Committee discretion (metrics not specified) | 0 | No bonus paid per 2025 proxy SCT |
Equity Awards and Vesting
| Grant/Plan | Dollar value | Shares | Type | Vesting | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Equity Compensation Plan – anticipated CEO grant | 1,000,000 | 934,579 | Restricted Stock | 50% time-based vesting ratably over 3 years; 50% performance-based (metrics to be set by Company) | Promised, subject to shareholder approval; shares computed at $1.07 reference price |
As of Dec 31, 2024, Rodriguez had no outstanding options or unvested stock awards reported .
Clawback and Award Policies
- All awards subject to company clawback policy and potential reduction/forfeiture as required by law/exchange rules .
- Company does not currently grant stock options or similar option-like instruments; policy would be evaluated if reinstated .
Equity Ownership & Alignment
| Date (record) | Class A shares owned | Class B shares owned | Percent of class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 13, 2025 | 0 | 0 | <1% (none reported) |
| Jun 18, 2025 | 0 | 0 | <1% (none reported) |
Additional alignment and policies:
- No outstanding equity awards at year-end 2024; pending 2025 restricted stock grant would introduce meaningful at‑risk equity exposure if approved and granted .
- Securities Trading Policy applies to directors/officers, including blackout periods and MNPI restrictions; full policy is an exhibit to the 2024 10-K .
- No related-person transactions for Rodriguez requiring disclosure as of Nov 2025 .
Employment Terms
| Provision | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employment start (new arrangement) | Effective Sep 16, 2024, as CRO & President of MediaCo Audio with specified pay package |
| CEO/President appointment | Appointed in October 2024; serves as CEO & President |
| Director election | Elected as Class II director on Nov 11, 2025; no additional director compensation; no committee assignment at filing |
| Severance (without cause) | 5 months of base salary |
| Equity vesting terms | For promised awards: 50% time-based over 3 years; 50% performance-based (metrics TBD) |
| Change-in-control (equity treatment) | 2025 Plan defines Change in Control; awards may be canceled for consideration, accelerated, or otherwise treated at Administrator discretion in connection with corporate transactions |
| Clawback | Awards subject to company clawback policy and legal/exchange requirements |
Compensation Committee Analysis
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Committee members | Deborah McDermott (Chair), Colbert Cannon, Amit Thakrar, Mary Beth McAdaragh – all independent under Nasdaq standards |
| Responsibilities | Reviews/sets executive compensation; administers equity plans |
| Meetings (last fiscal year) | Three |
| Company status | “Controlled company” under Nasdaq; no separate nominating committee |
Performance & Track Record
- EstrellaTV audience growth: +47% YoY P18–49 prime-time (Mon–Sun 7–11p) in 4Q25-to-4Q24 comparison; highest weekly total-day P18–49 audience of 11.8k in 2025 (+59% vs YTD average). Management highlighted accelerating audience growth and “growing revenue rapidly” .
- Social platform momentum: Instagram reach +19.1% (85.9% from non-followers) and Facebook reach +41% YoY for Noticias EstrellaTV; HOT 97 reach surged from 11.6M (Apr–May 2024) to 82M (same period 2025) .
- Balance sheet action: Fully repaid $7.3 million Emmis convertible promissory note in Nov 2024; Emmis-affiliated directors resigned upon repayment .
Investment Implications
- Alignment and retention: 2025 proposed $1,000,000 restricted stock grant (50% time-based/50% performance-based) would materially increase at‑risk equity, improving alignment versus 2024 when Rodriguez had no outstanding equity; time-based tranches provide retention over three years while performance tranches add pay-for-performance torque .
- Selling pressure and overhang: If 2025 Plan grants are approved and issued, new restricted stock introduces a multi-year vesting supply; however, absence of options and use of RS reduces repricing risk and focuses on share ownership accumulation .
- Cash vs equity mix: 2024 cash compensation was modest ($186,723 salary; no bonus) versus a larger forward equity component signaled for 2025, indicating a shift toward equity-based incentives under the new plan .
- Downside protections: Severance economics appear restrained (5 months base for without-cause), limiting parachute risk; equity awards are subject to clawback and administrator discretion on treatment in corporate transactions .
- Execution signals: Operating KPIs (ratings and digital reach) and the repayment of the $7.3M note suggest operational and financial execution under Rodriguez; watch for translation into sustained revenue and EBITDA improvements in filings and calls .