iHeartMedia: Bicultural Latinos Are Cultural and Economic Force
iHeartMedia reveals the results of a study developed in partnership with Collage Group that looked at the influential consumer group known as Bicultural Latinos – those who identify equally as Americans and Hispanics. The study, “New American Consumer: Bicultural Latinos,” determined that this demographic – now encompassing nearly 40 percent of all U.S. Latinos – represents “a powerful economic force led by a culture-first, identity‑driven audience that is shaping the next era of American growth.” According to the study, two‑thirds of Bicultural Latinos say they identify as equally Hispanic and American and feel more cultural pride than ever, with 78 percent saying they feel more connected to their heritage today than they did just one year ago. This rising cultural confidence coincides with economic momentum as U.S. Latino
purchasing power – backed by a population of nearly 70 million that is a leading ethnicity in growth – has now reached $4.1 trillion and continues to grow more than twice as fast as that of non‑Latinos. iHeartMedia says, “The impact of this can only be measured in global scale: If isolated, the GDP of current U.S. Latinos would rank fifth in the world, having surged from $2.2 trillion in 2015 to $4 trillion.” iHeartLatino president and chief creative officer Enrique Santos says, “Bicultural Latinos are not just an audience — they are a cultural vanguard, driving tastes, trends and conversations across every platform while powering one of the fastest‑growing segments of the U.S. economy and redefining what it means to be American. For brands, the takeaway is clear: culture is the strategy — language is the tactic. Those who lead with cultural intelligence, not just translation, earn more than attention, they earn long-term loyalty and trust.” The study also finds that audio is important to this demographic. The study finds: “Broadcast reaches 9 in 10 Latinos monthly, according to Nielsen, and this new research shows that Bicultural Latino radio listening is diverse – 92 percent listen in English, 78 percent listen in Spanish – and 65 percent of Bicultural Latinos prefer listening to radio/music/podcasts equally in Spanish and English. Additionally, the research shows that 98 percent are listening to music weekly, 63 percent tune into podcasts weekly and 69 percent engage with live sports through audio.”