The origins of Hispanic Communications Network began in 1979  in the historic village of Las Trampas, New Mexico.

People like Tranquilino Lopez and Fermenia Leyba modeled how families could thrive by practicing their culture of “hermandad” (brotherhood), kindness, and attention to the natural world. As highways pierced their ancestral mountain strongholds they, and similar villagers, were under assault from the allure of consumerism as shown on contemporary TV. 

Former New Mexico Lt. Governor and cultural icon, Roberto Mondragon, singer/songwriter Ms. Consuelo Luz and the bilingual educator, Jeff Kline, MA.Ed. banded together to make documentary films and radio shows presenting these villagers as heroes. The films, radio shows and accompanying educational curriculum initially produced in Las Trampas and Santa Fe sharing the roots of Hispanic culture along with practical tips for modern life was broadcast nationwide and by 1981 Spanish radio stations asked for daily programming to inspire their audiences turning Hispanic Communications Network into something similar to a Spanish version of NPR. 

From these humble beginnings, we’ve grown into the Washington D.C. based leading producer and distributor of non-commercial, Spanish-language, public interest and educational content. You can find our public-serving content and resources at laredhispana.org and selected social media channels worldwide. To learn more about La Red Hispana (The Hispanic Network) click here.