Goldsboro, N.C. — Community leaders, business supporters, and local influencers gathered this week for a special “Lunch and Learn” event hosted by La Ley, North Carolina’s leading Spanish-language radio station. The event offered guests a chance to learn about La Ley’s deep-rooted history and its growing impact within the state’s Hispanic community.
Shirley Davenport, General Manager of La Ley, opened the session by highlighting the station’s journey and the parallel growth of the Hispanic population in North Carolina. “Since 2010, we’ve seen a 40% increase in the Hispanic community,” Davenport noted. “Today, over one million Hispanic residents call North Carolina home—making up about 10% of the state’s population. In some towns, Hispanics represent as much as 35% of the local community.”
La Ley has become a cultural bridge for many Spanish-speaking residents, particularly Central Americans. While the station continues to spotlight regional Mexican music, its programming now includes an expanded variety of genres. “We offer an eclectic blend,” said Davenport. “Our DJ line-up mixes in other music styles during the week, and on weekends, we showcase international hits.”
One of La Ley’s marquee community events is the annual celebration in Greensboro, held every September—excluding Labor Day weekend. This free, sponsor-backed festival features top Latin music artists, appearances by La Ley personalities, and draws in a massive crowd. “In the last three years, we’ve welcomed more than 11,000 people to this event,” said Davenport. “It’s a true celebration of culture, music, and community.”
La Ley’s impact reaches far beyond entertainment. Radio remains one of the most powerful mediums to reach Hispanics 18 and older, and La Ley leads the way in the state—with one in every four Hispanic North Carolinians tuning in.
Recognition for the station’s excellence continues to grow. This year, La Ley is a national finalist for Station of the Year, competing against top stations in California, New York, Texas, and Chicago. Julie Garza, a veteran with nearly 20 years at La Ley, is a finalist for Program Director of the Year, and Eric Johnson is up for Personality of the Year. “This is a big deal,” said Davenport. “It shows how much we contribute to our communities, how much we entertain, and how hard our team works to make it all happen.”
La Ley also introduced a new opportunity for first-time advertisers with a three-month charter package. “We want to give small businesses and newcomers a shot at being on the air,” explained Davenport. The package includes options ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 per month, offering up to 200 commercials monthly. Each spot includes professional production, and translation services are available for a one-time $100 fee. The plan is cash-in-advance and non-cancellable.
Named one of the Top Four Hispanic Radio Stations in America by Inside Radio, La Ley continues to raise the bar—serving, celebrating, and connecting North Carolina’s growing Hispanic population.
