Texas' First All-Spanish Radio Program
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
"The International Goodwill Program" On October 28, 1928, "Radio Sam" (KGCI, Now KMAC) initiated a two-hour nightly program entirely in Spanish. The station's owner, Sam Liberto, with studios located at St. Mary's University, and Edward Buckley, a businessman, persuaded Julián F. Lozano to produce and announce the program. Until his death on January 31, 1951, Lozano promoted cause of international understanding. In the tradition he established, San Antonio radio stations schedule many hours of programs in Spanish each day. (1973)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On October 28, 1928, a San Antonio station billed as "Radio Sam" launched a two-hour nightly broadcast entirely in Spanish — the first program of its kind in Texas. Owner Sam Liberto and businessman Edward Buckley recruited Julián F. Lozano to produce and announce "The International Goodwill Program," which he hosted in a spirit of cross-cultural understanding until his death in 1951. The tradition he began seeded the many hours of Spanish-language radio that San Antonio stations still air today.
Why it matters
This broadcast gave voice to San Antonio's large Mexican American population in an era of exclusion, pioneering a Spanish-language media landscape that would become a defining feature of American life across the Southwest.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Centro de Artes4.3 mi away
- Artpace4.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Spanish Governor's Palace4.4 mi away
- Visitor's Center Museum4.5 mi away
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum4.8 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum4.9 mi away · 210 West Market Street
Attractions
- Air Castles2.3 mi away
- Terror Mansion3.9 mi away
- Scobee Planetarium3.9 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site4.4 mi away
- River boat boarding4.7 mi away
- Murchison Tower4.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Texas de Brazil4.8 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- La Vida Coffee & Drinks4.8 mi away · 106 Jefferson Street
- Landry's Seafood House4.8 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Playland Pizza4.8 mi away
- Voodoo Donut4.8 mi away
- The Local Bar4.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk4.7 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio4.7 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX4.7 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio4.7 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa4.8 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio4.8 mi away · 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Julián F. Lozano
- · Sam Liberto
- · Edward Buckley
Themes & tags
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