Weekend edition of Spanish-language paper Hoy to increase distribution 40%

Los Angeles Times Media Group plans to increase distribution of Hoy Fin de Semana, the weekend edition of Hoy, the company’s Spanish-language newspaper, by 40% early next month.

The move will boost circulation of the free weekend publication to 700,000 copies from 500,000, according to a statement to be released Thursday by the company, a unit of Chicago-based Tribune Co.

Hoy Fin de Semana, which is published Saturdays, is delivered in Latino neighborhoods in the L.A. region to homes where research indicates family members are likely to speak and read Spanish.

The publication also plans to expand its coverage of sports, entertainment and health news, as well as increase its event listings.

The other Los Angeles edition of Hoy is published Fridays and distributed free via sidewalk newsracks . It has a circulation of 145,000 copies.

walter.hamilton@latimes.com