El Reportero

UNIVISION, LARGEST SPANISH PROVIDER, SHUNS DEBATES FOR NOVELLA

2008-10-01T01:34:00.002-05:00

Don't expect to find the most important news story this year on Ch 23 - Univision. But you can see fake kisses, unrealistic drama with models with alot of Lipstick!

"What is it?!? Spanish language viewers don't care? OR Univision takes them for granted!?!

Millions of American viewers of every walk of life, color, background AND LANGUAGE watched tonight the first Presidential McCain-Obama debate. But you wouldn't know it if you watched Univision. No Señor! Univision tonight is "serving" their viewers and public interest well.... by showing a novela. Yes, you heard it right, a NOVELA!! "

Read column:
http://www.nuzgeeks.com/forum/topic/show?id=1543079%3ATopic%3A4146

BELO RIFS/SLASHES 270 DALLAS MORNING NEWS/AL DIA JOBS

2008-09-04T21:57:00.003-05:00

For 270 The Dallas Morning News employees there is a new 3 letter bad word - R I F.

A. H. Belo Corporation emailed employees a letter saying the voluntary severance offer (VSO) extended to the Company's newspaper employees in July has been completed and 413 employees will leave the company - 270 at The Dallas Morning News.

In addition, BELO said an involuntary Reduction In Force (RIF) will be completed by mid-to-late October to achieve the necessary remaining workforce reductions. That means lay offs for many.

The RIF is limited to the news, production, customer retention call center, and Al Dia departments at The Dallas Morning News;

The combined workforce reductions are expected to result in a savings of more than $29 million on an annualized basis - blah blah blah " said Robert W. Decherd, chairman, president and Chief Executive Officer.

"These job actions are part of a restructuring of our newspaper operations that accelerates the allocation of resources to promising new print and online products while focusing our workforce on A. H. Belo's local content creation and sales capabilities. We greatly appreciate the dedication and service of all A. H. Belo employees who are leaving the Company under the voluntary severance program. I'm confident that we're taking the right steps to realign our resources to meet consumer and advertiser needs while maintaining the exceptional quality of A. H. Belo's journalistic products," he said in letter to all BELO employees.

Sedeño leaves S-T, named editor of Texas Catholic

2008-08-31T21:18:00.002-05:00

Media Matters blogger Veronica Villafañe posts a career change for David Sedeño, former publisher of La Estrella.

From Media Matters blog

Sedeño leaves S-T, named editor of Texas Catholic

David Sedeño, publisher of Spanish-language La Estrella until the Fort Worth Star-Telegram folded the publication back in April, moves on to become the new editor of the semi-monthly Texas Catholic and the monthly El Católico de Texas. Both papers are published by the Diocese of Dallas.

David has been on the S-T editorial board and doing editorial writing full-time since April. He started with the paper in 2004, when it was Knight-Ridder publication. Before that, he worked 9 years at the Dallas Morning News.

"The opportunity came to me. I didn't seek it," David told me. "This is an opportunity to lead a public I believe in, with growth potential." How does he feel about leading a religious publication? "I was born and raised Catholic. Faith is important to my family. I want to give back to my community."

David admits the past 18 months have been rocky and at times unpleasant: "I had to let go more than a dozen people." Despite that fact, he says a "safer job" was not a consideration in accepting the editor position at the Texas Catholic. "I really believe the future is in niche products. I think that's where the growth is... and in superniche publications, you're getting to the core of what people truly desire and need."

David leaves the S-T at the end of August. He's due to start on the new job September 1.

BLUE MONDAY AT THE DMN - 14% OF JOBS TO BE CUT

2008-07-28T09:52:00.003-05:00

The Monday morning after Unity, The Dallas Morning News reporters awoke to find an email in their inbox announcing 14% job cuts - around 500 people throughout the BELO owned papers.

The company will make voluntary severance offers this week to employees at its four daily newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, with the goal of completing the process by mid-September.

“We believe that the resultant, smaller workforce – focused intensely on products that take full advantage of A. H. Belo’s local capabilities in content creation and sales – is best suited for the business opportunities that will define our future success,” Robert Decherd, BELO CEO said.

“We have to be prepared for a wide range of possibilities driven by changes in the competitive structure of the industry, new technologies and rapidly-evolving media usage habits,” Mr. Decherd told shareholders.

GLORIA CAMPOS TO CO-CHAIR 2008 KATIE AWARDS

2008-07-25T11:13:00.002-05:00

Network Hall of Fame recipient and WFAA Anchor Gloria Campos will help co-chair the 2008 Katie Awards. Along with Cheryl Hall, business columnist at The Dallas Morning News, they will work to organize and present the 50th Katie Awards competition.

As a board members of the Foundation, she said this endeavor is a "personal crusade," for her. "We staunchly believe in both missions of the Katies: to help college students pay for degrees in media-related fields and to honor the best work by those already in the media," Campos said. "We intend to restore the Katie Awards contest to its past glory. The key to success will be transparency and judges of the highest qualifications."

The annual presentation banquet will be held in conjunction with the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the venue will be the Sixth Floor Museum, in downtown Dallas on Nov. 15.

Key Dates

* Entries must be submitted by Friday, August 22, 2008
* Finalists will be announced about October 1, 2008
* Banquet will be held on November, 15, 2008.

Additional details can be found at www.PressClubDallas.com or www.KatieAwards.com.

UNITY 2008 UNDERWAY - ATTENDANCE LOW

2008-07-23T14:48:00.003-05:00

Blame it on the economy, the recent layoffs or just the high cost of going to the Windy City, Unity 2008 attendance is lower than previous year, according to the UNITY Convention newspaper.

Registration and revenue numbers are down compared to their last convention in 2004.
The paper reported today that registration and revenue numbers are down compared to last year. They estimate that about 6,000 participants will be in Chicago, down from 8,100 in DC in 2004. Revenue this year is estimated to be $4 million, down from $4.5 in 2004. UNITY President Karen Lincoln-Michel said that and increase in sponsorship is helping with costs.

The paper also reported that the much-publicized forum between Presidential Candidates John McCain and Barack Obama has been canceled due to scheduling changes. Obama is planning to speak on Sunday at 11 a.m. and CNN will broadcast the speech live.

OBAMA to Speak at UNITY 2008

2008-07-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

Stop the presses! Obama will be return from his trip in the mid-east to speak at Unity 2008, according to NAHJ. No word yet on McCain.

"Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama will appear in front of thousands of journalists next week at the UNITY: Journalists of Color quadrennial convention in Chicago.

Sen. Obama, the apparent Democratic presidential nominee, will appear on stage Sunday morning, July 27th. This will likely be his first national appearance after returning from his international trip to Europe and the Middle East. Sen. Obama has accepted the invitation that UNITY also extended to Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.

“We are pleased that our UNITY colleagues will have the chance to hear from Sen. Obama and be among the first to question him upon his return from his overseas trip," said Karen Lincoln Michel, UNITY president. “We hope that in this historic campaign, Sen. McCain, whose presence is equally important, will also address our audience – the kind of audience that reflects the growing diversity in America.”

The event was originally planned for Thursday, July 24, but had to change because of scheduling conflicts from the campaigns.

UNITY – an alliance representing the nearly 10,000 members of the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association – will host a dynamic lineup of events, speakers, workshops and discussions focusing on issues and changes happening in the media industry nationwide and globally.

The event will be broadcast live on CNN, and may be repeated throughout the weekend, and will involve journalists of color from both CNN, partner TIME Magazine and the four alliance associations.

“We are honored to have Senator Obama join us at UNITY, especially considering his international schedule,” said Bryan Monroe, UNITY convention chair and vice president and editorial director, Ebony and Jet magazines in Chicago. “It reaffirms the importance and respect of journalists of color in this year’s election process.”

Unity has also been working with Sen. McCain’s campaign, but has yet been unable to secure his commitment to the presidential forum.

“We have had other Republican and Democratic presidential candidates address our organizations – including President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry at UNITY in 2004 – and hope Sen. McCain will join Sen. Obama and choose to continue that tradition,” said Onica N. Makwakwa, UNITY executive director.

The fourth quadrennial convention, which is themed “A New Journalism for a Changing World,” is expected to draw thousands of journalists during the five-day event and Career Expo to be held July 23-27 at McCormick Place West.

Obama & McCain to Skip Unity 2008

2008-07-19T12:38:00.002-05:00

Looks like there will not be a Unity 2008 appearance by the presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain at next week's Unity '08 convention of minority journalists. The conference moved its planned "presidential candidates forum" to prime time Thursday so CNN could air it, but that also destroyed the scheduled of the candidates. Obama will be in Europe next Thursday, and McCain will be attending a long-scheduled "Town Hall on Cancer" sponsored by Lance Armstrong's foundation.

Derek Castillo Details Why He is Leaving

2008-07-04T03:03:00.003-05:00

KXAS NBC 5 Sports Anchor and long-time Network member Derek Castillo will be leaving KXAS NBC5 at the end of the month. Earlier this year he spoke with blogger "Uncle Barky" on his departure plans.

By ED BARK
Sports anchor/reporter Derek Castillo leaving NBC5's playing field

NBC5's sports department at least temporarily could shrink to Newy Scruggs alone after Derek Castillo's scheduled departure at the end of July.

"I just couldn't do another contract working the weekends," Castillo said in a telephone interview Thursday. "I owe it to my wife and (eight-year-old) son now to be there more for them. Having a child really changes things."

Castillo joined NBC5 in July 2001 from WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. He became best known in D-FW for his live "Big Game Friday Night" reports from various area high school football fields. In 2005, he won a Lone Star Emmy award as the market's top sports anchor despite working the less prominent weekend shift.

Castillo said he's leaving NBC5 on good terms and hopes to remain in broadcasting because "my heart's still in this business." He grew up in Austin and graduated from the University of Texas in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

"Ideally we'd like to get back there," he said. "It's pretty ballsy, because I don't have anything else going on right now."

Cost-cutting and downsizing are ever-present facts of life in both broadcast and print journalism. Castillo said he has no idea whether NBC5 will replace him with another full-time sports staffer, a freelancer or no one at all.

"I would hope they would hire someone," he said. "But who really knows nowadays?"

Castillo joined NBC5 after John Rhadigan moved to Fox Sports Southwest, where he remains a prominent anchor. Note to FSS: Castillo also would fit you like a glove.

NETWORK FOUNDER TO BE INDUCTED INTO NAHJ HALL OF FAME

2008-07-02T17:01:00.002-05:00

Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, Journalism Professor and one of the founders of the DFW Network of Hispanic Communicators will be Inducted in to the NAHJ Hall of Fame during UNITY ’08 - the nation’s industry’s largest gathering of journalists.in Chicago.

University of Texas at Austin Professor Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, Ph.D., and two other journalists, will be inducted into the NAHJ Hall of Fame Gala at 7 p.m., Friday, July 25th in the Chicago Ballroom of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Created in 2000, NAHJ’s Hall of Fame is reserved for journalists and industry pioneers whose national or local efforts have resulted in a greater number of Latinos entering the journalism profession or have helped to improve news coverage of the nation’s Latino community.

“Our Hall of Fame Gala is one of NAHJ’s greatest traditions when we pause to celebrate the giants of our industry,” said Iván Román, NAHJ’s Executive Director. “Because of Juan and Maggie’s foresight and their activism, NAHJ is a leader in many ways - from creating innovative programs that serve as models for the entire industry to speaking out on Capitol Hill on legislation that impacts minority media owners. Fewer people know the story of Francisco P. Ramírez, but once you hear it, you will be inspired.’’

With the induction of Rivas-Rodriguez, there are now 22 NAHJ Hall of Famers. Past honorees include such pioneering journalists as Rubén Salazar, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times and the news director of KMEX who was killed in East Los Angeles, and Ignacio E. Lozano, Sr., who founded La Opinión, the nation’s largest Spanish-language daily newspaper.

Rivas-Rodriguez, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin and founder and director of the U.S. Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project. Rivas-Rodriguez gained national prominence after leading protests in 2007 against the PBS documentary about World War II. The film, which originally had excluded the stories of Hispanic veterans, was eventually modified. Her efforts helped force PBS and other media outlets to pay greater attention to contributions of Hispanic veterans.

A former journalist who worked for major newspapers and a Dallas TV station, Rivas-Rodriguez developed the model for a student-produced convention newspaper in 1988 now used by several professional journalism organizations to give students a taste of “real time” journalism. A founding member of NAHJ, Rivas Rodriguez is the recipient of numerous awards including NAHJ’s 2007 Leadership Award. She also received the Rubén Salazar Award for Communications from the National Council of La Raza in 2007.

Hispanic Media Getting Cold Shoulder from GOP & Dems

2008-06-30T02:17:00.001-05:00

According to Politico, "members of the Spanish-language media had been blogging, writing and outright complaining that the presidential campaigns have not been paying attention to them."

The Hispanic media’s irritation with the candidates has been building for some time. Last month, a columnist for La Opinion, a major Spanish-language newspaper, complained about being dissed.

“Usually, to do the job, reporters need a constant and accessible contact person in the campaign,” wrote columnist Pilar Marrero. “In Obama’s case, this has been virtually impossible: There is not — nor has there ever been — regular communication with the Hispanic press. One wonders what might happen in the general election campaign, and then in an eventual Democratic presidency, if indeed they win in November.”

Read more.

AL DIA PAPER TO DELIVER ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS - INCREASE CIRCULATION

2008-06-23T16:59:00.002-05:00

The Spanish-language edition of the The Dallas Morning News, Al Dia, will grow and expand circulation to Wednesdays and Saturdays by late July.

The increase will double the circulation from 40,000 to close to 120,000 and will kick-start free home-delivery in selected coverage areas on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"It's a great thing," said Alfredo Carbajal-Madrid, the paper's managing editor, who posted the announcement on the Al Dia web site. " The Hispanic population in North Texas continues to grow. We're responding to the appetite of this population for local news. At the same time, this is a perfect vehicle for advertisers to get to consumers."

The paper will increase coverage of local events and also push internet and online stories including multimedia packages.

MEDIA MOVES BLOGS ON GARY'S DEPARTURE

2008-06-23T16:54:00.002-05:00

Media Moves, a journalism on "about Latinos in the media and the issues that affect the business," posted a story on Network member Gary Piña who among those let go at the Star-Telegram recently.

Piña among McClatchy casualties
Gary Piña, a news editor/page designer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, is among the hundreds of McClatchy employees laid off today. He has been with the Star-Telegram for over 20 years.

Gary is currently nearing the end of his second term on the NAHJ board. At the moment, he is the At-large-officer. He was a key player in the success of the 2005 NAHJ convention. He had recently expressed interest in running for president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Network of Hispanic Communicators.

Read more and also comments from NAHJ members here.

STAR-TELEGRAM LAYOFFS TO CONTINUE THIS WEEK

2008-06-23T02:31:00.001-05:00

Sources say that another round of Star-Telegram employees will be getting packets this week and be forced to said goodbye to the paper. Will this be Blue Monday II?

MACARENA HERNANDEZ TO LEAVE DMN - PURSUE JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP

2008-06-23T02:29:00.003-05:00

Friday afternoon the email landed on many DMN inboxes - Congratulations to Macarena Hernandez as she pursues a fantastic opportunity. Macarena, who just wrapped up a successful (and highly controversial) series on immigration and students, will be leaving the Dallas Morning News in the next few months.

Update:

In the fall of 2008 the International Reporting Project (IRP) will offer up to four IRP Fellowships to U.S. journalists, including Macarena, to carry out a project reporting from any country in the world outside of the United States. Macarena's fellowship will focus on Latin America and will begin September 1 in Washington, D.C. where IRP Fellows will spend two weeks at a program arranged. IRP Fellows depart September 13 for a five-week period of individual international reporting. All IRP Fellows will return to Washington for a final week October 19-25. Macarena's last day with the DMN will be August 27.

The IRP Fellowships aim to strengthen the U.S. public's understanding of key international topics by helping to educate U.S. journalists by providing them with access to leading international experts in the United States, and offering them opportunities to do reporting projects overseas.

The program brings U.S. journalists to Washington, D.C., at The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University before traveling abroad. During the program, journalists have access to some of the world's leading specialists in international issues at SAIS and other institutions in the nation's capital.

CALIFORNIA/FLORIDA HOUSING COLLAPSE TO BLAME FOR STAR-TELEGRAM LAY OFFS

2008-06-18T15:32:00.002-05:00

Blame it on California and Florida where the housing collapse and abundance of foreclosures are in an all time high, is what experts say the reason for McClatchy's major layoffs across the nation.

"1,400 McClatchy Co. employees targeted for layoffs can blame their job loss on the faltering newspaper economy in general, their company's specific concentration of papers in California and Florida where the housing collapse has been most acute -- and a forward-looking strategy once hailed as a way to avoid precisely this kind of pain," Editor and Publisher

Read the story here.

STAR-TELEGRAM STAFFERS SHOCKED

2008-06-16T21:56:00.006-05:00

The dust hasn't even settled and the ink is not yet dry on those new pink slips, but insiders tell that many who got the axe today are grumbling two words - age discrimination. A large percentage of those cut are over 45.

"People know that the economy and lower ad sales are to blame but it just feels that many of those who go cut, are over 45 or have more than 15 years of service," said an anonymous staffer. "But we knew something was coming. Many HR staffers were called in Sunday morning for a emergency meeting. Word got around really fast."

Many of the 130 to be let go (almost 10% of the workforce) were notified this morning and afternoon. These included long timers in copy desk, editorial, sports, features, city desk, and classified/advertising. Some were given
buyout options and others, the golden pink slip and told about their severance package and last day.

Departing staffers will be paid up to six months’ salary, based on their seniority. Those with many years, got voluntary buyouts.

McClatchy, the owner who also announced cuts in other markets, says the job cuts will be made through a combination of voluntary departures, layoffs and attrition. McClatchy reports a 15% decline in advertising revenues in the first five months of the year. A hiring freeze was also imposed.

"Who is to blame,?" said one reporter. "Well all I can say is that despite the Fort Worth economy gas boom, the $4 gas and the massive foreclosures have finally caught up with us. We just wish it could have been more even across the ages. We put in 10-20-30 years and this is the Thank You we get!"

STAR TELEGRAM DROPS BLACK MONDAY BOMBSHELL

2008-06-16T17:24:00.006-05:00

The sad news came this mid-morning with an email and letter to all employees:

To All Employees:

I am writing today to tell you that the Star-telegram is reducing its workforce by approximately 130 positions, or about 10% of the total.

This is a painful but necessary step. We're operating in a time of great change and challenge for our operations, for The McClatchy Company and for the newspaper industry overall.

When we announced our management restructuring 2 months ago, we did not have plans for further staff reductions. Since then our economic downturn has accelerated, reducing revenues dramatically. This requires the painful but necessary step of a more aggressive realignment of our staffing models.

As you know, we have already been transitioning to new ways of doing business. We're confident in our ability to navigate to a stable and prosperous future as an integrated media company serving as our community's most trusted supplier of news and advertising information.

Reductions will occur in most departments. Although many of these job eliminations will occur through involuntary layoffs, there also will be opportunities for employees to voluntarily elect a severance package where reductions are occurring in work groups of two or more employees. If enough employees do not take the voluntary option, then the work groups will be reduced according to least tenure. Employees affected by this reduction are being notified as quickly as possible and being provided with information about the severance program and their last day. They will be provided with a transition package that includes a severance pay allowance and benefits continuation. We also will provide outplacement services.

As a news company, we have often reported on such transitions in other industries. Now we face the painful reality of severing employment ties with valued friends and colleagues, many of whom have served the company well for many years. We are sorry to do so, and will do everything possible to make their transition as smooth as possible.

Other workforce reductions were also announced today throughout McClatchy. A press release detailing those actions – amounting to about 1400 jobs, or 10% of the company's workforce – is available at http://www.mcclatchy.com. As CEO Gary Pruitt says there, "McClatchy is committed to remaining a healthy, profitable company positioned not only to meet current challenges, but to take full advantage of opportunities for growth as we restructure to support our mission of delivering high quality news and information."

The Star-Telegram is making other changes in its business model and operations, as well. We have implemented our first home delivery price increase in 3 years, have plans to convert NIE papers to an electronic edition, and we're in the middle of a process that leads to selling some adjacent property. On the product side, we have plans to combine or merge some sections. Details on these changes will be announced later.

This will also be a difficult and disorienting time for those of us who remain on the job. Your continued effort and dedication are the foundation of our faith in the future, and we know from experience what a talented and productive group you are. The public service mission that has always animated us remains unchanged, but we will need to make many other changes as we adapt to today's far more competitive media landscape. We will be working diligently alongside you to ensure that we do so.

If you have any questions about the transition program or the voluntary transition option, please contact human resources. If you have any questions about departmental or structural changes, please contact your department manager. Thank you again for your continued service and cooperation.

Gary Wortel President & Publisher Star-Telegram

---------------------------------

Of those cut include:

Phyllis Stone
Tara Ransom
Alex Russ
Angie Somers
Carolyn Poirot
Rhonda McKinney
Kathie Hinnen
Joy Donovan
Bob Hood
John Sturbin
Todd Camp
Alan Cochrum
Gary Hardee
Jim Peipert
Mary Rogers
Judy Wiley
Richard Stubbe
Jill Johnson
Gary Pina - and four copy editors (from all three copy desks combined)
three librarians

more names coming - only 21 names today out of 130. Some tough weeks coming for Star-Telegram staffers.

Scholarship available for students to attend Nonfiction Conference

2008-05-18T23:49:00.001-05:00

Ten students will receive scholarships to attend the 4thAnnual Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Writers Conference of the Southwest, presented by the University of North Texas Mayborn Graduate School of Journalism. The conference is offering The Dallas Morning News scholarships to five high school or college minority students. Five general scholarships open to all high school or college students will also be awarded. The application deadline is June 13.

The conference will be July 18-20 (Friday-Sunday) at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center, 1800 Highway 26 East, in Grapevine, Texas (five minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport). Pulitzer Prize winner N. Scott Momaday is the keynote speaker and will be joined by National Book Award winner Bob Shacochis and “River of Doubt” author Candice Millard, among others.

Azteca TV 26 finally comes to some DFW Satellite subscribers

2008-05-10T19:59:00.002-05:00

Direct TV owners can finally watch Azteca TV like their Time Warner/Charter Cable friends. DIRECTV, Inc. has added KODF-26, Azteca America, to the Dallas-Ft. Worth local broadcast channel lineup. No such luck for DishTV, Verizon Fios nor AT&T U-Verse fiber optic owners.

Azteca America’s Spanish-language includes worldwide soccer highlight coverage, newscasts from Mexico, highly popular novelas and professional Mexican League Soccer matches.

REBECCA AGUILAR SPEAKS ON KRLD TALK SHOW

2008-05-01T22:17:00.003-05:00

Former Fox 4 Reporter Rebecca Aguilar was a guest on KRLD 1080's Ernie and Jay midday show to discuss the circumstances surrounding her dismissal from Fox 4. During the show, she disclosed details that she says led Fox 4 discriminately fired her. During the show, several callers voiced their support for Aguilar, who at the moment has not received any job offers. Listen to the audio/podcast here.

REBECCA AGUILAR FILES FEDERAL DISCRIMINATION CHARGE AT KDFW FOX 4

2008-04-24T12:03:00.002-05:00

I guess you could see this coming for miles, especially after the "extended" long suspension that KDFW FOX 4 place on Rebecca Aguilar over a reporting incident last fall.

Rebecca Aguilar claims that she was fired from Channel 4 Fox KDFW-TV in March 2008 based on discrimination and her attorney says his investigation has revealed that Aguilar did nothing wrong in October 2007 when KDFW management suspended her over an alleged controversial interview.

The suspension came just two weeks after Aguilar, a 26 year news journalist veteran, was awarded Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

This week Aguilar filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, better known as the “EEOC.” The attorney says Aguilar conducted more than 6,000 interviews in fourteen years at the owned and operated Fox station, but news management retaliated against her for advocating change inside the newsroom.

"I'm confident the EEOC will uncover what our investigation has unveiled. Fox 4 wanted my client to advocate change in the community through her reports, but to keep silent in improving working conditions in the newsroom," says Steve Kardell, her attorney.

Background on Aguilar:
-Recognized with more than 47 Broadcast Awards and Nominations
-Multiple Emmy Award Winner
-2007 Broadcast Journalist of the Year from NAHJ
-2005 Texas A.P. Broadcast Journalist of the Year
-2003 News Corp (Fox) Global Employee of Year

"La Estrella" to be renamed "La Estrella en Casa" in May

2008-04-20T00:56:00.001-05:00

Editor and Publisher published a story on the changes coming to La Estrella.

"'Ft. Worth Star-Telegram' Merging Hispanic Papers Into One Home-Delivered Pub

Betting that the key to the success of a Spanish-language paper is targeted home delivery, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram is merging its two Spanish-language newspapers into one publication dropped on doorsteps.

"I think as much as think as much as we focus on content -- and content is king -- we lose focus on distribution, and here in this case distribution is the prince," Star-Telegram Publisher Gary Wortel said in a telephone interview Thursday.

The Star-Telegram publishes two free Spanish-language papers during the week.

La Estrella is a traditional newspaper with hard news and sports coverage of Dallas-Fort Worth and Mexico. The 14-year-old newspaper, which was briefly a five-day daily and returned to weekly publication last year, is distributed almost entirely through racks.

La Estrella En Casa is an entertainment-oriented, eight-page publication that is delivered on weekends to 100,000 households in Hispanic neighborhoods of Dallas-Fort Worth. The paper was launched last May, and has been a big hit with advertisers, Wortel said.

"Advertisers love it because they know it's getting into the homes," he said.

Beginning May 2, the two will be merged into a single home-delivered paper that will be called La Estrella En Casa. It will be bigger in page count than the current weekend paper, and will include hard news and sports.

La Estrella competes with Al Dia, a free-distribution, six-day Spanish-language newspaper published by The Dallas Morning News. Its circulation is largely through racks and store stacks, and averages about 33,000 during the week, and 53,000 on Saturdays, according to its media kit.

NAHJ Members Safe from Star-Telegram Cuts

2008-04-17T16:22:00.002-05:00

The April storm came a bit early for Star-Telegram employees this morning. In their inbox was an email from the publisher breaking the myth that jobs at the StartleGram are safe.

Pink slips were given out to 8 newsroom employees and more in the advertising, circulation and marketing. As far as we know, no NAHJ members were part of the list, for now. However also announced were major cutbacks and budget freezes. The days of having the paper pay for ALL your NAHJ or Unity conference, room and hotel are gone.

In addition, OK Carter, long time Arlington columnist, announced his retirement from the Star-Telegram. No connection is being implied to the job cuts letter but it is a bit ironic.

The blame all points down to less newspaper circulation and higher prices for everything else. For those who had doubts that the recession would ever hit "where the West begins," today was proof that Fort Worthians are not immune. More updates to follow.

Actual Letter to employees:

Email to All Employees

April 17, 2008

Today, we are announcing the restructuring of management level positions in several areas of the newspaper. This is not an across-the-board layoff, but a restructuring that focuses primarily on consolidating work and streamlining various levels of management throughout the organization. As a result, 20 positions are impacted, although we are working with these individuals to identify other possible opportunities. This is approximately 1.5% of our employee population. The positions impacted are in the newsroom, marketing, operations, circulation and advertising.

We have met with each of the affected employees to discuss the changes being made. These employees have served us well and will be treated fairly. They will be eligible to apply for any other available positions for which they are qualified within the newspaper. If they do not apply for a comparable position, most affected employees will be leaving on April 25th and will be offered a transition plan that includes severance pay, extended medical coverage, and outplacement services.

This is not a review we have taken lightly. We know it’s a difficult message to hear and certainly creates anxiety. We will work with those affected to make this transition as smooth as possible. Please let your manager know if you have any questions.

Gary Wortel

President & Publisher

Star-Telegram

Long Time Member Jesus Chairez Moves to Mexico

2008-03-30T01:25:00.004-05:00

It is official: Jesus Chairez, producer and host of USA's first and longest running bilingual GLBT Latino radio show "Sin Fronteras" on KNON 89.3 FM (12 years) and Si Soy Gay blogger and Charter member of DFW NETWORK OF HISPANIC COMMUNICATORS moves to Mexico City."I arrived in Mexico City on March 10, to bring things to my apartment and also filed for my paper work to live here and will be picking that up on April 8," said Chairez. "I then return to Dallas to pack some more and sell the rest and move to La Ciudad mas Linda en todo Mundo!"

He said he is loving it there and plans to continue writing from his apartment in Col. Roma.

Read more here. OR at his blog at
Si Soy Gay at: http://sisoyglbt.blog.com/

KTVT CBS 11 Axes Maria Arita, Several Other Reporters

2008-03-29T01:47:00.002-05:00

Maria Arita, a veteran broadcaster, for KTVT CBS 11, along with several other reporters including investigative reporter Robert Riggs and Reporter Kaushal Patel were given the axe lately by CBS 11.

Arita arrived in Dallas in 2005 and was scheduled to finish up her contract in the summer with CBS 11. CBS affiliates across the nation also had deep cuts in their newsrooms including affiliates in Los Angeles, New York and elsewhere.

A member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Maria began her career as a host/reporter for "On the Beam" - a nationally syndicated show which helped pioneer black entertainment news. Maria has to her credit numerous awards including a National Latina Communicator's Award of Excellence. In her first year as an anchor/reporter (at CBS 11 News) Maria received a Lone Star Emmy and a Press Club of Dallas Katie Award (Best Newscast in Texas).

She has worked on everything from film to series television, industrials, voiceover work and hundreds of commercials. Maria would later make numerous appearances on "Walker: Texas Ranger," and play the role of one of the moms on "Wishbone."

KDFW FOX 4 GIVES REBECCA AGUILAR THE PINK SLIP

2008-03-06T11:17:00.004-06:00

After months of waiting, Rebecca Aguilar, NAHJ broadcast journalist of the year, got an updated on the job status at Fox 4 News -- pack your bags. According to DFW News Blogger "Uncle Ed Barky" Fox 4 officially fired Rebecca wednesday.

"I just think it's really sad that I gave this company 14 years and I did about 6,000 interviews," she said. "And now I'm out of a job because of one interview? It's like in one swoop it ruined my reputation. It ruined my name." - according to the blog post.

No word from Channel 4 on the news editor or other staff who worked with her that night when she aired a story on elderly West Dallas salvage business owner who shot and killed two burglars in his property.

In the blog story, Rebecca says she doesn't know what's next and that she will do whatever it takes to "restore" her reputation.

Read Uncle Barky's blog's for more details.

Live from San Marcos: Saturday March 1

2008-03-01T10:31:00.003-06:00

More than a hundred journalists, students and media professionals are gathered here in the Old Main Building for the Region 5 NAHJ Conference. So far turnout is good. The building was a bit hard to climb but all is well.

NAHJ Region 5 Workshop Set for this Weekend

2008-02-28T01:00:00.002-06:00

NAHJ Region 5 Conference is set for Friday Feb. 29 and March 1 at Texas State University in San Marcos. The conference will help journalists develop skills to move ahead in their careers.

The conference will feature at least six multimedia sessions, including blogging, podcasting, and beginning and advanced digital video. Also look into the the"Hispanic community's impact"on this year’s presidential elections. And we’ll also have a discussion on how the immigration debate"affects Latinos communities in Texas and nationwide.
Gilbert Bailon, the editorial page editor at the St. Louis Post!Dispatch and the current president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, will be the keynote speaker.
Registration is #25 for students; #50 for members of NAHJ; the Houston Association of Media Professionals; Lone Star Emmy; and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists; and #65 for nonmembers. The registration form is available online at www.NAHJ.org.

Scholarship Recipient Talks about NY Times Worshop

2008-02-28T00:57:00.001-06:00

Tracie Morales, a 2 time scholarship recipient, had a few minutes to discuss the NY Times Workshop she had this winter.

Club Babalu Relocating to 7315 Gaston Ave

2008-02-25T01:15:00.002-06:00

Missing your favorite place to club? Club Babalu in 2912 McKinney Ave , uptown Dallas is no more. They are now in the process of relocating to 7315 Gaston Avenue in East Dallas. Club Babalu. Opened in 1994, Babalu was the only of its kind. With over five thousand square ft. of space, the nightclub was the ultimate destination for Hispanics in Dallas. It was always crowded and packed. But as the neighborhood went more upscale, so did neighbors - who often complained about parking, loitering and anything else. Also rent went high high high. So this new location should solve most of the problems. Keep you posted on the grand reopening.

2008-02-14T00:38:00.001-06:00

LatinoBiz Magazine

After Hours Networking Mixer

Come network after work and make new business contacts with
LatinoBiz Magazine and the Hispanic Sister Organizations of DFW

Thursday, February 21, 2008
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Quality Innn Suites
1607 N. Watson Roard (Hwy. 360)

Arlington, Texas 76010
(817) 640-4444

CORNER OF HWY 360 & BROWN BLVD.
IT IS LOCATED BEHIND THE VALERO GAS STATION

Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres, Refreshments, and Door Prizes!

*** Please RSVP as soon as possible ***
Email: greg@latinobizmagazine.com

Special Guests:

America

's Association of Hispanic Businesses – Arlington Hispanic Advisory Council
Arlington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting -Collin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Dallas LULAC Councils (3)
DFW Health and Research Development Leadership Council - DFW Nat'l Association of Hispanic Realtor Professionals - DallasHispanic Bar Association - Dallas Nat'l Association of Hispanic Realtor Professionals - Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Denton LULAC Council - Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Fort Worth LULAC Councils (3) - Garland LULAC Council - Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Hispanic Bankers Association - Hispanic Business Alliance - Hispanic Contractors Association of DFW - Hispanic Firefighters Association Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Dallas Chapter - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter - Hispanic Organization of Postal Employees - Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Latino Police Officers

Al Dia Get's a New Publisher

2008-02-05T22:30:00.000-06:00

Al Dia has a new publisher. Alex Sanchez, 42, has been promoted to publisher of Al Día. Sanchez, joined Al Día in August 2007 as president and general manager. He will be responsible for all business-related functions and the newsroom. Alfredo Carbajal, Al Día's managing editor, will report to Mr. Sanchez. Sanchez was the former vice president and general manager at LBI Media, where he ran seven media properties in Dallas-Fort Worth. He began his career at media giant Univision and held sales positions for Telemundo in Dallas, Miami and Los Angeles.

Star-Telegram Launches New Web Redesign - Popups Galore

2008-01-17T23:56:00.000-06:00

Late Thursday night the green lever was switched and in a blink of a megahertz, the new web site came pouring out and took over. Yes Star-Telegram redesigned their web site and sure enough, it's packed with popups, ads and stuff to make MYSPACErs feel at home.

What's New:

- The ads are now on the right side. So if you are blessed with a small monitor, just keep looking left.

- The Black Navigation bar -s-l-o-w=l=y- drops down to reveal even more ads. But there is a text box.

- The search engine is on top... never mess with a good thing.

- A new TV-sized box flashes photos.

- Below are blogs, more blogs, the whole place has been overtaken by BLOGS.

- Then finally, real news.. Local and State -- in bright blood red tabs. If it bleeds, it ledes...

- On the side, a grey box with even more BLOGS! Yeehaw!

- Where is the Fort Worth and Arlington news... where... oh yeah buried in the LOCAL red tab.

I guess its like driving a new car, gotta get used to it. It's not tiny tiny text like Dallasnews.com but by far, the ads are much more in your face. Too much blinky, blinky. Why don't web designers understand that what we want is this!

So is this better than before?

Star-Telegram to Unveil New Web Site Any Day, May Look Like This

2008-01-14T23:45:00.000-06:00

IS THIS THE FUTURE OF THE STAR-TELEGRAM?

Design and Layout editors are putting the finishing touches and testing out the all-new redesign of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram web site which is expected to look something like the above mockup and take elements from the corporate McClatchy Newspapers or the Fresno Bee and be unveiled sometime in the next few days or sooner. Expect easier and faster way to skim news stories and more interactivity, including more easier matching of news stories and more prominent daily blog reports and some Yahoo touches.

"Star-Telegram.com is undergoing a makeover we think you’ll love. Our user-friendly navigation will help you find your favorite features in local news, entertainment, sports, business and more. Keep watching: The countdown is under way and you’ll see the changes in just days."

The design above is based on a the newly redesign of the McClatchy Newspapers and an attempt to unite all their media web sites and will begin phasing in Yahoo services in 2008 and using services from "McClatchy Interactive."

Amongst the expected additions a new project, to be called "Trusted Voices," which will offer in-depth perspectives and coverage from Star-Telegram and McClatchy foreign correspondents based in select regions, including Iraq, the Middle East, China and Latin America. The coverage will include traditional news stories and will further tap the regional expertise of the correspondents through exclusive blog reports designed to guide readers in understanding the news from these regions.

One of the program's first initiatives will be the "Inside Iraq" blog written by native Iraqi staffers based in the McClatchy Baghdad bureau including former ST reporter Leila Fade, which has been operating continuously since the U.S. invasion.

Hopefully the redesign eliminates those terrible pop-up ads that chase you around. Well keep you posted on the final design.

NAHJ Region 5 to Sponsor Journalism Conference in San Marcos

2008-01-14T23:44:00.000-06:00

You're invited to attend an NAHJ Region 5 Conference on Feb. 29 and March 1 at Texas State University in San Marcos to help journalists develop skills for the future, and move ahead in their careers.

The conference includes at least six multimedia sessions, ranging from blogging to podcasting to digital video for beginners and advanced. We’ll also have workshops for Spanish-Language media as well as print and broadcast media.

The conference opens Friday evening with a town hall meeting, looking at the impact of the Hispanic community in the November elections. On Saturday, we’ll open with a plenary discussion on the latest immigration issues that’s affecting our communities in Texas and nationwide.

Keynote speaker Gilbert Bailon, the editorial page director at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the current president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, will give us an update on the state of the industry and where we’re headed at the luncheon on Saturday.

Early registration through Feb. 18 is $15 for students; $40 for members of NAHJ and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists; and $55 for nonmembers. Registration and more can be found at our web site at www.dfwhispanic.org

Post X-MAS Gift For BELO Shareholders, Same-o for Staff

2008-01-11T15:37:00.000-06:00

Dallas Morning News, WFAA and AL DIA reporters got an email late today saying "the transaction was compleated and the board has approved a plan to seperate the Tv and newspaper businesses."

What this means for staff is unclear but it sure relieves anxiety. Rumors this morning were that BELO might make more changes to struggling TXCN, slash Quick or Al Dia publication production or worse, install another Network IBM server.

Dallas Morning News names "Texan of the Year" - - The Illegal Immigrant

2007-12-29T14:52:00.000-06:00

It wasn't Tony Romo, nor Ron Paul, nor Jerry Jones,

the DALLAS MORNING NEWS TEXAN OF THE YEAR award goes to

.... THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

He breaks the law by his very presence. He hustles to do hard work many Americans won't, at least not at the low wages he accepts. The American consumer economy depends on him. America as we have known it for generations may not survive him.

We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how. He's the Illegal Immigrant, and he's the 2007 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year – for better or for worse.
We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how.

He's the Illegal Immigrant, and he's the 2007 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year – for better or for worse.

Read the Essay

NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT TRACIE MORALES CHOSEN TO NY TIMES INTERNSHIP

2007-12-06T01:34:00.000-06:00

Two -time Network scholarship recipient and UT Arlington journalism student Tracie Morales is one of 20 students nationwide who has been accepted into the 2008 New York Times Student Journalism Institute.

The 12-day intensive training program, held Jan. 2-13 at the University of Arizona Journalism School, is sponsored by the New York Times and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Morales is currently a copy editor and former writer for the student newspaper The Shorthorn. She also made the Dean's List in 2005. Tracie writes, "Being a journalist empowers me, because it validates my curiosity." Tracie Morales also covered the American Society of Newspaper Editors convention for Hispanic Link News Service and was awarded second place in In-Depth Reporting by the Region 8 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) in March 2007.

Aspiring journalism students will report, edit and cover real news events and be guided by NY Times editors and reporters. In a fully functioning newsroom, aspiring journalists will see how experienced professionals deal with a range of challenging activities and cover unexpected events.

During the Institute, students will also run a daily news Web site, and at the end of the program, a newspaper is published containing the best of the material created at the Institute. Copies are available to serve as clips. All travel expenses to and from Tucson are covered, and the Institute provides each student with a small stipend. Room and board, including three meals each day.

To qualify students had to complete a semester at a student newspaper or major newspaper, be in good academic standing and have written a 500-word essay about being a journalist and be a member of NAHJ. The Web site for live reporting is at http://www.nytimes-institute.com.

-- 10 years ago.. another network scholarship recipient had a similar story...

New Orleans Get's First Hispanic TV Station

2007-12-04T16:07:00.000-06:00

Mix a little cajun shrimp soup with tortillas and you get the first Hispanic television station in the Big Easy - New Orleans. This Friday an estimated 75,000 to 135,000 Hispanic households in the New Orleans area will see their Novellas and Spanish-dubbed movies on KGLA-42, a Telemundo affiliate. Digital HDTV sets or Cable only, for now.

Hispanic Professionals Itching to Network Now Have Two Social Groups

2007-12-03T01:32:00.000-06:00

The social gears are cranking again for Hispanic Professionals in the Dallas area as the formerly-defunct "Vida Social" comes back from the dead and resumes their monthly "First Friday" after-work socials aimed at Hispanic professionals.

But the great comeback also comes with another surprise - another Hispanic-based Social group - "The Social-List"

And both have events planned for Friday, December 7th.

Let the Hispanic Social Olympics begin!

OK first some background. Vida Social was first on the Dallas scene and for a while and the only game in town for starving Latino professionals with an itch to network and socialize. Sometime early this year, the group's officers had the "differences of opinion" chat on the future of the group, whereas several of them desired the group's mission should be to make stronger inroads into philanthropic projects. They viewed Hispanic professionals would welcome altruistic projects aimed at improve the Hispanic community - generally Hispanic education. But not all shared those ideas. Some believed the group should promote to other groups.

And so the group Vida Social went into temporary hibernation. During this siesta, some bolted and decided, 'hey lets redo this idea, but with some of our changes,'

With support from a Dallas corporations and law offices, "The Social-List" was launched this Fall.

"Our mission at The Social-List is to more of a gathering community but one where great minds and ideas meet to form a positive and proactive movement for and within our community."

Meanwhile the remaining members of Vida Social regrouped and relaunched their web site along with revising their mission statement;

"Vida Social is an active group of professionals that pursue success in their careers but at the same time care about the greater Dallas community."

So is Dallas big enough for the two Hispanic professional social groups? Will competition between the two groups generate stronger attendance, better events at classier venues?

More importantly, who will offer free parking valet service first?

Regardless of the group's similar identities, "competition amongst the groups" will not only provide incentives for improvements and continuous introductions of new ideas, but also promote the idea of "Hispanic Professional" to Dallasites. Perhaps these two groups can help create role models that can inspire and motivate young people (i.e. students) to dream, take action and aspire to one day, transform into a Hispanic professional.

-- Postmark
And what about Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, North Dallas? It looks like the Meetups.com, like this one, will quest the thirst for socializing and networking in those areas.

Here is the scoop on the upcoming events for
Friday, December 7th, 2007
Both groups are asking for donations of unwrapped toys (but not required for entrance)

The Social List
5:30pm-8:00pm
8 Lounge
1906 Greenville

$10 admission
Dallas, Texas 75201
www.thesocial-list.com

Vida Social
Friday, December 7, 2007
6:00-9:00pm
at Clear
1313 Main St. - Dallas, TX 75202
(inside the Davis Building)
www.vidasocial.org

Novelas, Sports and Variety Shows Keep Univision #5 Network

2007-12-03T00:22:00.000-06:00

The Univision Television Network reported its best November Sweep ever with a plus 14% growth in Adult 18-49 viewers and plus 12% growth among Adults 18-34 versus the same period last year. These increases bested FOX, the only other major network to show growth, while ABC, CBS, NBC, and CW all saw declines versus last year.

According to Nielsen Television Index (NTI), Univision once again maintained its position as the 5th largest broadcast network in the United States in primetime among key demographics. In addition, Univision outdelivered ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX on 16 out of 27 nights (or 59%) among Adults 18-34, and 5 out of 27 nights (or 19%) among Adults 18-49. Univision was also the #1 broadcast network in primetime among Adults 18-34 on five nights during the November 2007 Sweep.

"In a time when the other broadcast networks are experiencing significant viewer erosion, it's especially rewarding to see our audience growing so dramatically," said Alina Falcon, Executive Vice President and Operating Manager of the Univision Network. "Our ability to provide viewers with a first run, no repeat primetime lineup 52-weeks a year makes Univision the programming destination of choice for viewers and advertisers alike."

Network Wishes Gilbert Bailon Good Luck

2007-11-30T01:15:00.000-06:00

. Mix a bucket of endless tamales, loads of pan dulce and great friends and you get a recipe for a memorable goodbye. Sunday, Dec 2, Network of Hispanic Communicators gathered at Elizabeth Zavala's south Arlington cozy home for the last goodbye to 'EL Gran Chingon.'

Members gave best wishes to Gilbert Bailon, former publisher of Al Dia and former Editor of the Dallas Morning News, who has moved to St. Louis to be part of the Post-Dispatch team. Thanks Elizabeth for hosting a fun afternoon of fellowship among Network friends. Good luck Gilbert, we will miss ya!

First UNT, Now UTA form NAHJ Chapters

2007-11-16T09:18:00.000-06:00

Just under a week after the Network chooses to wave the NAHJ flag, today comes word that another local university, UT Arlington, is also breaking out the NAHJ banners. The student newspaper, The Shorthorn has a story on a student that is trying to start up a student chapter.

"O’Gara, aspiring president of the NAHJ university chapter, knows that if a chapter is formed, both university chapters will work together in helping the communications community. Attendees of the mixer and the ABJ university chapter’s meeting Monday at noon, with FOX 4 sports reporter Nita Wiggins as guest speaker, will help to determine where the efforts are going.

“We will be a stronghold together, the ABJ chapter and the NAHJ university chapter, in helping students become better not just as students, but as people and journalists,” O’Gara said.

Read more.

BREAKING NEWS: NETWORK CHOOSES TO BECOME NAHJ CHAPTER

2007-11-13T00:51:00.000-06:00

More then 10 members including current officers, students and supporters came together Saturday morning to decide the fate of the organization. The question: Should the network of hispanic communicators become a NAHJ chapter? - many had concerns over the history of the organization. But these were addresses. Other than the name and the fees going up, the NAHJ chapterhood will not change the history or the bylaws of the group.

About 10 people made history by signing a letter of intent. One person abstained. Now this will go towards the NAHJ and the procedures are now in order for chapterhood.

NAHJ Post's Award Winners YouTube

2007-11-13T00:44:00.000-06:00

Doesn't everyone just love YouTube!

NAHJ just posted YouTube videos of the award recipients including

Dianne Solis, a senior writer for The Dallas Morning News and the winner of the Frank del Olmo Print Journalist of the Year Award, quoted Gary D. during her acceptance speech.

Rebecca Aguilar,

Network founding member

and Gloria Campos

and Gloria Campos
www.nahj.org

KERA Introduces new Art+Culture Blog

2007-11-11T02:36:00.000-06:00

Great news for art and culture lovers in North Texas. Our favorite public broadcast station is now joining the blogsphere and introduced a new Art and Culture blog. Nicely done!

"The Arts+Culture Blog aims to create an online community through the promotion of local arts events and new works, and discussion of new developments in the cultural world. The blog will also serve as a gateway to art analysis, conversation and exploration across the Internet.

The blog will feature a stable of staff contributors including KERA director of special projects Yolette Garcia, Deep in the Arts host Gini Mascorro and Think senior producer and Anything You Ever Wanted To Know host Jeff Whittington. Additionally, regular contributors from outside KERA will include noted critic and current Arts Journal book contributor Jerome Weeks."

Go see it at

http://www.kera.org/blogs/culture

Yahoo Answers Tony Romo's Hispanic Heritage, Wins Dude $500

2007-11-09T01:56:00.000-06:00

Yes, Tony Romo is 3rd generation Mexican-American. And this question won someone $500 on Yahoo Answers -- so there..
Read more.

How do you say "Dinero" in English?

2007-11-09T01:50:00.000-06:00

Total ad spending in Spanish-Language media for the first half of the year reached $2.88 billion, a 2.3% increase over the same time period last year, Nielsen Monitor-Plus said Tuesday.

Spanish-language ad spending continues to be on an upswing with increases reported for all monitored media, with the exception of local newspapers.

Spanish-language cable TV and national magazine showed particularly large gains due to increases in media measurement.

Overall, Spanish-language media was $2.88 billion, in the first half of 2007, compared with $2.81 billion the same period in 2006.

Spanish-language cable TV was up 75.3%, to $104.3 million, in the first half. The 2007 figure includes Fox Sports en Espanol, which was added Jan. 1. When that network is excluded, Spanish-language cable is only up 29.1%.

Spanish-language national magazines were up 14.3%, to $72.7 million from $63.5 million.

“The past couple of years have seen increased growth in ad spend for Spanish-language media, with automotive ranking as the top product category and Univision Communications Inc., the top advertiser for this time period,” Brian Lane, Nielsen Monitor-Plus’s senior vice president of client strategy and product management, said in a prepared statement.

Forget YouTube, Telemundo Putting Novelas Online

2007-11-06T11:48:00.000-06:00

Telemundo, aka, NBC-Universal (aka the guys who hate iTunes and are starting their own online venture) are jumping on the digital distribution bandwagon. The network announced that has begun offering full-length episodes all of its prime-time series and novelas on Yahoo Telemundo.

The streamable episodes – which debuted late last week - are now available on the site the following morning after they original air on TV, said Telemundo executives. In addition, as has become the standard for network TV programming, fans can to access a variety of extra footage online, and can also congregate and discuss their favorite shows in dedicated Yahoo Telemundo Grupos.

CLEAR CHANNEL TOSSES OUT KISS-FM HISPANIC DJ, 'FLIP' IN STORE FOR STATION

2007-11-06T11:32:00.000-06:00

Word is Clear Channel going to introduce an all new KISS-FM on November 15 and has started plastering billboards across town to "flip" the station. The rumor is that call letters 106.1 will flip with (alternative) KDGE 102.1. But these are just rumors. Most likely KISS-FM will gain new marketing and new evening programming.

Until then Clear Channel is tossing out a few extra employees. This week a Latino employee got their "unexpected" pink slips. Midday host Cruz and late night DJ Gina Lee Fuentez were shown the door. This also follows Clear Channel's killing of the long-running "Adventure Club" with Josh Venable, who got the axe last week.

Then again, this is radio folks - a natural thing, especially in the age of iPods and podcasts.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Journalism & Immigration, but Were Afraid to Ask at Upcoming Workshop

2007-11-01T11:11:00.001-05:00

WHAT PART OF ILLEGAL DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?

An immigration law workshop for journalists
Come join us for a friendly discussion with specialists in immigration
law on Nov. 14th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at KERA-TV's community room.

Our guests will be Paul Hunker, chief counsel for Immigration and
Customs Enforcement; Carl Rusnok, PIO for ICE; Liz Cedillo-Pereira and
Fernando Dubove, both Dallas immigration lawyers.

The event is sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate of the
National Association of Hispanic Journalists. It's for media only, and
won't be video-taped for later broadcast.

Immigration is now one of the biggest domestic policy issues. Legal
issues abound. Almost every week, there's a new challenge to federal
immigration processes, as the crackdown on illegal immigrants deepens.
With this immigration law workshop we hope to bring some clarity to such issues as
constitutional due process, the use of warrants and civil versus
criminal offenses.

Among the questions we hope to get answers to:

Do you always need a warrant to arrest an illegal immigrant at their
home? Do you always need a warrant to do a raid at a factory? What is
the difference between illegal entry versus illegal presence and why
was it at the root of the big immigration marches in 2006? How serious
is it to falsely claim U.S. citizenship?

Mexico's Catholic Church Says Trick-o-Treating is Evil

2007-10-30T09:55:00.000-05:00

Mexico's Roman Catholic church slammed Halloween as "damaging and against the faith" on Monday, and conservatives called on Mexicans to halt the steady encroachment of the gouls-and-goblins holiday and return to the country's traditional Day of the Dead ceremonies.

"Those who celebrate Halloween are worshipping a culture of death that is the product of a mix of pagan customs," the Archdiocese of Mexico published in an article Monday on its Web site. "But the worst thing is that this celebration has been identified with neo-pagans, satanism and occult worship." Read more.

SPJ 's Annual Communication Charity Event - Dec. 5

2007-10-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

Let the gift giving begin.

Remembering John Gutierrez-Mier

2007-10-27T12:48:00.000-05:00

More than 80 came together Saturday night to celebrate the life of John Gutierrez-Mier during an Evening of Platica and Recuerdos. There was cake, wine, lots of loving family, nice slideshow (see below) and a nice tributes from friends and family members.

We all sensed John's spirit was among us that evening. Depending on your beliefs, this photo might prove this. A photo gallery is in the works.

FORMER MEXICAN PRESIDENT FOX LOSES HIS COOL, INSULTS TELEMUNDO REPORTER

2007-10-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

Someone replaced Ex-president Vicente Fox toilet paper with sand paper yesterday morning because he lost his temper and insulted an interviewer on Spanish-language Telemundo television who questioned him about controversial land acquisition for his wife during his presidency.

Fox lashed out at journalist Rubén González Luengas in the 17 October interview in studios in Los Angeles, telling him, “You are offensive, a bad interviewer, a liar...” As he stormed off, Fox shouted at a member of staff: “Can you see why they bring me here?”

“Is insulting a journalist a good way of showing your authority?” Reporters Without Borders asked. “Several Latin-American heads of state have recently lost their temper with journalists who asked embarrassing questions. The rank of president does not excuse everything. Those who occupy the position should remember that they rightly have to explain themselves before public opinion,” the worldwide press freedom organisation added.

JOB ALERT: Reporter Position

2007-10-25T02:40:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows a would-be reporter, interested in cutting teeth on one of the Star-Telegram's weekly papers, we have a job opening at the Flower Mound Messenger. It's an entry-level position, can add measurably to a clips file and put food on the table, too. You get to wear a lot of hats, but don't have to take them off when you eat.

If you know of any interested folks, please contact us soon.

Thanks,

Charles D. Young

Executive Editor
Alliance Regional Newspapers
Colleyville Courier, Southlake Journal, Flower Mound Messenger, Grapevine Courier, Trophy Club Times, Roanoke Register, Keller Citizen,Westlake First News, Justin Journal, Argyle Messenger, Haslet Harbinger

Office: 817-329-7700 x 115

DALLAS LULAC JOINS THE REBECCA AGUILAR SUPPORT WAGON

2007-10-24T20:50:00.001-05:00

Can Channel 4 continue their silence any longer?

Ok last week it was pressure from the one-sided bloggers and this week, the Dallas Chapter of LULAC joins the team of people seeking an answer from Channel 4 on the future of Rebecca Aguilar. Also word on the street is that AL DIA paper is doing a write-up on this. OK FOX 4, you really don't need hundreds of non-trick-o-treators outside your office this Halloween, so what is it? We are waiting....

To: Kathy Saunder
Fox-TV
cc: Maria Barrs
From: Jesse Diaz, President & Gehrig Saldaña, Vice President
Dallas LULAC Council 4496
Subject: Letter of Support for Rebecca Aguilar

Dear Ms. Saunder:

We are submitting this email to you in support of Rebecca Aguilar. I will be contacting you this week in order to request a meeting with you regarding our support for Ms. Aguilar. Our council believes Rebecca Aguilar is an excellent reporter who does superb work as a whole and is great at providing first-class reporting on the many issues affecting Dallas County's Latino community.

Our council is gratified the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) have also expressed similar support for Rebecca Aguilar. We are sure NAHJ sees what our council sees in Rebecca Aguilar, she has integrity, honesty, fairness, and most of all, Rebecca is not afraid to show both sides of any news issue she covers.

Our council sees Rebecca Aguilar as a gem which shines very bright as she goes about her business as a reporter representing Fox-TV, the general community and our growing Dallas County Latino community. Our council looks forward to meeting with you within the next few days to further address our concern and support for Rebecca Aguilar.

There appears to be a double-standard which has developed in regard to how Rebecca Aguilar has been treated thus far. I can tell you I have never seen this kind of unfounded judgment accessed to other reporters who have covered sensitive issues. An excellent example of this is the many tough news reports Becky Oliver has covered over the past few years. Why was she not treated with the same hard-ball approach Rebecca Aguilar has endured? Is it because she is a Hispanic reporter?

Please understand our council fully supports reporters like Becky Oliver who has a history of getting right up to your face when she covers some of her tough news reports. We just want to make sure Rebecca Aguilar is judged with an equal level playing field and is not being singled out for journalistic criticism because of the color of her skin.

Once again, we look forward to meeting with to further discuss this issue.

Respectively submitted,

Jesse Diaz, President
Dallas LULAC Council 4496
8127 Bruton Road, Dallas, TX 75217
Business: 214-381-7777
Cellular: 214-228-6778
Email: Diazjesse@aol.com

Gehrig M. Saldaña, Vice President

Dallas LULAC Council 4496

Cellular: 214-870-4371

Irving Idea Spreads to Create Stinky Situation

2007-10-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

Some people like the new car smell, and others don't. In Maryland, this Hispanic man was stopped for no reason other than he had too many air fresheners in his car -- or he says, -- basically he looks brown - get him down.

(AP) FREDERICK, Md. A man reportedly stopped by Frederick County sheriff's deputies for having too many air fresheners on his rearview mirror says he suspects the real reason he is that he is Hispanic.

Mauricio Arellano told The Frederick News-Post that the deputies "found an excuse" to stop him and check his immigration status.

The Anne Arundel county resident, who is visiting the United States on a temporary visa, says he showed his Mexican and international driver's licenses. These are sufficient for legally operating a vehicle in Maryland, but the newspaper reports that Arellano was arrested on charges of lacking proper identification.

Frederick County NAACP President Guy Djoken says groundless traffic stops could increase under Sheriff Charles Jenkins' proposed partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jenkins said he's confident that illegal ethnic profiling won't occur.

KDFW CH 4 SAYS "THREATS" AGAINST REBECCA ARE BEING INVESTIGATED

2007-10-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Although not exactly the final - all - complete answer we wanted to end the Rebecca Aguilar Saga, but for now we will take it as is.. which is a letter to NAHJ from KDFW Channel 4 saying they are 'investigating' the matter and 'appropriate action' will be taken.

Also that they are aware of the security threats from the ignorant bloggers out there.

Read it here.

NAHJ also dropped a recent radio interview and podcast on why the organization's stance on this matter.

JOURNALISM SUPER FRIENDS JOIN TO SUPPORT REBECCA AGUILAR

2007-10-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

Meanwhile at the offices of Unity: Journalists of Color, the word has spread that a award-winning reporter from a top news market in the Southwest has received unfair and unjust treatment.

Quickly the team - - comprised of four national associations: Asian American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the Native American Journalists Association -- assembles and raise their hands and announce the following:

It has come to the attention of UNITY: Journalists of Color that a television reporter at KDFW-TV Fox 4 in Dallas was suspended last week after public outcry over her aggressive style of reporting.

The story by Rebecca Aguilar focuses on her questioning of a junkyard dealer who had killed two alleged burglars in a span of three weeks.

Upon reviewing the interview, it is apparent that while Aguilar used bold tactics to pursue the story, she did not violate any journalistic standards.

It is puzzling why KDFW chose to run Aguilar’s piece, and then suspended her only after the station received public pressure. Either her reporting was a violation of the station’s standards from the beginning and should never have run, or the station should have – out of fairness – also suspended the decision-makers who aired the piece.

UNITY – which represents nearly 10,000 journalists of color nationwide – believes Aguilar was singled out for disciplinary action to appease a vocal sector of the public without regard to whether she violated journalistic standards.

UNITY calls upon KDFW to reconsider its disciplinary action against Aguilar, an award-winning journalist with years of experience in television reporting. Let her right to pursue the truth, as well as the editors’ right to initially air that piece, both be judged by the same standard.

In response, ignorant bloggers give up and look elsewhere for their fear mongering needs.

SPANISH NOVELAS FINALLY GIVE WAY TO FIRE COVERAGE IN SAN DIEGO

2007-10-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

It only takes 500,000 people to evacuate in danger to interrupt what Cami, Lupita and Pablo are planning for revenge on the Spanish television. A report out today by New American Media that Spanish broadcasts finally interrupted their regular programming (novelas and variety shows) on Monday.

“Veía los canales en inglés pero estaba desesperada porque casi no les entendía. Como a las siete de la tarde los policías —uno hablaba español— llegaron a mi departamento para decirme que tenía que irme porque corría peligro”.

or in English

I saw the news on the english channels but frustrated because I can't fully understand. It wasn't until 7 p.m. that the police - one a Spanish-speaker - came knocking at my door and warned me of the approaching danger.

Read more.

REBECCA AGUILAR BREAKS SILENCE AND FIGHTS BACK IN BLOGSITE

2007-10-24T14:23:00.001-05:00

You can't keep an award-winning reporter too quiet for long. Rebecca Aguilar breaks her silence, against her attorney's will, and speaks out on the incident to former Dallas Morning News, now turned TV critic Ed Bark blog site, Uncle Barkey's Bytes.

Aguilar details how the whole brouhaha has affected her and how the Television station she has worked for nearly 20 years has disappointed her. "I'm bruised, honey. Yeah, I'm bruised." She also reveals the real story on her communication with the 70-year old man. "I am known for asking questions that I think bring back deeper answers, but I treated this man with utmost respect. In fact, some of the questions I asked him on-camera I had asked him already in our conversations on the phone. That's why you don't see him alarmed . . . I knew that he felt comfortable with me, and I felt comfortable with him. I know from experience when people don't want me around."

Read the interview here.

Gilbert Bailon to Leave Al Dia, Dallas Morning News

2007-10-22T15:48:00.001-05:00

Gilbert Bailon, publisher and editor of Al Día and president of the American Society of Newspapers Editors, and hall of fame recipient for the Network of Hispanic Communicators announced today that he is leaving Al Dia and The Dallas Morning News, effective November 9 to become the new editorial-page editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

From the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" ...

"We are very fortunate to have a journalist of Gilbert's caliber leading our editorial page, building the newspaper's long-standing tradition of advocacy for our region," said Post-Dispatch publisher Kevin Mowbray in announcing the appointment today.

Bailon, 48, said the editorial staff "will continue to build on our vital role as public servants in a free society and to help the readers stay informed to improve their lives."

Before joining the Morning News there, he was a reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News, the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

- Read the story in the paper and Gilbert's plans

Dallas Morning News Also Drops Story on Rebecca Aguilar Saga

2007-10-22T00:49:00.001-05:00

This story was a little harder to find. It was posted by The Dallas Morning News media critic Tom Maurstad this weekend and also elaborates on the 'force' of the response by KDFW Ch 4 and the NAHJ recommendation.

"You can disagree with the professionalism of her interview tactics," Rafael Olmeda, President of NAHJ said. "But the punishment is all out of proportion to her offense, and that it's directed at only one person is patently unfair."

Read the story here.

Read the Opinion Editorial from the DMN here.

NCLR Throws Middle Finger at Kansas City, Pulls Out of 2009 Conference

2007-10-22T00:31:00.001-05:00

You don't like us? Well then you won't miss our money and have your convention empty that weekend.

“The National Council of La Raza’s board voted this afternoon to yank its 2009 convention from Kansas City in protest of a park board appointee belonging to a group it believes is hostile to Hispanics.

The board followed the recommendation of local La Raza affiliates, who had asked the board to pull the convention. Two months ago, the head of La Raza, Kansas native Janet Murguía, told Mayor Mark Funkhouser that if his appointee, Frances Semler, didn’t step down from the park board, La Raza would likely pull the convention.
The convention had been expected to fill more than 5,000 hotel rooms, with an economic impact to the city of more than $5 million.

Pull the middle finger and read more.

Rebecca Aguilar Saga Continues: Star-Telegram Editor Drops Story

2007-10-22T00:05:00.000-05:00

Finally, a printed and published - non-blog account of the Rebecca Aguilar saga. Star-Telegram's Spanish language paper, La Estrella, editor David Sedeño posted an account of the brouhaha titled "
A matter of ethnicity and journalistic ethics," which he details the full facts of the situation.

He also gives much needed background on Rebecca Aguilar's successful journalism career, information that the "pitchfork" bloggers often (or purposely) omit from their rants. The story ran on Sunday's opinion section. Click here to read the piece.

Welcome to the Party NAHJ - Organization Get's a BLOG - Guess which story is first...

2007-10-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hey NAHJ great to see you guys on the Blog neighborhood. It's been a few weeks for us and it's been fun and wacky. Done right, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Blog will be a good outlet for quick noticias and chisme and also updates on the group.

So congrats on the move and we look forward to reading your Blog posts and even sharing Blog drops and urls. Remember to keep it updated and don't let Blog posts get cobwebs.

Read the NAHJ Blog.

NAHJ POSTS LETTER TO URGE CH 4 TO REINSTATE REBECCA AGUILAR

2007-10-19T02:32:00.001-05:00

As expected, NAHJ tonight posted a 3 page letter that urges Dallas' KDFW-TV Fox 4 to reinstate reporter Rebecca Aguilar immediately.

The letter follows a day-long storm of blogs on her "aggressive" reporting skills.

"NAHJ affirms that journalistic principles, not special-interest driven community response, should determine if a reporter stays on the air." The report also scolds Ch 4's treatment as she was "escorted" out of the Fox 4 studios.

The letter also states that no action was taken to the news editor and others who also let the story air - unedited.

According to several NAHJ officers bloggers have, for the most part, are raising pitchforks and torches mainly because of her recent award winning Hispanic award - believing this will fuel the anti-Hispanic sentiment.

Meanwhile KDFW has continued to meet over this matter, as well as others, and instructed editors and staff to keep quiet on this issue for the time being.

In order to quiet down the brouhaha, KDFW legal team has also requested that all video footage from YouTube be removed. A staff is currently sifting through all the keywords to find any occurances and issuing copyright emails.

As for action. The station has stated that her "indefinitely suspended" is just that -- and Rebecca Aguilar's bio has NOT been removed from the current staff. But, after repeated calls, will not discuss when the "suspension" will be over.

KDFW insiders say they have received a barrage of calls, some of them extremely vulgar, but sources say "management will not be bullied" by bloggers.

As for the statement, the station now says this is matter is private matter and therefore will not be discussed publically. No decision has been made for Viewer's Voice or even if they will air the comments from the callers. We will keep you posted.

By the way, overnight ratings for KDFW news at 9 pm for Thursday are slightly up and higher than normal, says one source.

Read NAHJ LETTER.

NAHJ REQUESTS RESPONSE FROM CH 4, STATION PREPARING AN APOLOGY

2007-10-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

The cranky gun owner heard around the blog world.

Or just a slow news day. The temporary 'suspension' of Rebecca Aguilar is now rolling through several blog sites.

While most sites are being critical of her actions, few question the role of the editor or other staff at KDFW Fox 4. Until now. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is now requesting an inquiry into her "suspension" and a written response from KDFW FOX 4 and also questioning the 'reporting' tactics of KDFW Fox 4 in general ( ala Becky Oliver reporting ).

Meanwhile sources at KDFW FOX 4 say the station has received a flood of calls and is preparing an apology to viewers for the incident for some of the "tactics" used in the story. Look for the apology to air tonight at the 9 p.m. news or during the Viewer's Voice segment on Friday nights. As for Rebecca, the station isn't saying anything except that it is only a suspension.

CHANNEL 4 SUSPENDS REBECCA AGUILAR

2007-10-18T02:08:00.001-05:00

From the DALLAS OBSERVER BLOG-

"KDFW Suspends Rebecca Aguilar After Controversial "Ambush"

Monday night, KDFW-Channel 4 ran a piece about 70-year-old James Walton, owner of Able Walton Machine & Welding in West Dallas, who, early Sunday morning, shot and killed and man trying to break into his business. What made Walton's story so extraordinary was that it was the second time he'd killed an intruder in three weeks. As it happens, Walton also lives at his place of business. Read more. "

Former Mexican president Fox Throws Middle-Finger at U.S. Government

2007-10-12T01:04:00.001-05:00

A promotional stunt.. or just some observations from an outsider. Vincente Fox will be in town today pumping his new book Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith, and Dreams of a Mexican President.

The Dallas Morning News scores a interview with the former leader who pretty much criticizes President Bush and also the immigration nazis.

""What is happening in Irving, Texas, is disturbing, deeply troubling," he said. "It shows that the anti-immigrant mood that I confronted in the U.S. Congress has now reached the public at large."... "Many of the people from my hometown of San Cristóbal are people I grew up with, honest, hardworking men I played marbles with as kids, and who later had to migrate to North Texas, Dallas. Of course it hurts when these cities deny the people you grew up with and treat [them] like criminals."

Read the story.

Columnist Says Spanish TV is Worthless

2007-10-12T00:58:00.001-05:00

This is real investigative reporting in action...

Advertising Age columnist spent some time watching Spanish-language TV and found out how crappy the programming really is.

"We now have more of nothing to watch. Or rather, there are now more Spanish-language "choices" serving me -- and my people -- with the same crap we are used to: dating contests, gossip and paparazzi shows, court fights, reality TV, wrestling and, of course, lots and lots of T&A. In a nutshell: the exact same things I grew up watching on Mexican TV, now expanded and proudly Made in the USA. (Just for the record, none of this means English-language TV is beaming with fantastic viewing choices, but for what concerns us here I will focus solely on television that targets U.S. Hispanics.) Read more.

Gringos no Longer Without "Americanized Tacos" in Mexico

2007-10-12T00:35:00.001-05:00

You Quiero... Gringo Tacos.. Breaking news, Mexico to reopen Taco Bells. Because original tacos are just not good without the processed meat and the chalupas and melty-melty-melty heart killer tacos.

Mexicanos can get their hands on the gringo-type tacos this week in Monterrey, Mexico and their are plans open more.

Company officials say they know they'll have a tough time selling traditional foods, so their new slogan in Mexico is "Taco Bell is something else or "Es otra cosa." Apparently to prevent comparisons with traditional mexican dishes.

"Some of the names have been changed to protect the sacred: the hard-shelled items sold as “tacos” in the U.S. have been renamed “tacostadas.” This made-up word is a play on “tostada,” which for Mexicans is a hard, fried disk of cornmeal that is always served flat, with toppings." - Associated Press.

It's not the first attempt. Back in 1992, Taco Bell's stores failed in Mexico less than two years after opening. Read more.

Next Chapter Meeting : Wednesday, Oct 10 at Star-Telegram/Arlington

2007-10-09T00:57:00.000-05:00

Next Hispanic Communicators meeting on Oct. 10 in Arlington

The next Hispanic Communicators meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at the Star-Telegram office, 1111 W. Abram, in Arlington.

At that meeting, we will consider two proposals from Dianne Solis of The Dallas Morning News. They are:

Should the Dallas-Fort Worth Network of Hispanic Communicators become a chapter of NAHJ? Should the chapter be known as a) DFW chapter of NAHJ b) Network of Hispanic Communicators, DFW chapter of NAHJ

Also update on the Journalism Workshop and the Celebrating John Gutierrez-Mier: An Evening of Platica and Recuerdos will be discussed.

John Gutierrez-Mier Tribute - Details

2007-10-08T23:38:00.000-05:00

Celebrating John Gutierrez-Mier:
An Evening of Platica and Recuerdos, Saturday October 27, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas.

Even in the days before his death, John was optimistic. After his heart surgery in early August, he was still coordinating with the transplant folks at Medical City. He talked about what he would do after he got a new heart – maybe leave North Texas, definitely volunteer to teach English to immigrants.

He also wanted a big party to celebrate his new heart.

John knew even the August surgery carried risks. But he often said: "I’m too young to die. I want to live. And if I'm going to die, at least I want to die fighting.”

So before his surgery, he made funeral plans with family and friends. If he died, he wanted a life party, the kind of despedida where friends and family could come together to tell stories. (There are no shortages of John stories!)

So in honor of John Gutierrez-Mier, we invite you to join us October 27th, for an evening party to toast our dear Juanito. His family – including primos and tias – plan to attend.

Party with a Purpose: The D/FW Network of Hispanic Communicators has created the John Gutierrez-Mier scholarship. In case you’ve been wondering how to pay tribute to John, this would be a wonderful way to honor his commitment to mentoring.

If you plan to attend, we ask you to PLEASE RSVP ASAP to elaine_aradillas@yahoo.com. This will help the planning efforts muchisimo.

Those of you who want to share a short toast – as in a 3-5 minute eulogy, story, recuerdo – please email us at jgm.memorial@gmail.com, so we can add your name to the program.

THIS IS THE PLAN:

October 27th, 7 – 10 p.m. – Celebrating John Gutierrez-Mier: An Evening of Platica and Recuerdos. At the Sanders Theatre in the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

We will be hosting a silent auction, all proceeds going to the John Gutierrez-Mier scholarship, which will go to a deserving young journalist.

The after party will be held at a nearby hotel, details coming soon. We’re also inquiring about group rates so we can all stay in the same hotel and we can make it easier for those looking to share a room. For hotel information, email Marissa Alanis at malanis_77@hotmail.com.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: (And if you can’t make it to Ft. Worth, don’t feel left out. You can still help! See below.)

1. We need your donations to help pay for the venue and food. Please make checks payable to the Network of Hispanic Communicators (memo line: JGM memorial), and mail them to P.O. Box 222313, Dallas, Texas 75222-2313

2. If you’d like for your contribution to go straight to the scholarship, please write JGM scholarship on the memo line.

3. We are also looking for auction items. We’re aiming for practical stuff (and really anything you want to donate): such as margarita blenders or margarita mix, Spurs T-shirts, jewelry, whatever you think can score us some cash for the JGM scholarship and memorial. For silent auction information, please email Cynthia Garza at cyndisan@gmail.com

And in honor of John, get ready to party!

KERA WORKING TO BRING SPANISH DIGITAL CHANNEL TO NORTH TEXAS

2007-10-03T18:06:00.001-05:00

Look for some major changes to come to KERA Ch 13 in the months to come. One major change will be a new Spanish-language network on the digital channel 13.2.

The network, V-me, is expected to go on the air( digitally) and offer a mix of Spanish-language children’s and adult programming with an educational focus. One-fourth of the programming will be original to the network, including a one-hour, nightly one-on-one interview program, “Viva Voz,” that is designed as a national platform for discussion of issues important to Latinos. KERA Channel 13 will also be able to include local community affairs programming. Read more at www.v-me.tv

BELO Announces Spin off of Newspaper Companies, Al Dia, Quick and TXCN Safe for Now

2007-10-01T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yet another way to confuse readers - BELO is lifting the paws off slightly and creating a separate television and newspaper businesses by spinning off the newspaper business into a publicly-traded company called A. H. Belo Corporation ("A. H. Belo").

A. H. Belo Corporation will own and operate the Company's flagship newspaper, The Dallas Morning News. Belo's (Darth Vader) Decherd said that as a separate public company, the company can better focus on newspapers and online news and information and better able to respond to the diverse and rapidly-evolving needs of customers in the local markets it serves, and with no debt.

Meaning, we can kill off or "sell" off some projects that are not producing well. Look for more TV deals and perhaps a major revamp of TXCN and other online ventures.

He also said the company is working with Yahoo on some online initiatives.

Got it? No then some execs can explain it better.

Hispanic Buying Power Big - According to CNN Report

2007-10-01T10:55:00.001-05:00

CNN continues their Hispanic Celebration series today with a story on the buying power. They pinpoint the economic strength of the Hispanic community and detail some trends -- including

The number of Latino-owned companies grew 31 percent between 1997 to 2002
Study: Hispanic women playing important role in growth
Selig Center: Hispanic buying power will reach almost $1.2 trillion by 2011

Univision Launches Campaign to R.I.P. Non-HDTV's

2007-10-01T10:31:00.001-05:00

"El tiempo de cambiar de television es ahora," -- Univision today launched a campaign to educate viewers of the new change to HDTV format in 2009 and will be airing thirty-second public service announcements (PSAs) on its broadcast television networks (Univision and TeleFutura), local television stations, radio stations and online site, featuring some of its most popular stars explaining the DTV transition.

They even launched a special web site for viewers to discover that their tv's are no obsolete and will be useless past February 2009.

" I am very proud of the fact that Univision has launched this campaign a full three months before the FCC's schedule, fulfilling our duty to go above and beyond to serve the Hispanic community," said Joe Uva, CEO, Univision Communications Inc. "Our audience puts a great deal of trust in Univision to provide them with timely information regarding events in the nation that affect them, and the DTV transition is something we feel will impact a significant portion of the country's Hispanic community. By addressing viewers' concerns early and often through our education campaign, we are ensuring them that they will be able to continue to rely on Univision as their number one source of information on this subject, as well as other news and information, now and well into the future."

Ok Univision, thanks for the fear tactic, but like when are you going actually launch HDTV programming -- on prime time. And are the Telenovelas from Televisa (Mexico) and Argentina going to be filled with black bars since they are not under the HDTV/DTV deadline?

"The Tube Music Network" (Ch 33.2) Goes Dark

2007-10-01T10:06:00.001-05:00

Just like the vacuum tube vanished into history, this morning at 12 am, the Tube Music Network met the same fate. Those of us with new HDTV's digital televisions were treated to a freebie Music Television channel that - unlike MTV - actually played music videos, non-stop. KDAF Channel 33.1 now has a statement "The Tube Music Network has ceased broadcast operation. KDAF plans to bring you new programming on this digital channel in the near future.."

The Tube aired classic and modern music videos and once-in-a while aired commercials and PSA -- but that's once-in-a while wasn't enough because the Tube ran out of cash.

Even an attempt to sell music through the Tube connect the iPod generation never materialized.

We regret to inform you of the fate that has befallen The Tube Music Network. October 1, 2007 The Tube ceased its national broadcast.

Viewers, Artists, Music Companies, Investors, Business Partners, TV stations, Cable companies, Advertisers , Friends and our creative partners @Radical Media - your support of The Tube has always been highly valued and appreciated. The collective efforts of this team, fueled by the letters we received from viewers, sustained THE TUBE as it struggled through the financial limitations that ultimately contributed to its incapacitated state.

Thank you for inviting The Tube Music Network into your life.

The last song played on the network was "A3 - Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix)" - the same song played on the last episode of "The Sopranos."

So besides cash, what really doomed the Music Television channel?

Music Videos are pretty much dead
The TV station stuck to it's core and refused to play Hip Hop, Soul or Reggaeton type of music
No organization of videos - they just played random ones - a 80's rock hour etc, would have helped
No way to request videos
No advertising or hookups with radio stations
Competition wih the Cable stale music channels

Too bad, this was a good idea that just never really took off. It really never caught on with the young crowd since most of the videos were aimed at older audience.

Azteca America Launches "60-Minutes"-type News Magazine

2007-10-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

Time to grab some palomitas - Azteca America (Channel 26 and 44) just launched “Issues: Caras y Voces,” a political forum hosted by veteran Latino journalist Armando Guzmán.

The weekly forum will begin airing tonight October 1 and continue every Monday during the national newscast of Noticiero Azteca America at 5:30 pm CST; and 10 pm CST. The forum will also be transmitted on broadcast television in Mexico through Proyecto 40.

The broadcast premiere will feature Governor Bill Richardson, the first Latino Democratic presidential candidate with real possibilities of being part of the Democratic ticket in 2008. His public service history includes US Congressman, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy and currently Governor of New Mexico.

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them

2007-09-27T17:19:00.001-05:00

Perhaps some officials saw the protesters signs that read "WE TOO PAY TAXES" or perhaps some saw a growing number of Spanish surnames and realized... hey we need to do something about this..

Or perhaps they are too busy answering calls from Spanish-language speakers and wanted an easy way out. Well still the efforts is there.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) today announced the launch of its first national public service announcement (PSA) campaign in Spanish to raise awareness of GobiernoUSA.gov and 1(800) FED-INFO, two valuable information services for Spanish-speaking Americans.

GobiernoUSA.gov is the official web portal for U.S. government information and services in Spanish, and 1(800) FED-INFO is the toll-free number that provides the same great information and help.

A Spanish MySpace for Babies (and their Moms)

2007-09-27T17:11:00.000-05:00

Because even babies need their spot on the web. Now there is a spot where parents can go-go-ga-ga all day long and even a thing or two.

BabyCenter(R), the largest online resource for expectant and new parents around the world, today launched BabyCenter(R) en Español ( http://babycenterenespanol.com ) empowering Hispanic mothers with access to culturally relevant information in Spanish to help them along their journey to motherhood. With approximately one in four babies born to Hispanic mothers each year across the country(1), BabyCenter(R) en Español will provide invaluable tools and resources to this burgeoning group of Latina moms-to-be and new moms.

DFW Area Remains 5th Radio Market

2007-09-27T17:04:00.000-05:00

We are number 5 -- yeah. Take that Houston!

Arbitron released Fall 2007 radio market populations were released today and we are just slightly under San Francisco/San Jose as the 5th largest radio market. OK boys and girls, time to reproduce and listen to the radio so next year we climb to 4th.

NEW YORK 1 15,344,600
LOS ANGELES 2 10,902,400
CHICAGO 3 7,784,400
SAN FRANCISCO 4 5,969,400
DALLAS-FT. WORTH 5 4,973,000
HOUSTON-GALVESTON 6 4,639,000
PHILADELPHIA 7 4,350,000
ATLANTA 8 4,267,500
WASHINGTON, DC 9 4,210,000
BOSTON 10 3,874,600

CNN Focuses on "The Hispanic Experience" in America

2007-09-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

For years and years studies have been showing that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority population in America. For year and years, the mainstream media has been saying .."whatever."

Well that whatever is now and many are now realizing that we are here, stronger than ever and not going away as depicted in today's CNN home page story "The Hispanic Experience."

The complicated measure of being Hispanic in America

Hispanics and Latinos are described as the largest minority group in the United States, as a burgeoning force in the electorate and as an untapped frontier of the business market. Yet these descriptions belie the complexity of the 44 million people to whom they refer.

Susana Clar, with daughters Vanessa (left) and Virna (center), says the labels "Hispanic" and "Latino" are limiting.

Even the terms used to name them -- Hispanics, Hispanic-Americans, Latinos, Latino-Americans, the Spanish-surnamed -- too tightly package the people categorized by those definitions, some observers say.

"We are mixed and we are many things," said Phillip Rodriguez, a documentary filmmaker. Many of his films, such as "Los Angeles Now" and "Brown is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream," explore the experience and identity of Latinos in the United States.

Latinos "very often don't share language, don't share class circumstances, don't share education; it's very difficult to speak about them as one thing," he said.

From a census standpoint, being of Hispanic or Latino origin means a person identifies himself in one of four listed categories: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban or "other Spanish, Hispanic or Latino" origin. In the latter more open-ended category, respondents can write in specific origins, such as Salvadoran, Argentinean or Dominican.

According to a Pew Hispanic Center/Kaiser Family Foundation survey in 2002, that is how most Latinos choose to identify themselves. When asked which terms they would use first to describe themselves, 54 percent said they primarily identify themselves in terms of their or their parents' country of origin. About one quarter choose "Latino" or "Hispanic," and 21 percent chose "American." But the broader terms -- Latino, Hispanic -- are the ones tossed about when the media want to discuss a "trend among Latinos," or when a politician appeals to the "Hispanic vote."

The U.S. government came up with the term "Hispanic" in the 1970s to generally refer to people who could trace their origin to Spanish-speaking countries. The term "Latino" refers to origins from Latin America, which includes non-Spanish speaking countries like Brazil. The terms are often used interchangeably, which is a point of some contention in the wider community.

But do the terms carry meaning among the people to whom they refer, or are they merely governmental designations?

"That's the way you call our people," Susana Clar, 52, said of the terms. She and her family emigrated from Uruguay nearly two decades ago, and she works as a vice president in her daughter, Vanessa Di Palma's, Salt Lake City, Utah-based communications firm.

"Either you are Latino [or] Hispanic. I'm fine with that, but I think that we are so much more than that," Clar said.

Manuel Baez, 49, a native of the Dominican Republic who owns an insurance agency in Tampa, Florida, laughingly answered the question of how he identifies himself.

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"Manuel or Manny," he said, adding, "We're being put together in this package and that's too hard," he said, stressing that he didn't like labels. He continued, "Dominican-American really represents who I am, instead of Dominican or Latino."

He never uses Hispanic to identify himself because "I am mixed," Baez said. "Hispanic doesn't go with me because I don't believe that Spain was the best thing for Latin America."

"For me...there is no such thing as a Latino identity," said Suzanne Oboler, professor of Puerto Rican and Latino studies at John Jay College at the City University of New York.

"There's certainly a cultural understanding... [And] a political identity," she said, noting that the many different groups will join on particular issues such as immigration and wages.

But she stressed that it was not a homogenous group. "Not all Latinos speak Spanish, for example. Not all Latinos are going to vote Democratic... All Latinos are not immigrants."

Others, such as Carl J. Kravetz, a longtime veteran of Hispanic marketing, said similarities among the different subsets of Latinos do show a Latino identity, one partly fused through the group's experience in the United States.

Kravetz heads a Los Angeles-based Hispanic advertising agency called cruz/kravetz: IDEAS. He and his colleagues embarked last year on a Latino cultural identity project to better understand a group of consumers they felt could not be adequately reached through the traditional Spanish-language market.

There is "very definitely a Latino identity," Kravetz said. It is drawn along parallels in values and ways of thinking and regardless of country of origin, the group tends to "cluster" in a few areas, he said.

Those areas include interpersonal relationships (Latinos tend to emphasize family; individuality is not as important), perception of the future (the group is less driven toward goals), and spirituality (the group tends to be more fatalistic, more likely to say they have no control over their lives).

David Chitel, the founder of New Generation Latino Consortium, a group of advertising and media companies, also said there are definite cultural ties among Latinos, particularly between those born in the United States. So much so, he said, that he and others coined the term "new generation Latinos" to refer to them.

CNN Watch Out, QuePasa is in Town

2007-09-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

Take a gallon of CNN, add a gallon of YouTube, throw in some oregano and salsa and sprinkle some MySpace and you get QuePasa.com - the new online citizen journalism designed for Latinos.

QuePasa Corporation announced today the launch of the first, Latino citizen journalism website QuePasa News Network (http://www.QPNN.tv).

Fueled by video contributions from QuePasa.com's citizen journalists, QPNN.tv empowers Latinos to upload video reports covering breaking news, politics, sports, human interest, and entertainment.

"QPNN.tv provides our members with a real-time opportunity to report and comment on, as well as witness events impacting their lives," said Robert B. Stearns, from Quepasa Corporation. "We intend to stimulate participation from local and national politicians, entertainers, and others who covet QuePasa.com's fast-growing, opinionated, and increasingly influential Latino audience."

Registered members of QuePasa.com can participate as citizen journalists by linking to QPNN.tv through the main page and selecting "News". Members will have access to Breaking News, Popular Playlists, Sports Videos and more.

QPNN.tv allows registered users to upload videos, share links with other members and grab video widgets (a capability that allows members to add QPNN.tv videos to member profiles and other personal sites).

Microsoft Unveils New Stuff to Help Latino Editors, Business Owners

2007-09-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

Wrestling with a multicultural computer was just made easier today as Microsoft unveiled some cool things for Latino Editors and Small Business Owners at the annual United States Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in Puerto Rico.

Among the highlights;

-- Microsoft Office Spanish Language Pack is now available for the first
     time for U.S. retailers nationwide, allowing customers to work within
     the same program and document, in Spanish and English, without having
     to install or change applications. The products aim to streamline
     business and address the needs of multilingual professionals.


  -- MSN Latino in October will launch a Spanish-language business guide, a
     resource to help Hispanics in the process of building and managing a
     small business in the United States. This new section of MSN Latino
     will feature articles, quizzes, personal stories, columns from experts
     offering general advice and answering questions submitted by users,
     message boards to share experiences and get in contact with the
     community, and more.

They also unveiled a web site previewing the new 2008 version of Office for the Macintosh.
No word on the rumored Lemon-colored Zune.

September eNews Dropped to Members

2007-09-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

The latest issue of the Network's electronic newsletter was dropped this morning to members. The latest issue contains updates on the following;

Letter from Stella Chavez, President of the Organization
Update on Next Meeting (Oct. 10)
Sneak Preview Event for Texas State Fair
Journalism Workshop Update
John Mier -An Evening of Platica and Recuerdos Tribute
Introduction of EL REPORTERO Blog
and a few other things.

Didn't get a copy? Then you need to join the Network. For $35, it's the best deal in town for a media support group.

Immigration Blues Making "Corridos" Popular Again

2007-09-20T09:14:00.000-05:00

Coming to an iPod near you... it's time to break out the guitar, gather around and listen to a corrido.

The tragic ballad tunes are making a strong comeback, all thanks to the immigration noise. Now there is even a corrido-writing workshop for teens, according to this NPR story.

"Fourteen students and their families at Woodburn High School in Oregon take Dies' Students can compose songs about anything they want, and immigration emerges as a common theme."

It's time to grab your napkins and listen in to the folk songs designed to generate tears.

9th Annual Vistas Film Festival Kicks Off Tonight

2007-09-19T16:55:00.000-05:00

Grab your palomitas and head over to the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station for the 9th annual Vistas Film Festival.

This is a five-day international film festival highlighting films by or about Latinos or Latino culture from across the world. In addition to awesome films and documentaries, Vistas Film Festival also features filmmaker workshops, coffee with a filmmaker sessions with guest filmmakers, nightly receptions and after-parties and an breakdancing, B-Boying exhibition. More info at http://vistasfilmfestival.org.

Comic Strip "Baldo" To Tell Real Stories of Hispanics in War

2007-09-19T16:42:00.000-05:00

Cartoonist Hector Cantu decided if the stories of Latino soldiers were going to go untold in Ken Burns' upcoming World War II documentary, he'd have "Baldo" tell them. This week, Cantu and co-creator Carlos Castellanos unveiled Benito "Benny" Ramirez in their syndicated comic strip "Baldo," which appears in 200 newspapers. Benito is a composite character based on the actual stories of several Hispanic World War II veterans. Their experiences are featured in a book by University of Texas journalism professor Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez.

"We are telling a little story about a Latino serving in World War II and there will be millions of people exposed to that," said Cantu, whose two uncles were veterans of the war. "Will we reach as many as Ken Burns? Probably not. But there will be more people out there who know about Latinos serving in the U.S. military."

In Monday's installment, Benito began his war story by removing his artificial leg. In Tuesday's, he's shown in front of a men's restroom that bears a "Whites Only" sign.

The Baldo strips, running through Sept. 27, are among several activities planned around the Sunday start of Burns' 15-hour series, "The War," which Hispanic groups have criticized for inadequately representing their role in the conflict. Read more.

Fort Worth-Based Groupo Bimbo Steals Wheaties Concept, Introduces Soccer Bars

2007-09-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

Bimbo is introducing a whole new line of products to store shelves in the United States, Bimbo’s Fut Bar is breakfast bars with a futbol (soccer) theme and a nutritional kick. For the next 6 weeks (or until supplies last), boxes of Fut Bar will also contain two collectible DVDs highlighting the America team as well as some of its favorite players.

“Fut Bar has been available in Mexico, but this is the first time they’ve been sold in the U.S.,” said Juan Miguel Esaa, Bimbo USA brand manager. “We’re excited to introduce this healthy breakfast alternative to a whole new generation of Latinos.”

“We can be sure Bimbo fans will like the bars and the soccer DVDs,” said Esaa. “Our decision to team up with professional soccer was easy. Both Bimbo and soccer are symbols of Hispanic culture and we both share a commitment to healthy lifestyles.”

Drywall Company Milks "El Chapulin Colorado" to Put Smiles on Construction Workers

2007-09-19T13:48:00.000-05:00

Well since Hispanics do most of the homebuilding and home constructing, why not make them feel happier by reminding them of their youth.

That's the thinking from National Gypsum, a wallboard and drywall company based in Charlotte, NC., who has decided, they no longer need original, boring logos, and stealing one is easier. It also says that they care about their workers.

"El Chapulin Colorado," to the rescue and is the new face of National Gypsum and will appear in all Latino marketing materials across the country’s top Hispanic markets.

“I believe it will be a very successful move for National Gypsum because of the popularity of El Chapulin among Hispanics around the world,” said Alfredo Garza, a marketing director for the company. “I’m glad to see that a company like National Gypsum takes the Hispanic market as seriously as they do.”

El Chapulin Colorado” was the first series to put Mexican television on the international map. Played and written by Roberto Gomez Bolaños “Chespirito.” More than 200 episodes were produced from 1970-1978 and eventually broadcast in nearly every Latin American country, where it captured first-place ratings. Read more.

Mexicans. Puerto Ricans and Cubans Are Not The Same Thing, Media Study Reveals

2007-09-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Sure we know this, but does mainstream America know the differences?
A media study release reveals the differences and similarities among the Hispanic ethnic groups.
When Hispanics are asked to define themselves by racial/ethnic subgroups, the differences in income, purchasing intentions, brand preferences and media consumption are "a lot bigger than many might imagine and potentially quite significant for marketers," sums up Joe Pilotta, vice president/strategy for BIGresearch.

Some highlights of the study include;

- Among adult Hispanics overall, magazines read most often are Cosmopolitan (11.8%), Vanidades (7.3%) and TV y Novelas (6.6%). Among all adults, the favorites are People (3.8%), Cosmopolitan (3.2%) and Reader's Digest (2.6%).
Cosmo is also the leading magazine among each of the Hispanic subgroups, cited by 8.2% of Hispanic/Caucasians, 16% of Hispanic/multiracials and 11.4% of Hispanic/other heritage.

- TV y Novelas comes in second among the multiracial (6.1%) and Hispanic/other (8.5%) groups, while Vanidades is No. 2 among Hispanic Caucasians (8.2%). Vanidades is No. 3 among the multiracial (5.4%) and other (6.1%) groups, but People holds that spot among Hispanic Caucasians (5.3%).

- Looking at radio formats, Latin/Hispanic is the top choice of Hispanics as a whole (50.6%), and each of the subgroups (other-heritage, 61.2%; multiracial, 43.1%; Caucasian, 41.6%). Rock holds second place among Hispanics overall (32.6%) and among the multiracial and Caucasian groups (40.3% and 33.4%, respectively). However, hip-hop is second among the Hispanic/other group (35.8%).

- Top 40/pop formats are No. 3 among Hispanics overall (29.7%), and among the multiracial (34.1%) and Caucasian (29.6%) groups. But R&B commands third place among the Hispanic/other group (34.2%).
In contrast, among adults as a whole, rock rules (35.3%), followed by oldies (31.6%) and country (24.7%).

San Francisco/Oakland Area Offers Future Glimpse for DFW Spanish Media

2007-09-18T23:42:00.001-05:00

Al Dia and La Estrella editors should read this story in this week's AdWeek because it what most likely will happen here in the DFW in the years to come. San Francisco/San Jose, like most major metro areas, is experiencing a growth in Hispanic population. But what news editors and managers do not understand is -- where is the money or ad revenue.

Spanish-language print publications, just like here in Dallas-Fort Worth, have struggled to hold onto readers and ad revenue as the Internet grows. But newspapers editors are discovering new ways to reach the pockets and purses of the growing Latino population -- fully loaded - bilingual web sites.

Frank Andrade, co-publisher of the bilingual weekly La Oferta in San Jose, noted, "The more sophisticated readers will read print and online. But the immigrant market won't." Media buyers note that the Internet is increasingly used by advertisers to reach Hispanics, at least when budgets are large enough to extend beyond broadcast. The same holds true for local cable TV buys. The magazine states that editors and publishers need to better understand the changing Hispanic community.
"It's a very bifurcated community," said the San Francisco-based demographer. "You have the educated elite who have left their home countries and have done quite well. Then you have those who are almost economic refugees who are pushed out of their home countries because of the lack of opportunity." Read more.

Dark Angel "Jessica Alba" Doesn't Like to be Called a "Latina Actress"

2007-09-18T23:26:00.001-05:00

In a recent interview, former Dark Angel and Fantastic Four star (and super hottie) Jessica Alba said she doesn't really like to be labeled a "Latina" actress because she doesn't speak Spanish.

" It is difficult for me to call myself a Latino actress. When I tried to do that the Latin community made it very clear that I didn't speak Spanish and I never did a Spanish speaking movie so I wasn't really part of it because I was half, which made me feel terrible. I only grew up with the Latin side of my family. That's the only culture I could really identify with, but they are right, I don't speak Spanish. So there is nothing I can say in defense."

Maybe she isn't so "Fantastic" after all. Read more.

Farmer's Branch Could Learn a Thing or Two From This Town

2007-09-18T23:16:00.001-05:00

RIVERSIDE, N.J. - This southern New Jersey town has voted to rescind a law that made it illegal to rent or hire illegal immigrants.   The 3-1 vote Monday night puts an end to a law that got national attention and made big changes in a small town, but was never enforced.   In the end, township officials said they could not afford the legal bills that would come with defending the "Illegal Immigration Relief Act," which was similar to one from Hazleton, Pa., that a federal judge found unconstitutional earlier this year. Read more.

The Artist - "El Gordo"- Frida Khalo's Lover on KERA Wednesday

2007-09-18T16:38:00.000-05:00

Time to put that Widescreen TV to use and watch a good profile on Mexican artist Diego Rivera (1886-1957), at 9 p.m., Wednesday, September 19 on KERA Ch 13 and 13.1 HD. American Masters- Rivera in America features the Marxist artist whose work invited both opposition and respect. Included: footage of Rivera at work; examples of his brightly colored, realistic murals.

"All The News That's Free to Read" - NY Times Gives Up on Pay-Per-Read

2007-09-18T13:09:00.000-05:00

The New York Times threw in the towel today on charging to read the paper online, realizing that most American's wallets stay closed when it come to premium web-content.

"The New York Times will stop charging for access to parts of its Web site, effective at midnight Tuesday night, reflecting a growing view in the industry that subscription fees cannot outweigh the potential ad revenue from increased traffic on a free site."

They were charging up to $7.95 a month, for online access to columnists work and to the newspaper’s archives. That's almost two Grande-size Mochas from Starbucks. This comes almost a year after CNN dropped their premium plans for online videos.

OK Dallas Business Journal, its your turn now.

Now if only they could get a ban on those annoying pop-up ads in The Dallas Morning News and Star-Telegram!