Posted by Elena del Valle on January 31, 2006
Jeff Valdez, chairman and co-Founder of Sí TV
Los Angeles, California – Jeff Valdez, chairman and co-Founder of Sí TV, the first English-language Latino cable network, was named one of Advertising Age’s 2005 "Marketing 50." Sí TV was the only TV Network to make Ad Age’s "Marketing 50" list thanks bold and creative marketing initiatives such as branding Time Square’s Naked Cowboy (a troubadour who roams the area in his briefs, cowboy hat and boots), parking a taco truck directly outside an MTV event, and recruiting Segway scooter teams to roam the National Cable Television Association convention area while wearing video screens which promoted Sí TV.
"I am very pleased to be honored by Advertising Age,” said Valdez. “We have worked very hard to make Sí TV the destination of choice for 18-34 multicultural viewers." In less than two years, Sí TV has launched in several major markets including New York City, New York and surrounding areas; Los Angeles, California; Denver, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; Detroit, Michigan; Fresno, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; West Palm Beach, Florida; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Bakersfield, California.
Each year, Advertising Age editors select the most innovative and inspiring marketers who have successfully established or repositioned a brand. The honorees are marketers for a wide spectrum of products, services and ideas and are responsible for today’s hottest marketing success stories.
Sí TV is an English-language, Latino network featuring hip and culturally-relevant programming targeting the growing young Latino and multi-cultural TV audience. Voted by Multichannel News as one of the “2005 Top 10 Next Networks,” Sí TV is available nationwide. The network has forged affiliation agreements with Comcast Cable, Adelphia, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications and Echostar. Investors in the network include Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX), SYNCOM Funds, Columbia Capital, Rho Ventures, DND Capital Partners, EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), Llano Partners and company co-founders Jeff Valdez and Barshop Ventures. More information is available at Si TV
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 31, 2006
Jaime Suchlicki, Ph.D., editor of Cuban Affairs
Photo: University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida – The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) of the University of Miami recently launched Cuban Affairs, a quarterly, peer reviewed electronic journal which publishes articles on economic, political and social issues in contemporary Cuba. The journal will also publish book reviews and an updated chronology of events on the island. Editions will be published in January, April, July and October of every year for a subscription or membership price of $25 for individuals and $95 for institutions.
Jaime Suchlicki is editor of Cuban Affairs. Susel Pérez is assistant to the editor while Eric Diggs and Hans de Salas del Valle are assistant editors. Juan del Aguila is book review editor, Kathy Hamman is copy editor and Eugene Pons is business manager.
One of the topics addressed in the first issue of Cuban Affairs is whether Americans should be allowed to travel to communist Cuba. The discussion is between the former chief of mission of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, James Cason and William M. LeoGrande, dean of the School of Public Affairs at American University. In the point-counterpoint article on travel to Cuba, Cason writes that lifting the ban on Cuban travel at this time would send the wrong message.
“Unilaterally lifting the travel ban at this historical juncture, at the end of a failed experiment, in exchange for nothing would be a major waste of U.S. leverage,” Cason wrote. LeoGrande, on the other hand, believes that the U.S. imposed ban on travel is “punishment for punishment sake” and does nothing to help promote democracy in Cuba.
Besides the pro-con debate on travel to Cuba, the English-language electronic journal’s first edition carries articles on the Cuba/Venezuela connection, Cuba/China connection, Cuba’s economic policy, and an analysis of Cuba after Castro by Brian Latell, former CIA director for Latin America and now a senior research associate at ICCAS.
Jaime Suchlicki is the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Distinguished Professor of History and International Studies and director of the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) at the University of Miami. He directs the Cuba Transition Project sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development.
He was the founding executive director of the North-South Center at the University of Miami. For the past decade he was also the editor of the Journal of Interamerican Studies and World Affairs. He is the author of a dozen books on Cuba and Latin America. His best-known books are Cuba: From Columbus to Castro, now in its fifth edition, and editor with Irving L. Horowitz of Cuban Communism, now in its eleventh edition. He is also the author of Mexico: From Montezuma to the Fall of the PRI. Dr. Suchlicki is a consultant to the private and public sector on Cuba and Latin American affairs. Details about the new journal can be found at Cuban Affairs.
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Filed Under: Media
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 30, 2006
A podcast with the weekly news summary for January 23, 2006 is available on the Podcast Section of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, HispanicMPR.com. To listen to the podcast visit the website at www.HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see the "Podcast" on the right hand side, select "HMPR Jan 23, 2006," then hit the play button or download it to your iPod or MP3 player to listen on the go, in your car or at home. To download it, click on the arrow of the recording you wish to copy and save to disk. The podcast will remain listed in the January 2006 section of the podcast.
Please take a moment to let us know how you like our podcasts and what you would like to hear in future podcasts by posting your comments here. You can also follow the instructions on the podcast to send story ideas, photos, propose topics and guests for future podcasts. If you would like to be interviewed or have a topic to propose, make sure to include an email address and a phone number where we can reach you. Thank you!
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 30, 2006
Sara Rosales, vice president, communications, Mattel Brands
Mattel appointed Sara Rosales to vice president, communications for Mattel Brands. Rosales joined Mattel in 1996, most recently serving as vice president, national promotions and strategic global partnerships, developing brand-building national promotions with leading companies that market to families and youth. In her new role, Rosales will assume direct responsibility for all domestic communications activities for Mattel Brands, including overall brand building programs, public relations initiatives and branded integration and product placement opportunities.
Prior to joining Mattel, Rosales worked for several leading national public relations agencies. She has worked on public relations projects with Univision, AltaMed Health Services, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sega, Absolute Vodka, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Baskin-Robbins, California Avocado Commission and the Tournament of Roses.
Sara was born in New York City, the eldest of three children. She grew up in Eagle Rock, California and considers herself a native of Los Angeles. Her parents were born in Ecuador, making her a first generation American. She learned Spanish at home from her parents who only spoke to her in Spanish. Although Spanish was her first language, Sara learned to speak English in kindergarten. The Mattel portfolio includes some of the world’s leading and best-selling brands, including Barbie(r) and Hot Wheels(r), as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 27, 2006
A PDF file of Dora Tovar’s PowerPoint slides for yesterday’s HMCA, PRSA teleseminar entitled "Hispanic Public Relations: Responding to Growing Market Demands" is available here.
Dora O. Tovar is president of Tovar PR LLC and author of chapter 10 of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations.
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Filed Under: Book
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 27, 2006
Diego Diego album cover
Diego Diego released a new reggaeton-pop single in Spanish, "La Cuca." The song, similar in style to his previous hit "La Gasolina," was written by Antonio Portillo and has a "very extroverted touch" baptized as the Diego-ton rhythm.
Award winning Diego Diego, said to have "charismatic style and boundless energy," is recognized as a leader in the creation of the new millennium sound. Diego Diego’s professional career was launched with the television soap opera "La Culpa" directed by Pynkie Morris. This early experience motivated the young performer and inspired him to perfect his artistic skills and explore his potential talents. In competing for a role in a Disney Company production, he was chosen as one of only 60 candidates from a casting of more than five thousand applicants. He was one of three Latins selected to perform in this role at Disneyland in California.
His most recent CD "Quema Quema" (Spanish for Burn Burn) had many previously unpublished songs including: The Step/El Escalon, My Heart Weeps/Llora Mi Corazon, Burning Fire/Quema Quema,The Ay ay ay/Las Ay ay ay, Earth of Two/Tierra de dos, Adolescent/Adolecente, and I am Happy/Soy feliz. The new album has been popular throughout Central America, Mexico, and the United States, receiving significant radio air time. Diego Diego recently became a member of the Academy of Recording Artists. Diego Diego will release his second album entitled "Haciendo Escandalo" (Creating Scandal) dedicated to his close friend and collaborator, the performer Raul Vale.
"The best thing that can happen to an artist is the pleasure of entertaining while at the same time enabling others to achieve their own aspirations. Raul Vale taught me a lot of things, but the most valuable advice he gave me was when he said: ‘Diego, you are nothing more or less than a scandal! Fight for what you want; you have my blessing,’" said Diego Diego.
These words inspired Diego Diego to write his new hit single, "Blue Castle," a ballad that "transports the listener’s imagination to a world full of happiness, love, and beauty of life." Diego Diego was born in Merida, in the state of Yucatan, Mexico where he grew up. He moved to the United States when he was in his teens and later became an U.S. citizen. Now he lives in Hollywood, California. He says that in addition to the great strides he has made through his creative work, he is committed to helping others in the performing arts make their dreams reality.
Although he sometimes sings "Ave Maria" in Latin at weddings, untile recently all his songs were in Spanish. In his upcoming new album "Haciendo Escandalo!" to be released in April/May of 2006, he includes two songs "I Go Loco" and "Let It Go" in Spanglish to make a slow crossover. .
Recently Diego received an Honorary Doctorate in Classical Arts from Hispanic-American Public Radio . In 2001, he was recognized for his support of a music festival benefitting the victims of an earthquake in El Salvador, the Festival Musical A Beneficio de las Victimas del Terremoto de El Salvador, by Salvadorean Vice-President Carlos Quintanilla Smith. Last year, the Consulate of Guatemala thanked him for assistance to the Guatemalen victims of Hurricane Stan. A LARAS & NARAS (Latin Grammy ) member, he was invited to walk the green carpet during the 6th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. More information is available at Diego Diego
To listen to "La Cuca," Diego Diego’s recently-released solo visit HispanicMPR.com and scroll down until you see "Podcasts." Select the files with the artist name and song title of your choice and click on the play button to listen to the songs online.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 26, 2006
Gloria and Emilio Estefan
Photo: Alberto Tolot
Miami, Florida – Grammy Award-winning Miami resident Emilio Estefan will be executive producer of a star-studded celebration on October 5, 2006 to launch the Miami Performing Arts Center’s (MPAC) highly anticipated, four-day Grand Opening. International singer Gloria Estefan will lead the performance along with other celebrities to be announced. Organizers want to create a musical tribute to Miami to highlight the many world-renowned artists who have played a major role in transforming the city into an arts and entertainment center.
"It is with great pride, passion and love for the city of Miami that I will produce the launch event for MPAC’s grand opening,” said Emilio Estefan. “Gloria and I have had the honor of witnessing the growth and evolution Miami has experienced over the years and have shared with the world the cultural diversity and uniqueness that has made our hometown an international centerpiece for arts and entertainment. The opening of MPAC will give Miami the opportunity to showcase the many talents that have risen from our great city."
Michael C. Hardy, president and chief executive officer of Miami Performing Arts Center
Photo: Miami Performing Arts Center
“Emilio and Gloria Estefan represent the creative energy that drives the city of Miami, and their names are synonymous with high-voltage entertainment,” stated Michael C. Hardy, president and chief executive officer of Miami Performing Arts Center. “We are very pleased that they are playing a central role in our grand opening. We could not celebrate our beautiful city, its abundance of talent, and the stunning diversity that gives it such worldwide appeal without them.”
Estefan will produce MPAC’s inaugural evening in association with Fred Stein, who serves as executive producer of the entire Grand Opening from October 5-8, 2006. Estefan, a producer, entrepreneur, and songwriter, is recognized as a leading force in the Latin music scene. Estefan, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004, founded the Miami Sound Machine, owns and operates local hotels and restaurants, is co-publisher of Miami-based Ocean Drive en Español, and directs and produces television specials and music videos. He has produced special events such as the closing ceremonies for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics and various Super Bowl Halftime shows. As a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Estefan has produced musical events at the White House.
Based in Pennsylvania, Stein and his company, The Creative Group, Inc., have led event production for grand openings such as the Paris Las Vegas resort and the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia; as well as national year-long celebrations such as the 200 anniversary of the U.S. Constitution; the bicentennial of Columbia, South Carolina; the tricentennial of Mobile, Alabama; and the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Israel held concurrently in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, DC.
The Miami Performing Arts Center is Miami-Dade County’s largest ever public/private-sector partnership. Miami Performing Arts Center leaders expect the Center to greatly enhance artistic and educational opportunities in South Florida and offer significant and long-term economic benefits for the city and the region. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, MPAC will include the 2,400-seat Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House, the 2,200-seat Carnival Concert Hall, a 200-seat black box Studio Theater, the Peacock Education Center, a restored Art Deco Tower, and an outdoor Plaza for the Arts. More information is available at Miami Performing Arts Center.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 25, 2006
Jorge “El Travieso” Arce
Photo: TV Azteca
Los Angeles, California – Azteca America will present three championship boxing events live from Cancun at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 28, in one of the first major international events held in the beach resort since the devastating passing of HurricaneWilma. Jorge “El Travieso” Arce will face off against Adonis Rivas for the World Boxing Council, WBC, World Flyweight Championship; Jackie Nava, from Mexico, will be putting on the gloves against Kelsie Jeffries, of the U.S., for the WBC World Super Bantamweight Women’s title; and Rodel Mayol, from the Philippines, will face Mexican fighter Lorenzo Trejo for the WBC Strawweight Final Elimination Bout. Special invited guests include Julio César Chávez, Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali, Oscar de la Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson and Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns.
Jorge Armando “Travieso” Arce was born in 1979 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. He made his professional debut in Tijuana in 1996. The 5′ 6½ boxer’s record includes 46 official fights, 42 wins (32 by knock out), three losses and one draw. He has held the Interim WBC Flyweight title, the WBC Light Flyweight title, WBC Youth Flyweight title, the WBO NABO (North American Boxing Organization) Light Flyweight title, and the WBA Fedecentro Light Flyweight title amongst others. Travieso entered the entertainment world participating in a popular Reality TV show establishing himself as a young celebrity. Last December Arce fought Adonis Rivas and won when the referee stopped the fight on the tenth round. Adonis Antonio Rivas Ordoñez, born in Leon Nicaragua in 1972, has held 32 fights of which he has won 21 (10 by knock out), lost eight and drawn two. He has held the WBO Super Flyweight title, the WBO Latino Flyweight title and the Interim WBO Flyweight title as well as the WBC Fecarbox Bantamweight title.
Boxer Laila Ali, event guest
Photo: TV Azteca
Jacqueline “Aztec Princess” Mouett Nava was born in Tijuana Mexico in 1980. She lives in Tijuana, trains in San Diego and fights as a boxer and kickboxer. She currently holds the WBA Female Bantamweight title and the WBC Female Super Bantamweight title. As a kickboxer she became the IKKC Female North American Muay Thai Featherweight champion. Her record shows 14 fights, 12 wins (eight by knock out), one loss and one draw. Kelsey “Road Warrior” Jeffrey was born in Gilroy California in 1975. At 13 she moved to Hawai where she became involved with kickboxing. She eventually became a champion and then switched to boxing. She started boxing as an amateur in 1994. After coached boxing in Japan she returned to California and won the California Golden Gloves title from 1997 to 1999. Kelsey made her pro debut in 1999. Her record shows 41 fights with 33 wins (two by knock out) and eight losses.
Rodel “Batang Mandaue” Mayol was born in Mandaue City Philippines in 1981. His record shows 21 fights, 21 wins (16 by knock out), with no losses or draws. Lorenzo “Explosivo” Trejo, born in Ciudad Obregon Mexico in 1977, has a record of 36 fights, 24 wins (11 by knock out), 12 losses and no draws.
Azteca America, one of the fastest-growing Hispanic networks in the United States, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish language television content in the world. Azteca America has presence in more than 40 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston and Chattanooga. For more information, visit Azteca America’s website.
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 24, 2006
Robert Deposada, president of the The Latino Coalition
Washington, D.C. — The debate over immigration reform appears to be one of the hottest issues in the upcoming elections. When asked what party they identify with, Democrats outpaced Republicans by a margin of 58 percent to 23 percent, compared to a margin of 52 percent to 29 percent last year according to the recently released results of the 2005 National Latino Survey by The Latino Coalition, TLC. The say results indicate that if the midterm congressional elections were held today, Democrats would win overwhelmingly with a margin of 61 percent to 21 percent, compared to last year’s 56 percent to 30 percent.
"This survey has become the most reliable and accurate study on Hispanic political and consumer behavior in the U.S. The 2004 National Latino Survey was dead-on accurate in predicting the Latino vote in the 2004 elections," said TLC President Robert Deposada. "We predicted the nine-point spread between Senator Kerry and President Bush, while all other surveys predicted a Kerry win of over 30 points. The results of this year’s survey offer similar surprising results and highlight the future trends of Latino adults and Latino voters in the U.S. However, contrary to past years these trends spell trouble for the Republican Party."
"This survey shows there are two very different segments within the Hispanic community: recent immigrants and those who have been here for years," Deposada added. "Those who have been here longer tend to mostly speak English, are registered voters, are in better financial status, and tend to be more focused on issues that affect their pocket books like taxes, education and health care. The more recent immigrants tend to have lower incomes, speak mostly Spanish only and are more concerned over immigration policies and language barriers. Their views on political issues are many times at odds. Politicians from both political parties need to understand these differences and the diversity within the Latino community if they want to successfully reach out to these voters and future voters."
The national Hispanic survey was conducted among 1,000 Hispanic adults by Latino Opinions between December 10-13, 2005. All interviews were conducted by professional English and Spanish speaking interviewers via telephone. Respondents were given the option of conducting the survey in English or Spanish. Interview selection was at random within predetermined population units. These units were structured to statistically correlate with the nation’s adult Hispanic population according to the 2004 U.S. Census estimates. The accuracy of this national survey of 1,000 Hispanic adults is within plus or minut 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence interval.
"Hispanic registered voters are strongly supporting initiatives to reform immigration while penalizing illegal behavior. A majority of Hispanic voters (52.4 percent) support initiatives that would not allow people who entered this county illegally to become citizens unless they reapply from their country of origin," Deposada said. "By a margin of 50 percent to 41 percent, Hispanic voters support increasing the number of border patrol agents in our southern border, and also support new laws to make sure that employers can only hire workers who are in the U.S. legally (50 percent to 41 percent). An overwhelming majority of 82 percent support the creation of a new Temporary Worker Program. Also a plurality (41.2 percent to 39.9 percent) support imposing a fine of at least $2,000 for illegal immigrants in order to gain legal employment as a temporary worker in the U.S."
"Meanwhile, non-registered Latinos have completely different views on these issues," Deposada added. "They overwhelmingly oppose laws to make sure that employers can only hire legal immigrants (65 percent to 28 percent); oppose increasing the number of border patrol agents along our southern border (61 percent to 29 percent); and they support allowing illegal immigrants to have access to citizenship (50 percent to 40 percent)."
"While there has been enormous progress for the Republican Party under President George W. Bush, there is real danger for a repeat of the Pete Wilson era that alienated Hispanics from the GOP for years," Deposada added. "If the Republican leadership in Congress allows an extremist group to control the debate over immigration reform and put partisan rhetoric over real commonsense legislation, the GOP will eliminate all the progress achieved by President Bush in attracting Hispanics into the GOP."
"The Republican leadership in Congress has failed miserably in keeping the coattails of President Bush among Hispanic voters," Deposada said. "When compared to last year’s number on the question of who does a better job at handling key issues, Democrats in Congress kept the same level of support John Kerry had and improved on it, while Republicans cut the numbers in half compared to President Bush."
Following are some survey questions and the corresponding response percentages:
"Creating more jobs and improving the economy"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 19 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 50 percent
- President Bush (2004): 34 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 54 percent
"Improving Education"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 20 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 50 percent
- President Bush (2004): 35 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 52 percent
"Providing more affordable health care"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 15 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 55 percent
- President Bush (2004): 30 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 52 percent
"Representing your views on immigration"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 17 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 46 percent
- President Bush (2004): 35 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 43 percent
"Keeping America safe and fighting terrorism"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 30 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 30 percent
- President Bush (2004): 50 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 36 percent
"Being in touch with the Hispanic community"
- Republicans in Congress (2005): 16 percent
- Democrats in Congress (2005): 57 percent
- President Bush (2004): 37 percent
- John Kerry (2004): 37 percent
"The Republican Party is rapidly losing all the gains they achieved under President Bush in the Hispanic community," Deposada added. "If the GOP wants to remain competitive among Hispanic voters, they need to wage an all out effort to regain the momentum."
Senator Hillary Clinton enjoys a favorable rating among Hispanics (56 percent to 10 percent), and is heavily favored in the Democratic primary for president over Senator John Kerry in 2008 (48 percent to 15 percent). Not all is bad news for Republicans. The survey shows that Hispanic voters remain conservative on social and economic issues: By a margin of 44 percent to 9 percent, Hispanics support reducing taxes on families and businesses as the best way to grow the economy and create jobs for average Americans; by a margin of 51 percent to 30 percent Hispanic voters oppose raising taxes on remittances and money transfers in order to pay for indigent health care; by a margin of 55 percent to 35 percent, Hispanic voters would prefer to be covered by a private health care plan over a government-run program like Medicaid; by a margin of 57 percent to 27 percent Hispanics identify themselves as pro-life; by a margin of 57 percent to 36 percent Hispanics support laws to require parental notification before underage teenagers can get an abortion; and, 62 percent oppose gay marriages.
The Latino Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C. established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. Its mission is to develop and promote policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic, and social development of Hispanics. For more detailed information on the survey and to review past surveys, visit The Latino Coalition
Posted by Elena del Valle on January 23, 2006
Beth Herskovits, PRWeek deputy news editor
Photo: PRWeek
An article on the Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations book titled "Hispanic helps target minority group" was published in PRWeek.com today. To read the article, written by Beth Herskovits, in its entirety go to PRWeek
