Univision’s Historic Democratic Presidential Forum Creates Important Direct Line of Communication between Candidates and Vital Hispanic Electorate

“Univision Communications Inc., the nation’s leading Spanish-language media company, together with the University of Miami, made history this evening with the broadcast of the first ever U.S. presidential candidate Forum in Spanish. Univision’s Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum provided an innovative and landmark opportunity for the candidates to speak directly to the growing Hispanic electorate, whose votes will play a pivotal role in the next presidential election.

The 90-minute Forum, moderated by Univision’s award-winning network news anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas, took place at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida. Democratic candidates Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Chris Dodd, Senator John Edwards, Senator Mike Gravel, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Barack Obama and Governor Bill Richardson addressed issues of particular interest to the Hispanic community, the fastest growing segment of the U.S. electorate, including education, immigration, Latin American foreign policy, healthcare and national security.

“Univision is proud of its role in this historic event that recognizes the vital and increasingly important role of Hispanic voters in our national politics,” said Joe Uva, CEO of Univision Communications Inc. “As the leading Spanish-language network, we are mindful of our responsibility to give our viewers the information they need to make important choices, and to bring their concerns to the powers that be.”

“The University of Miami was truly honored to host this important exchange of ideas that reflect such a vital component of our community,” said Donna E. Shalala, President of the University of Miami. “This event provided an opportunity for our diverse campus to engage at every level, from students to alumni.”

“We are honored to have participated in this unprecedented event,” said Univision Network news anchors and forum moderators Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas. “We see it as our duty to make sure that each and every member of the Hispanic community is informed and educated about the electoral process and the candidates in this crucial Presidential election. These forums bring us one step closer to this goal.”

Utilizing the company’s multi-platform capabilities, the Forum was also broadcast live on their AM radio network, RadioCadena Univision, and streamed on their popular website, Univision.com.

Both Univision.com and Univision Móvil featured extensive coverage of the Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum. For the first time, users submitted questions to candidates and posted opinions on Univision.com (Keyword: Elecciones). The candidate forum was streamed live on the website, and exclusive clips can now be accessed via Univision Móvil. Online and mobile coverage of the forum is yet another source for Hispanic participation in the upcoming elections. “

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