News (Noticias) Tagged ‘La Opinion’

ImpreMedia, the No. 1 Hispanic news and information company in the United States in online and print, is using IP technology from Avaya Inc. to improve contact center and customer service operations at its offices in Los Angeles, where it publishes La Opinión; in New York City, where it publishes El Diario La Prensa; and in Chicago, where it publishes La Raza. Avaya is a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and services.

The company wanted an affordable, Internet Protocol (IP) communication system with call center capabilities whose operations they could easily monitor and manage. ImpreMedia chose Avaya IP Office, Avaya’s flagship voice and data communications system for small and medium businesses. According to Bob Mason, chief technology officer, ImpreMedia, IP Office gives his company a better handle on its call center productivity in offices located in three different markets across the country. With IP Office, ImpreMedia is also able to quickly, easily and economically provide its employees in additional, smaller and remote offices with the communications tools they need to do their jobs.

In Los Angeles, employees at La Opinion use a mix of Avaya digital and IP phones. Forty call center agents at the main call center office downtown, or in a small office in the suburbs, handle customers’ orders and solicit new business for classified advertisements.

“Our ad agents work together as if they’re in one place, and our managers can remotely monitor call traffic on agents’ PCs and allocate work to agents who aren’t so busy. We now have a better perspective on our operations, and our customer calls are answered faster and more efficiently,” Mason said. “Plus, our managers, who actually administer three call centers — classified ads, accounting and IT — can monitor all of the centers real-time and proactively reallocate resources to address calling patterns.” The Los Angeles contact center uses Avaya call recording software to keep a record of its calls. Third-party software from Computer Instruments, a member of Avaya’s DeveloperConnection program, automatically calls prospective customers for ads and then connects the calls to available agents, who then manage the calls.

ImpreMedia also wanted key employees in Los Angeles — such as those responsible for customer service or sales — to be productive while mobile. Now, employees with Avaya IP phones can have their incoming calls ring simultaneously on any other phone, including their mobile phones. Employees can now answer calls on the mobile phone, and once they return to their office can continue the conversation on their IP Office phone, accessing all of the system’s features, such as hold, conference, transfer, speed dial and other features. “These employees can also send their voice messages to their PCs or PDAs, where they read and respond to the message, even if they’re out of the office or on the road, which minimizes lost calls and improves our customer service,” Mason said.

ImpreMedia recently also chose IP Office for its El Diario office in the borough of Brooklyn, N.Y. “We were relocating to a new office, and it just made sense to choose IP, since it’s saving us money and helping us better serve our clients, and even greater sense to standardize on IP Office,” Mason said. “Soon, we plan to network our Los Angeles, Chicago and New York offices, and have four-digit dialing across these locations, so employees can contact each other faster. We also expect to save money on long-distance calls, especially on the huge volume of calls between our two largest newspapers in California and New York.”

ImpreMedia also plans to use IP Office’s contact center for its Brooklyn office, where one person currently takes calls from customers and routes the call to the appropriate person. “We know we’ll see a huge up tick in productivity and customer satisfaction,” Mason said. He also plans to save more money by routing calls from Los Angeles to its East coast tabloid, Hoy Nuevo York, through its El Diario office in Brooklyn. “Then, instead of a long distance call, the IP Office in Los Angeles will call our IP Office in Brooklyn, which will call our Hoy office — and we’ll pay for a local call, instead of a long distance call,” he said. “Clearly, IP Office is an important element in our plan to reduce our costs and increase our productivity and customer service.”

El Diario’s team of executives at the publication’s new, corporate headquarters in Manhattan has Avaya IP VPN phones that link them to the IP Office at El Diario in Brooklyn. “Some executives have offices in both Brooklyn and Manhattan,” Mason said. “With the Avaya IP phones, these managers can log into their phone at either location and get the same secure, reliable access anywhere.” A handful of employees who also need to work remotely have the Avaya IP VPN phone at home. The phones connect to IP Office lines and trunks and provide employees all the capabilities they have at their main office. A VPN gateway is not needed at the remote location (only at the main office), which saves the cost and headache of adding more hardware.

ImpreMedia used its Chicago office as the company’s test site for IP. In the La Raza office, which migrated to IP Office two years ago, five agents in the classified department use the built-in contact center application of IP Office to answer and make calls to clients. With IP Office, the agents can capture customer information in a group mailbox, and callers can leave messages via phone or a Web-browser interface. Callers can also ask to speak to a live agent or request a callback. These requests pop up on agents’ PC screen immediately, which improves customer service.

ImpreMedia’s IT staff, which is based in Los Angeles, will soon administer all three IP Office systems across the country, easily performing changes such as re-allocating extensions or changing greetings that customers hear when they call the newspapers.

ImpreMedia’s IP Office was configured by Converged Communication Systems, a certified member of Avaya’s BusinessPartner program and an Avaya “SMB Expert” reseller. Converged Communication Systems’ technical experts recently achieved Avaya Certified Expert (ACE) certification, which is the highest certification for Avaya resellers. Avaya certification validates the knowledge and skills associated with Avaya products and their underlying technologies, which enable professionals to effectively sell, design and implement powerful converged communication solutions.”*

Business Wire today announced the launch of LatinoWire, a multi-channel platform, designed to reach the fast-growing and influential Hispanic market, anchored by an exclusive distribution relationship with impreMedia, the No. 1 Hispanic news and information company in the United States in online and print.

LatinoWire’s comprehensive reach includes more than 1,200 Hispanic print and broadcast media nationwide. The backbone of the LatinoWire network is its unique access to the powerful and prestigious impreMedia Digital platform, the most dynamic vehicle available to reach the vibrant Hispanic community.

Business Wire’s Hispanic content and multimedia assets– in Spanish and English– will be displayed on impre.com (www.impre.com), a web portal that includes a digital network of impreMedia’s daily, weekly and monthly publications. The impre.com network of websites attracts approximately two million unique monthly visitors, generating 7.2 million monthly page views. Impre.com consistently ranks among the top Spanish-language news networks visited by U.S. Hispanic Internet users. LatinoWire can be accessed online at www.impre.com/latinowire.

ImpreMedia is the nation’s largest Hispanic publisher, in online and print, with print publications in seven of the top 10 Hispanic markets, reaching 17 markets in total, three of the nation’s top 10 Hispanic DMAs and representing 65% of the U.S. Hispanic population. Its high-profile portfolio of media properties includes: El Diario La Prensa (the #1 Hispanic daily in New York, and the nation’s fastest-growing newspaper); El Mensajero (#1 Spanish-language newspaper in San Francisco); Hoy Nueva York; La Opinion (the nation’s #1 Spanish-language daily newspaper, based in Los Angeles); La Prensa (Central Florida’s leading Spanish-language newspaper); La Raza (Chicago’s #1 Spanish-language newspaper); Rumbo (Texas’ No. 1 Spanish-language newspaper network with newspapers in Houston, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley ; and Vista magazine (the United States’ most read, dual-language, general interest magazine among Hispanics).

“ImpreMedia has quickly established itself as the nation’s premier Hispanic multimedia company, providing unparalleled access to a highly desirable demographic audience,” noted Cathy Baron Tamraz, Business Wire’s president and CEO. “We are extremely proud to be affiliated with the dominant leader in a market destined to grow in importance.”

“We are extremely pleased to partner with Business Wire and to bring Business Wire’s LatinoWire content to our online readers on an exclusive basis,” said Arturo Duran, CEO of impreMedia Digital. “Through our unique partnership, impre.com users will have the ability to receive news directly from the companies making announcements, all with one convenient click. We believe that this is a significant benefit for those who come to impre.com for the latest in business and financial news affecting the Hispanic community.””*

“Leading up to Olympics, we’ll have a series on the Olympic games themselves, looking at the world records for the major sports and explaining the history of the games,” says Impremedia’s Monica Lozano, SVP editorial & publisher of La Opinion.”*

The Los Angeles Dodgers will honor Hall of Fame Dodger Broadcaster Jaime Jarrín for his 50th season as “the Spanish Voice of the Dodgers” tomorrow, June 24 before the Dodgers take on the Chicago White Sox at 7:10 p.m. The pregame ceremony to include a ceremonial first pitch and special presentations will begin at approximately 6:50 p.m. Jarrín has called more than 7,500 regular season games, approximately 25 MLB All-Star games, and 20 World Series during his half century with the Dodgers.

“Jaime Jarrin is a treasure,” said Dodgers President Jamie McCourt. “His blend of eloquence and elegance, together with a personal dignity that exudes from his manner, has made him welcome in millions of homes. He is a vital part of the Dodgers Family-and the Dodgers Families. This franchise has been blessed to have such a kind and competent gentlemen tell our stories to generations of Dodgers-loving fans.”

In honor of tomorrow’s anniversary, Jarrín will be visible throughout local media outlets including the morning show on Telemundo, the Dodgers’ pregame radio show on KABC 790 and the club’s pregame television broadcast on FSN Prime Ticket. He was featured last week on a special two-page spread of La Opinion. Jarrín was also honored in Hoy and will receive a special award from Hoy’s publisher and general manager Roaldo Morán during the pregame ceremony.

Jarrín left his native Ecuador and arrived in the U.S. on June 24, 1955, the same year that Dodger great Sandy Koufax made his Major League debut. Jarrín had never seen a baseball game until he moved to Los Angeles and was captivated by the Dodgers while watching his first televised broadcast in 1955, the World Series in which the Dodger franchise won its first World championship by defeating the New York Yankees.

Jarrín then began regularly attending minor league games in Los Angeles, visiting both Gilmore Field and Wrigley Field for three years from 1955 until the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles in 1958. Jarrín was given one year to prepare to become a baseball broadcaster by William Beaton, the station manager at KWKW. During his first six years with the Dodgers, he didn’t travel. Instead, Jarrín and his partner would recreate the games in the studio while listening to fellow Hall of Famer Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett on the radio. Scully remains the only other broadcaster in Major League history with 50 or more consecutive years of service to the same team.

Soon after, Jarrín took the Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio broadcast on the road, making every stop with the Dodgers, and in 1973, Jarrín became the club’s top Spanish-language broadcaster, 14 years after he first joined the team. From 1962 to 1984, Jarrín consecutively called close to 4,000 games spanning 22 seasons and never missed a contest. The streak was broken only when Jarrín took charge of all the Spanish-language radio coverage and production for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Jarrín was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26, 1998 in Cooperstown, NY as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, becoming only the second Spanish-language announcer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining Buck Canel. Jarrín has received numerous other awards in recognition of his professional contributions and is known as a pioneer in Spanish-language sports broadcasting. His honors include the first Southern California Sports Broadcaster Association’s President’s Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the highest award from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, induction into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame, and its foreign-language broadcaster of the year award. Earlier this year, Jarrín received the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jarrín’s 50 years with the Dodgers are filled with many special games and moments. He counts Sandy Koufax’s 1965 perfect game, Don Drysdale’s 1968 scoreless-inning streak, and Orel Hershiser’s record 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched in 1988 as favorites. Jarrín’s top memory was Opening Day of 1981 when rookie pitcher Fernando Valenzuela took the mound marking the start of “Fernandomania” which swept the country that season. Jarrín served as Valenzuela’s interpreter for several years and their friendship has come full circle, as Valenzuela now serves as an analyst alongside Jarrín for more than 100 games every season.

Jarrín has been broadcasting for his 50th season alongside his colleagues Valenzuela and Pepe Yñiguez on KHJ/La Ranchera 930 AM, the Spanish-language broadcasting home of the Dodgers. Valenzuela will catch the ceremonial first pitch from Jarrín during tomorrow night’s ceremony, which will also include a video tribute to the legendary announcer. “*

First Single “El Presente” Notches A Fourth Consecutive Week At #1 in Mexico, And Leaps Into The Top-20 At Radio in The United States

“[Julieta Venegas: MTV Unplugged] is magical…To enjoy Julieta Venegas, one must truly listen to and see this new CD and DVD…Julieta took the acoustic concept to another level. Not only was she accompanied by virtuoso musicians, but she created a musical world were she reinvented her own songs, innovated sounds and brought magic to the stage with her collaborations”- La Opinion-La Vibra COVER (translated)

To Celebrate The Release Of Her Already Critically Praised Unplugged CD & DVD, Julieta Venegas Was In New York To Tape MTV Tr3’s MiTRL and To Meet Fans At An In-store While The Complete Unplugged Performance Was Seen Above On A Giant Times Square Video Screen

Tune-In To MTV Tr3s At 4:00PM (ET) on Thursday, June 19^th To See Julieta On MiTRL

“For her [Unplugged], the smart, lyrical singer-songwriter made sure to never zap any energy from her thoughtful, spirited and sometimes offbeat brand of Latin pop and rock with a Mexican twist. [Venegas] gathered a studio full of great artists – including guests Gustavo Santaolalla, Marisa Monte and La Mala Rodríguez – then comfortably refashioned staples as well as four fresh tracks. There’s no pigeonholing her. “El Presente,” one of the new tunes, [is] breezy, up-tempo and perfect for radio… then she throws in “Algún Día,” a delightful tuba- and banjo-fueled jaunt” - Dallas Morning News

“[Julieta Venegas: MTV Unplugged finds] Venegas armed with the best musicians and collaborators who she could find from all corners of the planet.” – People en Espanol

Julieta Venegas with MiTRL host Carlos Santos at MTV’s Times Square Studio – Credit: Brian Appio/ mtvtr3s.com

The Barack Obama presidential campaign’s indifference to the Latino press has been a problem since the beginning of the race. The people surrounding the candidate don’t seem too aware or concerned about maintaining communication with the media that informs the Spanish-speaking community, even after repeated complaints from journalists (including this writer) about the lack of coordination and access to the candidate.

Usually, to do the job, reporters need a constant and accessible contact person in the campaign. 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. “*

not to mention Latino bloggers

“There’s no comparison in the coverage,” says Josh Kun, a communications professor at the University of Southern California who closely follows Spanish TV. “For people here, there are two places to look for better news: BBC News and Spanish-language news.”

Why the difference? As English-language news organizations — desperate to stop the declines of their audiences and ad revenues — cut back on news-gathering, they devote their time and resources to entertainment, celebrities, pets and crime (or, best of all, stories that combine all four). But Spanish-language TV producers, who serve a clearly defined, growing audience, have space to tackle weightier topics.

The result: The sharpest coverage of state and local issues — government, politics, immigration, labor, economics, health care — is now found on Spanish-language TV. They compete hard on serious stories. As a labor reporter for the Los Angeles Times in 2006, the only competitors I routinely saw at major union stories were reporters for KMEX, KVEA and La Opinion, a Spanish-language daily newspaper. These outlets tell their viewers more about how the state and the region work, they are more persistent in demanding explanations from public officials, and their reports routinely include more interviews with more sources from more perspectives.

The Spanish-language TV broadcasts are, for lack of a better word, more American.

They get ratings, too. KMEX’s 6 p.m. program has ranked either first or second for years among newscasts in the market in any language; its 11 p.m. newscast leads the ratings among nearly every adult demographic. .”*

The National Association of Hispanic Publications today announced that last week’s 23rd Annual Conference & Business Exposition held in Atlanta, Georgia was a major success delivering attendees and exhibitors a focused event that provided concrete lessons learned and best practices for Hispanic newspapers and information publishers, editors, journalists and media professionals. Now in its twenty-third year, the event produced strong attendance, attracting leading industry professionals from around the world.

The Conference, co-chaired by Judith Martinez-Sadri, Co-founder and Editor of Atlanta Latino Newspaper, and Lino Dominguez, former publisher of Mundo Hispanico featured many great forums for sharing and learning about the latest newspaper and information technologies, marketing strategies and web publishing concepts. Highlights of the event included the Publisher’s Best Practices Roundtable, a case study and analysis of industry innovation featuring Lupita Colmenero, publisher of El Hispano News Dallas; Hernan Guaracao, publisher of Al Dia Philadelphia; and Adan Guerrero of La Frontera McAllen, discussing the future of Hispanic news media, content strategies and technology; The Immigration Day Luncheon sponsored by Cox Newspaper and moderated by Anibal Torres, publisher of Mundo Hispanico in Atlanta; “Hispanic Print in a Digital World” a strategic briefing by Alicia Morga, Founder & CEO of Consorte Media; and “The New World of Hispanic Print: Thinking for Business Success” by Monica Lozano, publisher of La Opinion and senior vice president ImpreMedia LLC which explored the keys to success for professionals and leaders in the Hispanic media business.

“NAHP helps me keep my focus. With the many downward trends in the general newspaper market, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the Hispanic newspaper market is different. We are growing in readership and circulation,” said Fanny Miller, of El Latino Newspaper in San Diego. Robert Bard, publisher of LatinaStyle Magazine, thought the Publisher’s Best Practices Roundtable was best. “The presenters were very knowledgeable and did a great job of sparking ideas. Also, it was great to network with other participants and see what they were doing in the way of marketing and new products,” he said.

The conference featured numerous networking events, including a welcome reception hosted by Atlanta Latino Newspaper and sponsored by Chivas at the historic Fox Theatre, a special evening at the New World of Coca-Cola Museum at Pemberton Place sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, the 23rd Annual Gala Reception sponsored by Miller Brewing Company, and the Gala Dinner sponsored by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The closing Fiesta was sponsored by Anheuser Busch. Education session sponsors included the U.S. Army, Univision, General Motors, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Cox Newspapers. Continental Airlines served as the official airline of the 23rd Annual NAHP Conference and Business Exposition.

“This year’s conference was outstanding. Our presenters offered dozens of new, innovative ideas and this year’s exhibitors showcased truly great products and services,” said NAHP National President Clara Padilla Andrews, who is also publisher of El Hispanic News in Portland, Oregon. She added “The 24th Annual Conference planning committee will be led by Jose Luis B. Garza of El Periodico USA of McAllen, Texas and we are now looking for speakers for the 2009 event.” Speaker recommendations or proposals may be sent via e-mail to memberservices@nahp.org

“We recognize that Hispanic newspaper and information publishers have their own unique set of marketing challenges and content requirements,” said Martinez-Sadri. “With that in mind, we built this year’s event to provide newspapers and their publishers with solid, hard-hitting discussions, roundtables and networking sessions around real-world best practices.”

The association honored Jose Zepeda, publisher of El Aviso Newspaper of Huntington Beach, California, by selecting him for the prestigious NAHP Lifetime Achievement Award. NAHP also recognized Eddie Escobedo, founder and publisher of El Mundo Nevada with a Presidential Award and Wal-Mart Stores was named Corporation of the Year in recognition of their longstanding support of Hispanic media and the communities they serve. The NAHP Presidential Award honorees are recognized for their outstanding service to the Hispanic and Spanish-Language publishing industry and to the association. Zepeda had served on the association’s board of directors and been an active contributor to many of the association’s initiatives and events.

Two NAHP member firms received the 2008 NAHP Technology Award sponsored by The Home Depot and the Miller Brewing Company. The award comes as a grant and provides $5,000 in funding for the acquisition of publishing and advertising sales technology. The 2008 Miller Brewing Company Technology Award went to Luis Eduardo Baron, publisher of the weekly newspaper 7 Dias, of Tampa, Florida. The Home Depot Technology Award went to Martha Gonzalez, publisher of the weekly newspaper La Prensa de Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

NAHP also elected new Regional Directors including Filiberto Fernandez of Casa Y Hogar, Larchmont, New York for Region 1; Adan Guerrero of La Frontera, McAllen, Texas, for Region 4; and Fanny Miller of El Latino in San Diego, California for Region 7. They join re-elected Regional Directors Judith Martinez-Sadri, Atlanta Latino Newspaper, Atlanta, Georgia for Region 2; Dolores Sanchez of El Central Newspaper, Detroit, Michigan for Region 3; Fernando Aceves of Viva Spanish Newspaper, Toppenish, Washington for Region 5; and Jaime Larios of El Observador in San Jose, California for Region 6. “*

The National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) has concluded its 23rd annual convention. The association gathers Hispanic publications from across the country with a combined weekly circulation of more than ten million copies.

As it is always the case, the convention ended with the Jose Marti awards, which are given to publications in a variety of categories based on their work throughout the year.

This year TV Net Productions received nine awards for both La Guía del Golfo and 7DÍAS thus becoming the second most awarded company in the competition. The publication with the most awards was ImpreMedia (who publishes La Opinion, Diario La Prensa, El Mensajero, Rumbo, and La Prensa de Orlando), the biggest Hispanic newspaper chain in the nation, with thirty awards.

7DÍAS obtained three Gold Jose Marti awards, two in the silver category, and two in the bronze category. The publication was also nominated the third best Hispanic weekly newspaper in the nation.

La Guía garnered the prestigious Best Editorial Column gold award and the bronze award for Best Magazine Design.

Cox Newspapers with its publications Mundo Hispanico, Ahora Si and the yellow pages of Atlanta received nine awards. El Tiempo Latino (owned by the Washington Post) received nine awards as well.

For the second time 7DÍAS was recognized as the most highly awarded Hispanic newspaper in the state of Florida. “This is the work of our entire team and our promise is to continue to recognize the support of our readers. I believe that responsibility, quality, and commitment has made us what we are today. We are the voice of our community,” commented Luis Baron, publisher of 7DÍAS.

7DÍAS was also honored with the Technology award granted by the NAHP and sponsored by Miller Brewing Company. The award consists of a $5,000 grant aimed at improving the technological advancement of the publication.

TV Net is 100% Hispanic owned and founded and has been serving the community for eight years. Since 2002, the company has received 15 first places at the NAHP awards and countless other recognitions throughout the community and the country.”*

ImpreMedia, the No.1 Hispanic news and information company in the United States in online and print, today announced that it will be the primary content provider for the new MySpace Latino Community, “TodoFútbol.” The TodoFútbol soccer community will feature up-to-the-minute information on the favorite U.S. and Latin American soccer teams and analysis from famous soccer experts on Latin championships and the most important games of the week. Through this strategic media partnership, impreMedia will be able to tap into the existing base of more than nine million Hispanic users on MySpace and more than one million registrants on the MySpace Latino beta site, according to MySpace. ImpreMedia content will link directly to impreMedia and its publications’ websites.

“We have chosen to partner with impreMedia because they have one of the brightest networks of reporters and talent covering the sports community and have proven to deliver the most original content that truly reflects the Latino perspective. This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for the Hispanic audience to access impreMedia’s digital publications, the fastest growing digital marketplace exclusively for the Hispanic community,” said Victor Kong, vice president and managing director of MySpace Latino. “We handpicked our content providers based on their reputation and engagement within the Hispanic community and feel that impreMedia’s original content and brand power is a great match for our new platform.”

With proven success in online and print media and owning such leading newspapers as La Opinión, impreMedia continues to bolster its commitment to being the premier Hispanic news and information company and to reaching the fast growing Hispanic youth segment by partnering with the world’s most popular social network. In addition to La Opinion, impreMedia owns 24 print and online publications including El Diario La Prensa, Hoy Nueva York, La Raza, Vista and La Vibra, making the company the nation’s largest Hispanic newspaper publisher with its publications reaching 17 markets representing 66% of the U.S. Hispanic population. More than 40% of U.S. Hispanic adults use an impreMedia product each month.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the new MySpace Latino Community which is dedicated to serving this highly important audience with customized Latino content and programming,” said Arturo Duran, CEO of impreMedia Digital. “As impreMedia endeavors to celebrate the Latino culture and continues to be culturally relevant for the U.S. Hispanic community, the opportunity to be a part of this groundbreaking digital environment from launch is significant as services expand and tailor their offerings to reach the dynamic and growing U.S. Hispanic market.”

Along with their current news, impreMedia will be contributing original commentary and insights. The TodoFútbol MySpace Latino Community (latino.myspace.com/todofutbol) will provide real-time sports and soccer headlines, offer features that go behind the news, and feature expert analysis by some of the Hispanic world’s leading soccer pundits in a segment aptly named “Por el Experto.”

The media partnership with impreMedia will kick start the TodoFútbol community, offering users of MySpace Latino editorial information on U.S. and Latin America’s most prominent soccer leagues, as well as cross media promotions. ImpreMedia will continue to provide content to the TodoFútbol Sports Community when the MySpace Latino Community is officially launched.

ImpreMedia previously worked with MySpace as the official Spanish-language communicator for the ongoing series of Presidential Dialogue events hosted by MySpace and MTV, the leading global youth brand. ImpreMedia’s youth-oriented, Hispanic entertainment magazine and website, LaVibra.com, streamed the live, candid conversations between each leading presidential candidate and America’s Spanish-speaking youth.

“*

*From: http://www.businesswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

impreMedia, the No.1 Hispanic News and Information company in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Liz Sarachek Blacker to the position of Senior Vice President, Online Sales for impreMedia. With the creation of this position, impreMedia is bolstering its commitment to be the premier Hispanic media company. With impreMedia’s proven success in the print medium, owning such leading newspapers as El Diario La Prensa, Hoy, La Opinion, La Raza and Rumbo, it is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic digital media platforms in the U.S. The appointment is effective immediately and Ms. Sarachek Blacker will report to Arturo Duran, CEO of impreMedia Digital.

“By bringing Liz aboard, we mark a pivotal point in impreMedia’s evolution within the fast-growing digital marketplace exclusively for the Hispanic community,” said Arturo Duran, CEO of impreMedia Digital. “With over 42 million Hispanics residing in America today and their rapid increase in Internet usage for news, sports and entertainment as well as services, impreMedia with its high visibility brands and deep understanding of this market is perfectly positioned to serve the rapidly changing needs of this community. The potential is huge and we know Liz’s passion and proven leadership in this space will help drive our growing online presence.”

In her new role, Ms. Sarachek Blacker will develop and execute online sales programs in support of impreMedia’s digital strategy and platforms. Ms. Sarachek Blacker is a leading expert in creating new and original revenue strategies that engage brands with the Hispanic community.

“There is an enormous opportunity for impreMedia to lead across all digital marketing platforms for the Hispanic community by offering digital content in a culturally relevant and powerful way,” said Liz Sarachek Blacker, Senior Vice President of Online Sales. “The Hispanic community has traditionally been underserved in the digital space in the U.S. The potential to be part of the company that brings new services to this dynamic and growing American population is an incredible role to take on — and one that matches perfectly to my affection towards and experiences working within the Hispanic marketing world. By engaging this community through the digital space, we can add brand credibility and sustainability for our advertisers and partners wishing to reach this group in a contextual and meaningful way.”

Liz Sarachek Blacker’s experience includes working with leading media companies such as Dow Jones & Co, Inc., StarMedia Network, Time Inc.’s Fortune Magazine and Yahoo! with a specialization in marketing and communications to global, multi-cultural and Hispanic markets. In addition, she most recently started her own marketing company, LSB Communications, to advise clients on their strategic communications and marketing needs. At Yahoo!, she held the position of Executive Director of Yahoo!’s US Hispanic Division, where she helped launch Yahoo!’s Hispanic efforts and oversaw sales, partnership strategies and multi-platform sponsorship programs.

During her tenure at Yahoo!, Liz co-founded the Hispanic Committee of the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) and is currently on the Advisory Councils for both ad:tech US Hispanic and SRI US Hispanic. Blacker has been featured in Advertising Age and AdWeek magazine and is the recipient of several acclaimed industry awards. She was named one of Advertising Age’s 2004 “Women to Watch” where she was the only woman honored from the online space and the only recipient representing the Multi-Cultural advertising market. In 2006, she appeared on PBS’s “Nightly Business Report’, and has been featured in Capitol File Magazine’s “Global Who’s Who List” and their “Power Column” and is a featured panelist and speaker at multiple industry events.”

The Los Angeles Times Media Group (LATMG) today announced Roaldo Moran will head Hoy L.A. as Publisher and General Manager.

“Ro is a true entrepreneur. He brings a great track record of results, a commanding grasp of the L.A. media marketplace, and leadership skills that will only further bolster Hoy’s sharp growth trajectory,” said John O’Loughlin, President of Targeted Media for the Los Angeles Times Media Group. “He is an accomplished executive and we look forward to his immediate contribution.”

Moran brings extensive Hispanic advertising, marketing and media experience to Hoy L.A., joining the Spanish-language publication from creADtiva Communications Inc., an integrated brand marketing agency he founded and has overseen as Chairman since August 2005.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to be part of Hoy, a medium truly focused on serving its readers, advertisers and the Southern California Latino community,” added Roaldo Moran.

Prior to creADtive, Moran served as Vice President of Sales for Univision Radio Network (KLVE, KSCA, KRCD, KTNQ) and his career includes sales positions at both Spanish Broadcasting Systems and La Opinion. As part of his new role, Moran will also assume responsibility for Fin de Semana, Hoy’s weekend edition, which expanded to over 500,000 home-delivered copies earlier this month. In addition, he will work closely with Julian Posada of Hoy Chicago in the continued development of Hoy’s online platform strategy, including www.hoyinternet.com/.

Javier Aldape, who has lead Hoy L.A. as General Manager and Editor since 2006 and served as LATMG’s Vice President, Audience Development is set to return to Chicago after assisting with Moran’s transition.”

Los Angeles-based La Opinion, the country’s largest Spanish-language newspaper, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain on Monday in California’s presidential primaries, choosing both men largely on the basis of their immigrant-friendly stands.

The nod from La Opinion, before California holds its nominating primaries on Super Tuesday, will be welcome by McCain and especially Obama — who covets the fast-growing and potentially crucial Latino vote that chief rival Hillary Clinton has nurtured since her husband Bill Clinton’s days in the Oval Office.”*

*From: http://blogs.reuters.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Bucking the trend of Spanish-language papers to free distribution, the nation’s largest Hispanic daily, La Opinion in Los Angeles, raised its cover price from a quarter to 50 cents Monday.

The increase is the first since 1979.

It’s not clear what the effect of the price increase will be on La Opinion’s circulation, which has been growing in the face of an industry-wide shrinking of sales, especially single-copy. In last Audit Bureau of Circulations reporting period La Opinion was the fastest-growing daily over 50,000-circulation.”*

*From: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/departments/ad_circ/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003699538DELETEME!
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

A Mexican journalist was chased and gunned down at a hotel and media rights groups Monday called for an investigation into whether he was killed because of his reporting.

Gerardo Garcia, a 24-year-old reporter for the daily La Opinion in the western state of Michoacan, was shot to death Saturday at the hotel where he lived with his family, said Magdalena Guzman, a spokeswoman for Michoacan state prosecutors.

Investigators recovered more than 45 spent shells from the crime scene, Guzman said.”*

“Automatically, the words “I’m with the press” blurbed out of my mouth. He opened the gate let me in.

Finally got my press credentials and was directed to my spot on the red carpet. As I approached the LatinoLA.com post I passed some big players like Univision, Telemundo, La Opinion, and there it was the LATINOLA.com post, right smack in the middle between ESPN and MTV. I thought “Cool!”

By this time the butterflies were all gone. I started getting ready, I unpacked my camera, I put the lens on, then begin to focus and tried a couple of test shot. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” My camera read low battery. It died on me. “*

“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) celebrates 30 years of serving Latino youth with its 30th Annual Gala on Wednesday, October 3, 2007. This year’s theme is Hispanic America: A Legacy of Honor and commemorates the vast contributions Latinos have made and continue to make in building this country.

With 40 Members of Congress in attendance, an unprecedented number, Latino leaders unite to honor Hispanic veterans. This year’s Chairman’s Award, selected by CHCI Chairman, Hon. Joe Baca (CA-43), will honor all Hispanic veterans who have served our country and pay tribute to three of five living Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients who will be present.

Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Monica Lozano will be presented with the Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service Awards. Gutierrez is an eight-term Member of Congress from Illinois and a tireless leader championing the causes of the Latino and immigrant communities across the nation. Lozano is a powerhouse in the media industry, leading the most widely read Spanish language newspaper in the United States, La Opinion, and using her influence to inform millions of Latinos about critical issues such as immigration, health care and education.

The event will be emceed by Ali Landry, an actress and Miss USA 1996, with entertainment provided by legendary salsero Willie Colon, who celebrates his 40th year in the music business. Gala Host Astrazeneca joins in supporting CHCI’s leadership development programs for Hispanic youth, along with Premiere Sponsors Bank of America and Comcast Corporation.

For press credentials, please contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa at 202-548- 5876 or via email at sgunderson_rosa@chci.org.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives. For more information call CHCI at (202) 340-7073 or visit www.chci.org.
Website: www.chci.org/
“

Currently In The Midst Of Sold-Out European Arena Dates, Martin Will Also Return To Puerto Rico’s Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum For a 5th & 6th Night (August 10th & 11th) To Film A Live Concert DVD- Planned For Release Later This Year

(July 24, 2007) Currently in the midst of concert dates in Europe that have drawn sold-out/capacity crowds across the continent, Ricky Martin is unveiling plans to bring his highly-acclaimed Black & White Tour back to The United States this fall.

In a “spectacular” production that critics have aptly described as “electrifying” and demonstrating Martin has “deepened and solidified his artistry,” the first U.S. leg of the Black & White Tour performed to sold-out crowds at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, The Allstate Arena in Chicago, The American Airlines Arena in Miami and numerous other venues across the country. Now, the tour will return this fall for a second set of shows that include initially announced dates at Madison Square Garden in New York (Oct. 14), The Honda Center in Anaheim (formerly The Pond -Sept. 29) and multiple dates across Texas (see full list of dates below).

In addition to a second leg of dates also set to take place in Mexico, Martin also plans to bring the Black & White Tour back to Puerto Rico’s Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum on August 10th & 11th to film a concert DVD that is planned for release later this fall. Having begun the tour with four-consecutive sold-out nights at the Coliseum for over 60,000 fans, these 5th & 6th nights will extend Martin’s record-setting attendance run at Puerto Rico’s largest indoor arena.

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Initial Dates For The Second U.S. Leg Of Ricky Martin’s Black & White Tour

Aug. 10 & 11 San Juan, Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (tickets already on-sale)

Sept. 29 Anaheim, CA The Honda Center / frmly Anaheim Pond (tickets on-sale Aug. 3)

Sept. 30 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena (tickets on-sale Aug. 3)

Oct. 3 El Paso, TX County Coliseum (tickets on-sale July 27)

Oct. 5 Hidalgo/ McAllen, TX Dodge Arena (tickets on-sale Aug. 3)

Oct. 6 Dallas, TX Nokia Theater (tickets on-sale Aug. 3)

Oct. 7 Houston, TX Toyota Center (tickets on-sale Aug. 3)

Oct. 14 New York, NY Madison Square Garden (tickets on-sale tbd)

* Additional dates to be announced shortly

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Sample Reviews Of Recent Ricky Martin U.S. Concerts:

“Ricky Martin Shows He’s Still in Command”¦ His sold-out concert showed he’s not only kept his star status, he’s deepened and solidified his artistry”¦And he still puts on a hellaciously good show. The production looked spectacular”¦ Martin may be the most physically talented pop singer out there”¦ He’s also more in command of the stage than ever”¦ He’s extended his musical range, too”¦ Give Martin credit, too, for being serious and for trying to use his fame for something positive” – Miami Herald

“It’s clear that Ricky Martin has transcended the pop star image and grown up into a musician eager to explore other rhythms. The bilingual show”¦ highlighted the artist’s maturity to break out of the typical”¦. Martin’s charisma and remarkable dance moves kept many yelling for more”- Orange County Register

“[Martin] is every inch the showman”¦ with a powerful voice capable of belt or lilt, chops that he used to great effect [on] passionate vocals”¦ likable Martin pulls off sincere quite well.” – Variety

“Ricky Martin was Electrifying… [He] showed maturity-and sensuality”¦ Martin left both his soul and a lot of sweat upon the stage after an exhilarating concert”¦the tour proves the maturity of an artist who knows how to please his audience, and also dares to re-interpret some of his past hits.” – La Opinion (translated)

“With a great performance”¦ Ricky simply confirmed that he is in another league”¦ the public that saw him born as a star, fell in love all over again"- El Vocero (translated)

“[Ricky Martin] remains a natural showman”¦ Martin came out at mach speed and rarely let up on the furious tempo. Not content merely to re-create his catalog, he and his excellent band reworked and reinvented each song” - Chicago Sun-Times

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REGRESA A ESTADOS UNIDOS LA EXITOSA GIRA “BLANCO Y NEGRO” DE RICKY MARTIN

Incluyendo Conciertos en Madison Square Garden en Nueva York, Honda Center en Anaheim y Texas, Entre Otros

Martin Regresa A Puerto Rico Para Realizar una 5ta. Y 6ta. Presentación Los Dias 10 y 11 De Agosto En El Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot

El Espectáculo “Blanco & Negro” Será Filmado Para Un DVD Que Saldrá A La Venta A Finales De Este Año.

Los Angeles, CA.- En medio de una serie de conciertos en Europa la cual ha logrado agotar taquillas en todas las localidades, Ricky Martin ha revelado sus planes de llevar su aclamada gira “Blanco Y Negro” nuevamente a los Estados Unidos este otoño.

En una espectacular producción que crí­ticos han descrí­to como “electrizante” y demostrando que Martin “ha profundizado y solidificado su arte”, la primera etapa de la gira “Blanco Y Negro” agotó arenas incluyendo the Staples Center en Los Angeles, The Allstate Arena en Chicago, The American Airlines Arena en Miami y muchas mas alrededor del pais. Ahora la gira regresará este otoño para una segunda serie de conciertos en el famoso Madison Square Garden en Nueva York (14 de Octubre), The Honda Center en Anaheim (29 de Septiembre) y mÚltiples conciertos en Texas (fechas adjuntas).

Adicionalmente, la segunda etapa de conciertos incluirá fechas en México incluyendo Monterrey y Guadalajara. Martí­n llevara una vez mas su gira “Blanco & Negro” al Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot de Puerto Rico el 10 y 11 de Agosto. Las presentaciones serán filmadas en DVD el cual saldrá a la venta a nivel mundial a finales de éste año. Después de empezar su gira mundial con cuatro conciertos consecutivos completamente vendidos en el Coliseo ante más de 60,000 seguidores, la quinta y sexta fecha extenderán el record de asistencia establecido por Martí­n en el arena mas grande de Puerto Rico

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Primeras Fechas De La Segunda Etapa de “Blanco & Negro” EN Estados Unidos

10 & 11 Agosto San Juan, Puerto Rico Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot (tickets ya a la venta)

29 Septiembre Anaheim, CA The Honda Center / formalmente “Anaheim Pond”

30 Septiembre Bakersfield,CA Rabobank Arena

3 Octubre El Paso, TX County Coliseum (tickets a la venta el 27 de julio)

5 Octubre Hidalgo/ McAllen, TX Dodge Arena (tickets a la venta el 3 de agosto)

6 Octubre Dallas, TX Nokia Theater

7 Octubre Houston, TX Toyota Center

14 Octubre New York, NY Madison Square Garden

* Fechas adicionales a ser anunciadas próximamente

“-V-me, the national television network partnered with public television, brings its positive message and smart, engaging entertainment for Latinos to the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) annual conference and Latino Expo USA 2007, taking place in Miami, Florida, July 21-24

As a major media sponsor of the event, V-me will broadcast its signature primetime show, Viva Voz, from the convention on July 23-25.

The programs will cover key conference issues including Health, Homeownership, Latinos in the Military, Citizenship, the Latino Vote, and the State of the Latino Community.

Viva Voz from the NCLR Conference will also present coverage of keynote speeches and thought-provoking conversations with national personalities. Some of the newsmakers and leaders featured in the Viva Voz coverage will include:

– Senator Hilary Clinton, 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate (D-NY)

– Senator Barack Obama, 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidate (D-IL)

– Raul Yzaguirre, prominent Hispanic activist and founder NCLR

– Mayor Manny Diaz, City of Miami

– Janet Murguia, president, NCLR

– Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (D-FL)

– Jorge Mursuli, national executive director, Democracia USA

– Arturo Vargas, executive director, Nat’l Assoc. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials

– Juan Carlos Zapata, Florida State Representative (R-District 119)

– Monica Lozano, publisher & CEO, La Opinion

– Juana Bordas, president, Latina Leadership

– Juan Flores, founder, Afro Latino Forum

– Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, PhD, associate professor, University of Texas

V-me’s event presence extends to the free public event, Latino Expo USA. At its booth (#636), V-me showcases its extensive educational pre-school lineup with appearances by Lunar Jim and Plaza Sesamo’s Cookie Monster. And V-me’s Vox Pop booth will let visitors speak out on select topics that will appear on www.v-me.tv.

“Everyday V-me engages Latino families with smart, positive entertainment, and provides a platform to support and showcase the interests and achievements of the national community. Our significant presence at the NCLR conference underscores our commitment to presenting various voices and participating in the discussion of issues at the heart of that community,” says Carmen DiRienzo, president V-me.

Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, July 21 - 24, the NCLR annual conference is the largest gathering of its kind in the Hispanic community, serving as a meeting ground for more than 20,000 community leaders, activists, and volunteers.

V-me is presented locally by public TV stations in many cities as a digital broadcast and on basic cable; and nationally on DISH Network Ch 9414 and DISHLatino Ch 846. Check your local listings for more information.

About V-me
V-me is a new national network partnered with Public TV that entertains and educates America’s Latino families in Spanish with a lively mix of original and exclusive programs including: kids, lifestyle, nature, science, history, current affairs, music, arts, and nightly movies. The 24-hour digital broadcast network is presented by public television stations and carried on basic digital cable and satellite. V-me is the first venture announced by newly formed media production and distribution company, V-me Media Inc. To find out more visit www.v-me.tv “

“Selling auto racing to Southern California’s Spanish-speaking community is no easy task.

Soccer dominates the sports roundups on Univision and Telemundo, on radio, and the sports pages of La Opinion and Hoy. Boxing comes second and auto racing lags somewhere toward the rear of the pack.

“Its somewhere we dont really want to be right now,” Josh Avila said.”

“The Hispanic Media Awards in conjunction with Hispanic PR Wire announced today their “Ring of Honor” and “Journalist in Community Award” winners. The two awards will be granted during the Hispanic Media Awards dinner on May 24th, 2007 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, TX. The program honors the nation’s top Spanish and bi-lingual journalists and media personalities from across the country. This year’s keynote speaker will be former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox Quesada. Tickets and information are available at www.hispanicmediaawards.com

The “2007 Ring Of Honor” award will be granted to Emilio Nicolas Sr. This lifetime achievement recognition honors the Spanish Language Television Pioneer who was the driving force behind the launch of KWEX-TV. The station was the first in what became the SIN Television Network, the precursor to what is today Univision Communications. The Ring of Honor Award recognizes those who paved the way for today’s successful journalists. Each year at the Hispanic Media Awards dinner one honoree is inducted into this hall of fame. Emilio Nicolas Sr. joins other Ring of Honor Lifetime Achievement award winners like Ignacio Lozano, Founder of La Opinion; Ana Maria Arias, Publisher and Founding Editor of Latina Style; Ruben Salazar, LA Times; Eduardo Porter, previously of the Wall Street Journal and Carlos Ramirez, former publisher of El Diario/La Prensa. He is the first from the Television industry to be inducted into the Ring of Honor.

The 2007 “Journalist in Community Award” winner is Mr. Odilon Arambula of the Laredo Morning Times. After a 30+ year career in Journalism, he became semi-retired in 2004 but continues to write and contribute to his community of Laredo. Mr. Arambula has served his community with involvement in over 30 different civic, fraternal and professional organizations. He still serves today in many capacities including a position on the board of Ruther B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, an organization he has worked with since 1963 and as the current board President for the South Texas Foodbank. Mr. Arambula has been recognized for his achievements by both regional and national organizations as well as his employer, the Hearst Corporation. The “Journalist in Community Award” recognizes an individual who has shown great devotion to community service and involvement with their readers, viewers, or listeners in that capacity.

On The Edge Promotions., a San Antonio based company that recognizes the growing influence of Spanish-language TV, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and the extraordinary efforts of professionals who contribute their journalistic excellence to keep the U.S. Hispanic community informed, is producing the Hispanic Media Awards. Calls for nominations for this awards program were issued in January and February.

Additional sponsors are being secured for the event in conjunction with existing sponsors AT&T, Continental Airlines, Hispanic PR Wire, Our Lady of the Lake University, American Marketing Association-San Antonio Chapter, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Express News, Connexion, Marriott Rivercenter, Jack Daniels, and Herradura Tequila. The web site address for the Hispanic Media Awards is http://www.hispanicmediaawards.com “

“Megazines Publications is pleased to introduce KENA - a new lifestyle magazine for U.S. Hispanic women - launching the week of April 23rd, 2007.

KENA - el arte de ser mujer Latina - seeks to become a trusted friend to todays Hispanic women, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to help readers achieve balance across all areas of their lives.

With 600,000 audited copies per issue, KENA will launch with the largest national circulation in its category, appearing on a bi-monthly basis via the Top 8 U.S. Hispanic newspapers: La Opinion in Los Angeles, El Diario la Prensa in New York, La Raza in Chicago, El Nuevo Herald in Miami, Al Dia in Dallas, La Voz in Houston, Fronteras in the San Francisco Bay Area, and La Voz in Phoenix.

KENAs editorial sections include beauty and fashion to help readers look their best, health and well-being to live longer and better, and cooking Con Sabor Latino, featuring quick, delicious and easy-to-prepare Latin-style recipes. It also features articles on money management, home decor solutions, family and parenting, and lifestyle, including great ways to celebrate all the best of Latin culture.

KENAs launch issue will feature a cover story on Puerto Rican journalist Maria Celeste Arraras, producer and presenter on Telemundos Al Rojo Vivo and one of the most influential Hispanic female personalities in the United States. Maria Celeste shares her personal story, including successes and pitfalls in her professional career, her willingness to speak English in spite of her accent, and her crossover to the U.S. market without abandoning her contributions as a Spanish-language journalist. “KENA will provide special insights into the hearts and minds of personalities that are a source of inspiration for the Hispanic community, and Maria Celeste serves as a perfect example,” said Wanda Negron, Editor.

KENAs website, http://www.kenamag.com/, will launch the same week as the magazine, offering users the opportunity to read special features online and even listen to audio tips and advice in areas such as beauty, fashion, health, nutrition, and home decor.

The title has applied for a national audit with BPA Worldwide, and has contracted Synovate to conduct its initial research study, both to take place in 2007.

About Megazines: Megazines Publications, publisher of such popular titles as Sobre Ruedas, develops, produces and distributes editorial products specifically directed to the U.S. Hispanic market. Megazines joined forces with Grupo Editorial Armonia, one of Mexicos top three publishing companies, via a private equity investment from NAFTA Fund of Mexico, LP. For more information, visit www.megazinesgroup.com/.
Website: www.megazinesgroup.com/
Website: www.kenamag.com/ “

“A panel of 10 La Opinion employees selected 30 area Latina leaders, professionals and volunteers, in health, education, business, technology and arts and culture for recognition. The women were recognized during a Mujeres Destacadas Exceptional Women by-invitation-only luncheon in Los Angeles, California. “

“Helped by the push of a coalition of 200 organizations here in southern California – including twice-daily pleas from the leading Latino TV station and full-page ads in La Opinion, the leading Spanish-language newspaper – a 150 percent increase in applications has been tallied: 7,334 in January 2006 compared to 18,024 in January 2007. Nationwide, the increase is 79 percent, from 53,390 to 95,622, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS.

“The battle cry is Ya Es Hora. Ciudadania Its time. Citizenship,” says Marcelo Gaete, senior programs director for NALEO, which helps applicants with the process. “The response has been so strong that at times we have a hard time keeping up.”"

“La Opinión hired Andres Fuentes as vice president of Sales. Fuentes will oversee the publication’s advertising sales organization including local retail, national, online, integrated sales and new business development. Additionally, he will work with ImpreMedia corporate sales in building out cross-market integrated sales programs. He will report to Monica Lozano, publisher and chief executive officer of La Opinión.”