HispanicPRNow

My experience as an expert panelist on October 27th, 2005 at the Fair Media Council’s Connection Day  discussion on “Understanding the Culture of the Hispanic Media”  was very pleasant.  The audience was comprised of communications pros and others interested in reaching this imporant segment with their messages, services and products.  It was moderated by the Council’s Executive Director, Jaci Clement, who did a fine job.  I was joined by Hugo Balta, News Director of Telemundo station WNJU Channel 47, Javier Castano, Managing Editor at El Diario La Prensa and Maria Amado, Metro Assignment Editor at Hoy Newspaper in New York.  

The panel was hot with various disagreements between Mr. Balta and myself.  Honestly,I respect that so much more than if there were no disagreements.  I hate being “YES’ed” to death.    So kudos to you Hugo, even if I think you’re wrong.  Let’s agree to disagree, but with much love and respect, of course.

Having been a TV and newspaper reporter and assignment editor, I felt gratified to have been able to share my insights with people who only have experienced part of the media equation or none of it at all.  

The luncheon was very interesting as well, featuring Dave Price from CBS as the keynote.  Much of his address focused on the Hurricane Katrina coverage and the ethical dilemmas faced by many of the journalists covering the tragedy and their frustration at seeing nothing happen in terms of rescue efforts while surrounded by people in obviously desperate situations.  I’m sure many of you were also wondering what the deal was with that.  How come we can provide humanitarian assistance to anywhere in the world within hours or one to two days and yet not help one of our own major cities for weeks?  it’s just crazy.

As usual Dave was very funny and recounted how he left a secure six figure job in corporate America to chase his dream of being a weathercaster.  I also did not realize that Dave is the younger brother of WABC assignment editor Howard Price.  In all it was terrific to help educate people about the need to understand the media in general and best utilize it for their needs and the needs of their communities.

Big ups to the Fair Media Council for putting on a fantastic (some say better than ever) event.    Let me also thank Beverly Cuevas, President of Baby Birth announcement card manufacturer, Celebraciones, Inc., a former client of our firm, who came to the panel to show support for me.   Thank you Beverly! I love you too!

If anyone out there has any speaking opportunities for an expert on the media -yours truly-please contact me via email at info@q2pr.com. I would only be too happy to participate. 

On Thursday October 27, 2005 I was part of a panel of experts on “Understanding the Culture of the Hispanic Media.”  It was all part of ‘Connection Day’, put on by the L.I. Fair Media Council at the Hilton Hotel in Huntington, NY.  The panel was only one of about twenty which made up the day with topics like “How to Select Your PR Agency’, ‘Media Training’ and ‘Thinking Like a Peporter,’ among numerous others.  The panel included some distinguished members of the Hispanic media fraternity including Hugo Balta, News Director at WNJU TV Channel 47 Telemundo, Javier Castano, Managing Editor of El Diario La Prensa, the oldest Spanish language daily in the US, and Maria Amado, Assignment Editor at Hoy newspaper in New York. 

The event featured a keynote luncheon with CBS weatherman and journalist, Dave Price. 

It was also most gratifying to see a former client (Beverly Cuevas, President of Celebraciones, Inc., a baby diary, sweet sixteen and birth announcement card publisher), who was. there especially to hear me speak. Thanks for your support Beverly. 

The mission of the Fair Media Council is a noble one: to educate the public on better relationships with, and usage of, the media.

It was a great day and I am honored to have been a part of it.  For more information on the Fair Media Council check out their site at www.fairmediacouncil.org.

For more information on QUADRANT TWO PR check out our website at www.q2pr.com.

J.M. De Jesis, President & CEO, QUADANT TWO PR.