Video Competition Key To Expanding Programming Diversity.

Competition in the cable TV marketplace will lead to greater diversity in programming and increased opportunities for Hispanics in the media, advocates Gabriela Lemus, Director of Policy and Legislation for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). LULAC will host a diversity programming briefing in coordination with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Telecom Task Force and the USTelecom Association, at 10:30am in Room HC-9, inside the Capitol Building.

The grim reality is Hispanics are vastly under-represented in the media, making up a low percentage of jobs in the industry and causing a shortage of accurate and culturally relevant images. The panelists at today’s forum will share their views on diversity programming, and include Representatives Hilda Solis of California and Charles Gonzalez of Texas and Felix Sanchez, Chairman and Co-Founder, National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts.

“While television is an entertainment medium, it also creates impressions and depicts an American cultural persona. When a significant community is left on the periphery, it is tantamount to segregation in the digital age,” said Felix Sanchez.

Competition in the cable market presents a unique opportunity to increase culturally relevant content. Alexis Johnson, Director of Video Services for Verizon Communications, will demonstrate how their new fiber optic technology lends itself to increased diverse programming offerings.

“The changes in the economic system are being driven by technology and Hispanics need to benefit in all the facets. When Latinos see themselves in the media, and it’s a positive representation, it has positive social impacts – it has a catalytic effect,” said Ms. Lemus. “Competition in markets leads to technology innovation, greater consumer choices and increased diversity programming. It leads to a more integrated America, and this is the goal.”