Hispanic Publishers – Generations Of Hard-Work & Commitment.
February 29, 2004
Hispanics have come a long way to reach the status of a respected community, professional businesses, savvy politicians and quality media. The Hispanic print continues to grow. While more publications are out there to inform, entertain and educate the community, existing ones grow stronger and large, as second and third generations continue the hard-work that their family members started.
The National Association of Hispanic Publications Inc. Annual Convention recognized Hispanic print families that generation after generation maintained their commitment to print and to the Hispanic community. This year, the Best Overall Hispanic Publications Award went to the Escobedos of the Las Vegas El Mundo, the Toros of the La Prensa de Orlando, and the Lozanos of La Opinion, the biggest Spanish-language newspaper in the country.
Eddie and Maria Escobedo Sr. received the award for El Mundo Dora and Manuel Toro for La Prensa de Orlando and the siblings Monica and Francisco Lozano for La Opinion.
Most Hispanic publishers share a history of commitment to the community and strength to fight the many obstacles to run a publishing business. “Despite the hurdles, I kept it alive,” said Eddie Escobedo Sr. of his newspaper that reach over millions in circulation annually. El Mundo was established in 1980 and today it’s the most influential and popular Hispanic newspaper in Las Vegas.
La Opinion’s predecessor La Prensa, was founded by Ignacio E. Lozano in San Antonio, Texas, in 1913. The Lozano family then moved to Los Angeles, launching La Opinion in 1926. In brief remarks, Monica Lozano addressed an editorial her grandfather wrote about Hispanic print in one of the first issues of the family newspaper. “Venimos a Luchar,” she recalled her grandfather words.
The Award Ceremony took place at a Gala Dinner held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. The Gala was moderated by Armando Guzman, TV Azteca’s best-known anchor, and keynoted by Moctesuma Esparza, producer of remarkable movies such as Gods and Generals and Selena.
