467 years of Hispanic Publishing.

In celebration of a five centuries old tradition of community service, the National Association of Hispanic Publications [NAHP] commemorated National Hispanic Media Week and the 467th Anniversary of Hispanic Publishing in North America in Washington, DC. The occasion has been formally marked with resolutions in the United States Senate and House of Representatives acknowledging the week of October 8 through 14 as National Hispanic Print Media Week.

The commemorative ceremony honors a publishing tradition serving Hispanic communities that predates the first English settlements at Jamestown, Virginia or Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Recent research shows that print media continues to be held in the highest esteem by Hispanics in this country. Hispanic print media is seen as an educational tool in higher percentages by Hispanics than the population as a whole. In addition, Hispanic print media is more trusted than any other major media, more so than TV, radio or the internet.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month and particularly during National Hispanic Media Week, the NAHP also pointed to the sense of connection Hispanic print media provides to Hispanic readers:

— Almost 75% of Hispanic readers credit Hispanic print media with providing a sense of community

— Over 70% of Hispanic readers credit Hispanic print media with providing a connection to Hispanic heritage

— And 60% rate Hispanic print media as providing something that cannot be found in non-Hispanic media.

Today, top entities of corporate America and national Hispanic organizations joined the NAHP in celebrating the importance of Hispanic press in the United States of America.

“The Hispanic media play an important and unique role in the daily lives of millions of Hispanic-Americans. Many citizens appreciate having publications geared towards their culture and in many cases in their native language to give them a greater understanding of our world,” said Clara Padilla Andrews, Co-chair of the NAHP National Media Summit.

“The Hispanic community needs to be better informed about political, economical, and social issues affecting our nation. The mission of the press is to inform and promote the well being of the Community. I congratulate my colleagues in the publishing industry for taking upon this challenge,” said Johnny Yataco, NAHP Board member and publisher of The Washington Hispanic.