Univision-CNN Democratic Debate underscores importance of Hispanic Vote.

Univision Communications Inc. in partnership with CNN, hosted a Democratic Primary debate in Austin, Texas as part of its commitment to inform and empower the Hispanic community. During the debate the candidates addressed issues ranging from Cuba-U.S. relations to English as the official language, to the border wall and immigration, bringing these issues back to a national forum. The debate also focused on other issues of great importance to Hispanics, including education, the economy and healthcare.

“The more than 18 million eligible Hispanic voters in the U.S. are a diverse voting bloc that is interested in the issues of importance to all Americans,” said Joe Uva, chief executive officer of Univision Communications Inc. “The debate last week was an important part of further exploring the candidates’ positions on these issues that impact our country.”

The debate was sponsored by CNN, Univision Communications Inc., and the Texas Democratic Party and presented by the Lyndon B. Johnson Foundation on behalf of the LBJ School of Public Affairs and the LBJ Library in conjunction with the University of Texas. Univision’s award-winning news anchor, Jorge Ramos, who posed questions in English and Spanish, was joined by CNN‘s chief national correspondent, John King, in the debate which was moderated by CNN anchor Campbell Brown. Univision’s innovative and extensive 2008 election coverage has included two first-ever forums with Democratic and Republican presidential candidates. The forums, including the one last week, were broadcast in Spanish, attracted millions of viewers and focused on the issues impacting Hispanics.

“Univision has broadcast extensive coverage of the elections, the candidates, and the primaries on our television, radio and online platforms,” added Uva. “We know that Hispanics have turned-out at equal or higher rates than non-Hispanics in several states, including Nevada and California, and in many states have decided the outcome of the election. Recognizing the unique connection we have with Hispanics, we are committed to informing, and empowering Hispanics so they can make their voices heard during the 2008 elections.”

Univision will continue with extensive coverage of the upcoming caucuses and primaries, national conventions, local and statewide elections, as well as the presidential campaign through Univision Online, Univision’s local television and radio programs, its evening news programs – “Noticiero Univision” and “Noticiero Univision Ultima Hora” – the Sunday morning newsmaker discussion program “Al Punto,” and its morning show “Despierta América.” In addition, Univision will continue to work with its partners, which include the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), to engage Hispanics in the 2008 elections as part of “Ya es hora” (It’s Time).

“Ya es hora” is an unprecedented national civic engagement campaign developed to inform, educate and motivate Hispanics to participate in the American political dialogue. The campaign has been an important driver of the naturalization increase. Since January 2007, the campaign has mobilized one million eligible immigrants to apply for citizenship, secured more than 400 local community based organizations as partners, generated more than 40,000 calls to the 888-Ve-Y-Vota toll free number, driven more than 94,000 unique visits to www.yaeshora.info, distributed more than 110,000 brochures and conducted more than 200 citizenship workshops.