Univision Joined ‘Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast’.

Univision Communications Inc. joined other major broadcast and cable networks in the Spanish-language simulcast of tonight’s planned “Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast” fundraising telecast to benefit those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Univision talk-show host Cristina Saralegui and network news anchor Jorge Ramos opened the hour-long program with a short message directed to this country’s 41 million Hispanics requesting their support for the Gulf Coast victims. The network provided a simultaneous translation and closed-captioning in Spanish for the remainder of the broadcast that featured performances by internationally renowned artists such as Mariah Carey, Paul Simon, Garth Brooks, U2, and Rod Stewart.

Univision’s participation in this event is just the latest in an ongoing effort on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Immediately after the catastrophe, Univision partnered with the American Red Cross and has been airing Public Service Announcements (PSAs) urging viewers to support relief efforts via a dedicated Spanish-language toll-free number for the American Red Cross (1-800-275-7575). In addition, the Univision networks have been offering extensive news coverage, have dedicated several prime-time specials to the catastrophe and broadcast special fundraising editions of its popular “Sábado Gigante” as well as its midday show “Escándalo TV” on sister network TeleFutura. Univision television and radio stations around the country continue to partner with the local chapters of the American Red Cross to coordinate food/water drives and have been generating an outpouring of donations. Univision.com continues to update a special section of its website accessed through keyword “Cruz Roja” to provide hurricane-related coverage, a message board to help locate missing relatives/friends, and links to various relief organizations.

As part of this ongoing multi-platform effort with the American Red Cross, Univision Radio has begun a national fundraising initiative, “Los Hispanos Damos La Mano” (“Hispanics Lend a Hand”). The first and largest fundraising event for this initiative will be taking place in Los Angeles. KSCA “La Nueva” will now be dedicating its annual festival “El Grito/Las Fiesta Patrias”, commemorating Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, September 18th, to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The event will take place at Whittier Narrows Park in the City of El Monte outside of Los Angeles and will feature such celebrities as Emilio Estefan and Piolín and performances by Joan Sebastián, Montéz de Durango, Lalo Mora, Germán Lizárraga, Sin Bandera, Luis Fonsi, Jimena, Control, Mercedes Castro, Los Barón de Apodaca, Polo Urías, Juan Rivera, and Rocío Sandoval. The American Red Cross will be on-site with volunteers to collect donations.