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Grupo Salinas, Fundacion Azteca America, Azteca America and ICFJ Discuss Challenges to Latino Community at National Press Club in Washington DC

Posted on: Thursday, 9 July 2009, 09:12 CDT

WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Salinas, Fundacion Azteca America and the International Center for Journalists presented yesterday a high-level panel discussion about the challenges that face the Latino community, including the importance of participation in the 2010 Census and the passage of a successful Immigration Reform Bill.

The white paper presented by University of Denver professor Debora Ortega, in conjunction with Grupo Salinas and Fundacion Azteca America, made a series of recommendations, including the suspension of immigration raids during the summer months of 2010, when enumerators canvass neighborhoods for follow-ups to census questionnaires. The report also proposes coordinated informational programs on all four national Spanish-language television networks -- Azteca America, Univision, Telefutura and Telemundo -- to increase trust in the questionnaires and inform in a step-by-step manner how to properly fill out the forms. Finally, the report recommends continued hiring of culturally-relevant local workers at the U.S. Census.

"A complete census count is the single most important issue for our community," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Network. "As a critical step in our democratic process, we will continue to dispel any misconceptions about the process and encourage our community to be accurately counted."

The 2010 Census is an essential tool for distributing federal, state and local budgets. It is also fundamental for representative participation in the U.S. Congress.

The message on the census was echoed by many of the panelists during the event.

"Wherever we can, we should tell Latinos to participate (in the Census). This is a matter of civic participation," said former Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez. "Community groups, media and radio personalities that are vocal on all issues should be vocal about the Census."

"Our goal is to count everyone. And we count on our partners to fulfill this goal," said Marilia Matos, Associate Director for Field Operation of the U.S. Census Bureau.

On the issue of immigration reform, the panelists were optimistic that a working solution could be achieved soon, hopefully in the first half of next year.

"We have never had prosperity in this country without immigration," said Gutierrez.

Also present on the panel was Noticiero Azteca America correspondent Armando Guzman.

The complete white paper: The State of Latinos: Census 2010 can be reviewed at www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org, and the archived blog from the event is available at ijnet.org.

About Grupo Salinas

Grupo Salinas (www.gruposalinas.com) is a group of dynamic, fast-growing and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to building the middle class of the countries where it operates, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas (www.ricardosalinas.com), Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies TV Azteca (www.irtvazteca.com), Azteca America (www.aztecaamerica.com), Grupo Elektra (www.grupoelektra.com.mx), Banco Azteca (www.bancoazteca.com.mx), Afore Azteca (www.aforeazteca.com.mx), Seguros Azteca (www.segurosazteca.com.mx), and Grupo Iusacell (www.iusacell.com). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.

For more information, visit www.gruposalinas.com

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community residing in the United States. Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Salinas. For more information, visit www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the alternative choice in broadcast television for Spanish speaking families residing in the United States. As the fastest-growing Spanish-language network, Azteca America operates in 69 markets nationwide. Azteca America can also be seen on DIRECTV Mas Channel 441 AZA 441) and DISH Network Channel 825. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A. de C.V., Azteca America has access to the best programming from TV Azteca's three national networks, including a library with over 200,000 hours of original programming and news from local bureaus in 32 Mexican states. The network complements Mexican programming with an innovative line-up of shows from international producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for Spanish-speaking viewers and unique advertising solutions for partners seeking to reach the most dynamic market in the country.

About The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)

The ICFJ is a non-profit, professional organization that promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition. Since 1984, ICFJ has worked directly with more than 50,000 journalists from 176 countries. For more information, visit www.icfj.org.

Grupo Salinas Press Contact: Daniel McCosh 52 55 1720 0059 dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

SOURCE Grupo Salinas; Azteca America; Fundacion Azteca America; and ICFJ

Source: PR Newswire

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