In this Issue:
Since NHMC’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Jessica Gonzalez, testified beforeCongress and penned an op-ed about the Lifeline program earlier this year, NHMC has continued to stay engaged in defending the program that provides basic communications services to low-income families. NHMC was an active participant inNational Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week. On September 12, NHMC co-hosted and Jessica spoke at two events. The first was an in-person panel at the New America Foundation, where Acting FCC Chairwoman Clyburn also offered remarks (see video for highlights of Jessica’s remarks); and the second was a national grassroots call with Congresswoman Matsui. Additionally, NHMC’s Policy Director, Michael Scurato, traveled to Orlando, Florida to speak on a Lifeline panel at the COMPTEL Plus conference, put on by the industry association that represents competitive communications providers and suppliers.
NHMC has also been active in addressing the broadband needs of schools and libraries and has weighed in on the FCC’s plan to modernize the E-Rate program. In late September, NHMC filed a letter with the FCC about proposed changes to the program in which it advocated for a number of outcomes, including cooperation between the FCC and the Department of Education to ensure that all of our teachers are trained to take full advantage of new technology and increased use of school wi-fi hotspots to keep students connected after hours. In addition, on September 20, NHMC’s Michael Scurato spoke on a panel with FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel to discuss the importance of E-Rate and the need to modernize the program.
After the Senate unanimously voted to confirm Tom Wheeler as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), NHMC issued a statement welcoming the new chairman: “At every step of the way, NHMC urges the Chairman to consider how the Commission’s actions will impact underserved communities – including the Latino community – and strive to create a media and telecommunications ecosystem, and a Commission, that is more inclusive of the diversity of this country”.
Down the pike, NHMC will await the DC Circuit’s upcoming decision regarding the FCC’s Open Internet Rules. NHMC DC is looking forward to hosting our annual DC Impact Awards Reception on November 14.
In October, we kicked off the 11th year of the NHMC TV Writers Program, an intensive scriptwriters workshop that prepares Latinos for writing jobs at the major television networks, and is a direct response to the lack of diverse writers in primetime network TV. In fact, an NHMC-commissioned national poll showed that non-Latinos primarily learn about our community from what they see on television. For this reason, NHMC works to get more Latinos in back of camera to achieve balanced and accurate portrayals of diversity in the U.S.
Writers Program Alumni Work on TV NHMC is happy to announce the following writers who are working on shows during the 2013-2014 television season:
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Fall
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Midseason
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Tune in to these shows to support NHMC writers!
NHMC celebrated its 11th Annual Impact Awards Luncheon in Pasadena, California on September 12. NHMC’s Impact Awards Luncheon honors Southern California media professionals and entities, as well as public servants and community leaders, whose achievements, generosity of spirit, and courage under fire have greatly benefited the region’s Latino community.
KTTV Fox 11 news anchor Laura Diaz and KCAL-9 news anchor Rick Garcia hosted the event. Notable guests include former Major League Baseball great, pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, as well as City of Pasadena Mayor, Bill Bogaard.
Click here to view a message from NHMC President & CEO Alex Nogales
Awardees:
The FCC is now accepting applications from non-profits to operate low power radio stations. Due to the government shutdown, the application deadline has been extended to November 14th. Act now to seize the airwaves! To learn more about this opportunity,click here.
NUVOtv is accepting film submissions for a brand new showcase, Nu Point of View: The Emerging Latino Filmmakers. Submit your passion project. If selected, your film has the possibility to be seen by millions of viewers and earn up to $3,000*!
Nu Point of View is looking for the next group of emerging Latino filmmakers. Shorts, features, documentaries… submit now! Official submission deadline is November 15th, 2013.
There is no submission fee, so send as much material as you like! Go to myNUVOtv.com for more information on eligibility requirements & terms and conditions. (*in licensing fees)
