NHMC Board of Directors Approves the Organization's 2013 Policy Priorities

NHMC to Promote Responsible and Inclusive Media, Universal and Affordable Connections, Empowered Media and Telecom Consumers and Privacy in the Digital Age

Washington, D.C.- The National Hispanic Media Coalition's (NHMC) Board of Directors has approved the organization's 2013 Policy Priorities. NHMC's ambitious agenda includes the following goals:

Responsible and Inclusive Media

Latinos now comprise over 16% of the U.S. population and represent the fastest growing voting bloc. Yet the media is way behind in its inclusion of and rhetoric towards Latinos. NHMC will push for policies and industry practices to infuse the media industry with more Latino owners, employees and expert commentators. NHMC will educate advertisers and media companies about the need for responsible portrayals of Latinos, and it will empower concerned Latinos to stand up for responsible media in their local communities.

Universal and Affordable Connections

Latinos are less likely than any other demographic group to have home broadband connections, largely due to prohibitively high costs. NHMC will collaborate with internet service providers and the FCC to change this. It will advocate for retention and expansion of programs aimed at increasing broadband adoption in poor households, schools and libraries. NHMC will monitor internet service providers' adhesion to open internet rules. Finally, it will oppose any consolidation of internet service providers - fixed and mobile - that would lead to less competition and higher prices.

Empowered Media and Telecommunications Consumers 

In the past few years several media and telecommunications companies have engaged in practices that have harmed and

sometimes even specifically targeted Latino consumers. NHMC will monitor media and telecommunications companies, encouraging them to treat Latino consumers fairly. In addition, NHMC will arm Latinos with the facts and information they need to be informed and vigilant consumers.

Privacy in the Digital Age

 As the digital economy grows, questions are arising about how to protect one's privacy over a variety of electronic communications. Sometimes these questions impact the Latino community in unique ways. NHMC will examine public and private sector activities that seemingly invade upon the privacy of Latinos. It will educate Latinos about these intrusions and ways to prevent them. Finally, it will advocate for policies to prevent unreasonable government and corporate interference with Latinos' lives.

"NHMC is gearing up for yet another year of outstanding victories. In 2013, NHMC continues to be the premiere organization advocating for fair treatment of Latinos in the entertainment, media and telecommunications industries. We will not relent until U.S. Latinos have media parity and are portrayed as multidimensional people devoid of negative stereotypes," stated NHMC's President and CEO, Alex Nogales.

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