Those who follow Hispanic media know that Hispanic and general market outlets often cover different stories or the same stories but with different twists. For starters, most Spanish-language media pay significantly more attention to news in Latin America.
Following is a list of five hot topic areas covered in 2007 by Hispanic media. Notice any differences?
Politics – In addition to covering U.S. politics, Hispanic media also looked closely at la política in Latina America, carefully watching and interpreting the moves of figures in the region, including the policies of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, the election of Cristina Fernandez in Argentina and the state of the Castro regime in Cuba. When a rumor was reported that Fidel Castro had died, people literally began pouring into the streets of Miami to celebrate.
Sports – While the De La Hoya-Mayweather fight and the arrival of Beckham to stateside soccer pitches were big stories, bigger still was the impact Latin American stars had on the MLS like Juan Pablo Angel of Colombia and Cuahtémoc Blanco of Mexico, who single-handedly drew thousands more fans to games.
Catastrophes – The California wildfires were big news on both sides of the border, but sadly many of the disasters that hit other parts of Latin America received scant coverage in the U.S. Not only did Hispanic media report on hurricanes in Central America, floods in Brazil, and an earthquake in Peru, but they also provided information on ways to help. For example, an Azteca América telethon raised more than a million dollars for victims of the wildfires in San Diego.
Entertainment – Britney’s, Lindsey’s and Paris’ antics didn’t get nearly as much ink as the love lives, pregnancies and scandals of Hispanic stars. From the Cruz-Bardem romance to Thalia and Salma’s new babies, to Paulina’s wedding, to the Three Amigos sweeping the Oscars, there were plenty of la farándula to keep us riveted. And who can forget el Menudo de nuevo or Buscando a Timbiriche, la Nueva Banda?
Immigration and La Política – Hands down the biggest story of the year for Hispanic media, immigration was covered from virtually every angle – from policy changes in D.C. to local resources for legal immigrants who want to become citizens to assistance for the undocumented. In addition, we saw the launch of political-focused resources, including blogs, newsletters and Web sites such as Candidatousa.com and Yahoo!Telemundo Elecciones 2008, and the launch of Al Punto with Jorge Ramos on Univision. And with Hispanics front and center in the presidential election, immigration, and how to attract this important voting bloc, is guaranteed to be a hot topic again this year.
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