Hispanic Media Split On May 1 Boycott
New America Media, News Report, Elena Shore, Posted: Apr 24, 2006
Editor's Note: Spanish-language media in the U.S. have mixed views about a boycott in support of immigrant rights called for May 1. Elena Shore is a writer and media monitor for New America Media.
SAN FRANCISCO--Although Hispanic media helped to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people in last month's immigration protests, they are split when it comes to the economic boycott planned for May 1.
From Univision, which reportedly has prohibited its employees from publicizing the boycott, to KIQI La Grande 1010-AM in San Francisco, which is actively promoting it, Latino media are more ambivalent this time around.
According to the Mexican newspaper El Diario, based in Ciudad Juarez, Univision sent out an e-mail asking Spanish DJs and employees not to promote or mention the boycott, a move that other media see as acquiescing to the demands of their advertisers. Popular syndicated DJs like "El Piolín" on Univision's La Nueva 101.9-FM in Los Angeles were critical in mobilizing large numbers of people in last month's marches. Univision was not availble for comment.
"It's sad that Univision is not supporting the boycott because of their sponsors," says Margarita Molina, general manager of La Grande 1010. "Univision is the most popular channel, and for them not to support a big movement like that is sad."
La Grande 1010, she says, is the only station in the area that is actively promoting the boycott, including a 14-hour commercial-free radio marathon on May 1 to provide continuous coverage of the protest. In an advertisement for the radio marathon, the voices of protesters can be heard chanting "Sí se puede" (Yes, we can), the famous slogan of Cesar Chavez.
Other media that supported last month's marches, like Los Angeles-based La Opinión, the nation's largest Spanish-language daily newspaper, are reluctant to back the boycott openly.
"La Opinión has a historical role of promoting community participation, from voting to school politics," says editorial page editor Henrik Rehbinder. "But the boycott is very risky. It's not clear it will benefit everybody. It's certain that it will hurt some people, that some people will be fired. If you are a dishwasher, a waiter or another unskilled worker, you may be replaced. As a media outlet, you can't tell people not to go to work."
Instead, La Opinión is calling for a day of action on May 1 in which people can make their own decision about how they will participate: whether that means boycotting or attending the marches and vigils after work, going to church or talking about immigration in school. "We are not going to encourage the boycott, but we are not opposing it," Rehbinder says. "There are many different ways to participate and everyone has to be responsible and make the right choice."
Others in the Latino media say they can't afford to take a position.
Jonathan Sanchez, associate publisher of Eastern Group Publications, says his publication did not support the march or the boycott, and is critical of media that took an active role.
"It was radio primarily that pushed the envelope," Sanchez says. "Radio stations are adding fuel to the fire, misleading people by the way they are reporting it. As media we don't have any business promoting either way. I think it's out of line to do that. But Spanish radio has that tradition."
Spanish-language media has a history of defending its community, beginning with the first Spanish newspaper 151 years ago, says Jose Luis Benavides, journalism professor at California State University, Northridge. Founded June 19, 1855, El Clamor Público (The Public Outcry) advocated for the rights of Latinos, who made up the majority of the population of Los Angeles but were victims of violence, judicial bias and lack of political representation -- many of the same issues they experience today, says Benavides.
In 1939 the newspaper El Espectador in the San Gabriel Valley helped organize a boycott against the local movie theatre Upland Theater that only allowed Mexicans to sit in the side aisles and balcony, writes Mario Garcia in his book Mexican Americans. The boycott was successful in integrating the theatre.
The paradox of Hispanic media today, Benavides says, is that despite its activist tradition, very little Hispanic media is now owned by Latinos. This is especially true in radio and TV, where large corporate-owned media may choose to side with advertisers.
If greater corporatization of media continues, Benavides says, we can expect to see more instances in which media may have to choose between activism and the economic bottom line. "But," he adds, "if they move really far away from the community they are supposed to represent, then no one is going to watch them."
"The peculiar phenomenon of Latino immigration," according to an April 17 editorial in La Opinión, "has allowed for the development of a journalism that combines the commitment to the immigrant public with the Anglo search for objectivity."
"There are principles of professionalism that demand a distance to ensure a level of objectivity," writes La Opinión, "although there are certain situations that demand drastic action. The threat of the bill HR4437 is one of these cases, where one cannot simply be a spectator."
Related Stories:
Spanish DJ El Piolín Announces Support for Boycott
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User Comments
Jairo Funez on May 01, 2006 at 09:36:55 said:
Yes its true that we came here illegally, but there is more to it than to simply blame them and say they are criminals. First of all, most countries such as Honduras, the country that i was born in has been controlled by US coporations. Since the early 1900's, the US government created programs which allowed almost complete dominance against other sovereign nations. For example, the dollar diplomacy was created to have the US invest heavily in countries in order to control them. Consequentley, Latin American countries have been suffering econimically because they are not allowed to develope. Thats why this country is so great in the first place, because through exploitation of countries' resources, there is only one beneficiary, and that the United States. Recent agreements such as Nafta and Cafta are very similar yet they provide jobs. Yes they might pay a few cents more but what people dont understand is that the tax revenue for these countries are reduced greatly. Resulting in less money for education and other public institutions. And if there is poor education, the cycle of poverty will never end. In addition, these agreements prohibit these countries to subsidize agriculture, which results in a reduction of economic growth. Therefore, if this continues how is illegal immigration ever going to stop. What exactley does the US government want, they own about 50 percent of all the resources that central america has and they control the government policies, which increases the level of poverty. In sense, because the US has a great part to do with keeping many countries poor. People are going to continue coming and risking their lives just to earn a misrable wage, compared to US standards. Yes I am greatful that this country gives many people opportunities to become something in life. But if they really want to stop immigration, they should focus on the exploitation of Latin American countries. Until than, we're going to continue coming until every city and every town in the US is full of our beatiful culture and people. "Latinos unidos jamas seran vencidos".
Henry Diaz on Apr 30, 2006 at 14:27:50 said:
Hi,
I am a nicaraguan, legal- if you wonder. I am supporting the national boycott because I believe, that we, the immigrants need to let the system know that this nation is great because of us, our work, and wishes. That why I reply - may1, 2006: boycott the system for 24 hours. It's your right!
Granada Gazette's personell, at www.granadagazette.us has the day free to protest for their right, it is their duty and mine , too.
Heylenne Durantes on Apr 29, 2006 at 15:38:31 said:
I think it is wrong that people are out there boycotting the very companies that are hiring the illegal immigrants in the first place. Promoting children to walk out of school is another wrong move. Hispanic children have one of the lowest test scores and should be in school instead of trying to take part in some thing that they do not have all the facts on. If they want to be Americans so badly then why do they not chant in english and sing the anthem in english. if they are boycotting these businesses and america in general then they should also boycott the free lunches, the free education, the free healthcare system, and social security system.
Ani W. Morse on Apr 28, 2006 at 07:28:29 said:
"According to the Mexican newspaper El Diario, based in Ciudad Juarez, Univision sent out an e-mail asking Spanish DJs and employees not to promote or mention the boycott, a move that other media see as acquiescing to the demands of their advertisers." I read this quote. Can it be verified or is it an opinion? While there is agreement that the immigration situation is very badly broken and needs repair, the methods used to repair it are not universally agreed upon. We find immigrants and non-immigrants coming out on both sides of this issue, which is now being politicized. It is true, each media outlet must decide whether it is a political vehicle, exhorting people to act in a certain way on a certain situtaion, or report what is going on with both or many sides represented on that situation, as does the article above.
JHernandez on Apr 28, 2006 at 06:20:37 said:
While many people support and oppose the national event, many others choose to follow their own steps. I read of people being angry of Hispanic/Latinos in the USA who ask for a bit of sense of belonging. I do not attack them,I understand their position. However, I only add that getting angry will never solve anything and stopping the immigration (Legal or Illegal) is a lost cause. REMEMBER, this country is founded with immigrants who are fighters, fighters for freedom. Regardless of being born in this country or not, there are political, social, economic situations that aren't solved by saying "Get rid of all those illegals." Today, the Hispanic/Latino community is the target for discrimination; tomorrow it may be You. Remember, we have become a society that (unfortunatelly ) must learn to accept everything: open gay-lesbian public behaviour, and many more... It doesn't matter how hard you fight to get rid of those who are willing to kiss your feet for $4 per hour when other racial communities want every single benefit (health, dental, and many more) and aren't willing to work for almost free! It is true that other racial groups worked in jobs that only Hispanic/Latinos are willing to take. For those who just get angry, I can say that you would not have a brand new car in your garage (ironically, a foreign made car because you are looking for ways to save money).
Times change; in the 50's there were opportunitites for the White community and the true role of a family (father, mother and children). Today family is not the same way as before. Immigration to this country will never change even if you get angry. Do something productive such as learning how to cope with your human rethrens. Hate only gives birth to more Hate. Do your research before you speak your mind, and even before doing so, give a positive solution. Naive and ignorant sentences only destroys your Peace. Be proactive, be constructive not destructive. If you really love the beauty of this country, you must help building it and not destroying it.
God bless you!
Jay,
Florida State University - Business Administration
cynthia on Apr 28, 2006 at 02:12:08 said:
I'm a Mexican American women here in the USA fighting everyday to make my dreams come true, by working hard to feed my 3 boys and to encourage them to go to school for a better future for them. I disagree with the boycott, because to me we are not teaching our kids any good. We are teaching our kids that it is okay to miss school and that we can miss work and boycott. There are consequeses to these actions and we are not even sure if this will do any good. Many of our youth do not even know exatly what is happening, what we need to do is educate our kids and let them know that for this action their may be a down fall for all of us. The youth is our future. Don't be so blind.
Sharon Short on Apr 27, 2006 at 23:41:07 said:
I think everyone that boycotts should be fired and the kids should have to go to summer school. It may be labor day in Mexico, but THIS IS NOT MEXICO!!!!! If I were a business owner I would replace them right away....There are American's that will do their jobs. Who do you think was working those jobs 10 years ago? American's but we were paid better. Get rid of them all...
Felix Gutierrez on Apr 26, 2006 at 03:21:46 said:
Elena:
Thanks for contacting me about this story. As I mentioned in the interview, the angle of the story is not what I've been hearing in Los Angeles, where Univision's El Piolin has spent a good portion of his program the last two mornings taking calls, hosting organizers, and urging listeners to show their support in whatever we they can, including the boycott, on May 1st. Rather than division among broadcasters, he's mentioned cities across the country where he has been in touch with other radio personalities and yesterday refused to be a part of criticism of those radio personalities who are supporting actions of something other than a boycott.
I hope you stick with this story and accurately report it as it develops. From what I see and hear the story is taking a much different course than the angle advanced in your story. If, as you report, Univision really "has prohibited its employees from publicizing the boycott", that edict is not being followed.
Felix F. Gutierrez
Professor of Journalism and Communication
Annenberg School for Communication
University of Southern California
Carolina on Apr 25, 2006 at 14:26:09 said:
Bueno, y ustedes (New America Media)
porqué no publican también en español
este periódico???
Aurelia Crater on Apr 25, 2006 at 11:28:03 said:
Marco Salazar,
Este poema fue escrito de mi parte para la jente hispana-americana
Se titula "Todos Somos Una Raza"
Aunque te clasifiques como un
Chicano, Mexicano, o Americano
No te olvides que todos somos una raza
La raza del humano
Y aunque hoy disfrutes
Bendiciones y riquezas
Recuerda que en este pais
existe tambien la miseria y la pobreza
Tu que tienes voz y tienes voto
Tienes un escudo muy valioso
Uasalo para protestar y divulgar
Leyes y propuestas inhumanas
Con demostraciones enfocadas en la paz
la victoria en nuestras manos hoy esta
Pon en practica las armas mas poderosas del pais
Que son el derecho de expresar y de hablar
Miraras que unidos Si Se Puede!
Ablandar corazones llenos de racismo y injusticia
Miraras que Si Se puede en este mundo
Estar unidos y tener un impacto muy profundo
Yo, Aurelia Crater, creadora y autora original de el poema "Todos Somos Una Raza", le doy a Marco Salazar el permiso de grabar este poema y que lo emite(broadcast)en la estacion de radio, La Voz.
Aurelia Crater
Jaime on Apr 25, 2006 at 10:04:45 said:
As a mexican immigrant i have mixed feelings about this situation. I cant understand why as we have to punish eleven million people, who just come here to work. Yes they crossed illegaly to this country, but who is to blame? Yet i believe it is unfair to us that went and are going through the process of becoming citizens legaly. I feel we should step back and look at this problem from another angle. I we want to look out for our fellow latinos, lets encourage them to do this right so that in the fututre dont have this problem.
AC3 Jaime Sanchez, US NAVY
Trino castro on Apr 25, 2006 at 05:08:45 said:
I find the comment about "Anglo search for objectivity" in la Opinion quite an oxymoron when applied generally to the media. More and more we see examples of how biased and non-objective the major networks and other forms of media are. Rent "Outfoxed" if you need a reminder.
Rod Guardiola on Apr 25, 2006 at 01:48:30 said:
The hispanic community is formed by all Latinos. The radio and tv stations are important to the community, but the need is mutual. If a station chooses money over the community's need and value, they will sufer the consecuenses
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