The fact that the news media has been, and to certain degree is still, predominantly reported by male, white reporters often results in stories not being told.
The CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California was founded in 1972. Its purpose was to encourage, to provide scholarships and educational programs for Latinos pursuing careers in the news media. It also wanted to foster an accurate and fair portrayal of Latinos in the news media, while promoting the social economic and professional advancement of Latino journalists.
Today, Thursday June, 6, the 14th Ruben Salazar Journalism Awards will take place. Six recipients of the this years scholarships will be announce at the dinner.
There will also be recognition of four veteran journalists. The honorees are Teresa Quevedo, KMEX Univision 34, Los Angeles; Robert Lopez, Los Angeles Times; Norberto Santana, Jr., investigative journalist and co-founder of Voice of OC in Orange County.
The fourth honoree is Luis Torres, a freelance journalist who reported for KNX Newsradio for more than 25 years. He joined the station in 1980, following graduate school at Columbia University where he received a master's degree in journalism. While working at KNX Newsradio he was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award, the duPoint-Columbia Award, the Edward R. Murrow Award and nine Golden Mike Awards.
"CCNMA is proud to honor Luis for his career achievements as a journalist and for giving back to the profession and to the Latino community by helping young Latino students interested in pursuing careers in journalism,", said Julio Morán, CCNMA executive director.
Torres, a Pasadena resident, has also supported local organizations and events by mentoring, editing, writing, and acting as host for events like Adelante Mujer Latina and the Latino Heritage Parade.
He is currently working on a book examining the 1968 East Los Angeles high school walkouts as well as a documentary film chronicling the history of the rock band Los Lobos. Torres was co-producer of their first recording, "Just Another Band from East L.A.".
Latino Heritage salutes those being honored this evening for dedication to work well done. They have made a difference in news media and we are richer for their labors.
For more information on the CCNMA and the event -
http://www.ccnma.org/
(424) 229-9482 or juliomoran@ccnma.org
