Webwire:
The AOL Huffington Post Media Group, a leading source of news, opinion, entertainment, community and digital information, announced today the launch of HuffPost LatinoVoices, a new online community for bicultural Hispanic Americans. Gabriel Lerner, formerly News Editor of La Opinión, is Senior News Editor. Miguel Ferrer is Managing Editor. Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief of AOL Huffington Post Media Group, made the announcement.
"This is truly a Latino moment. Hispanic Americans – 50 million strong and counting – are both the largest and the fastest growing minority in the country. And with 32 million Hispanics online, they are among the most wired and connected groups in the country" said Arianna Huffington. "Yet, at the same time, we are witnessing the scapegoating of Hispanics in Arizona and elsewhere, and an immigration policy that runs contrary to the very principles at the foundation of America. HuffPost LatinoVoices will cover both halves of the narrative"
Said Gabriel Lerner: "The launch of HuffPost LatinoVoices has the potential of becoming an important step in the history of Latino journalism in the United States. It signals a serious commitment to the fastest growing and largest minority community in the country – a community united by language, common history, and culture that is also vying for recognition and respect to ensure that millions of its members can freely integrate in our society and contribute to this nation"
HuffPost LatinoVoices offers an authentic Hispanic American perspective on current events and cultural trends from the U.S., Central and South America, Europe, and around the globe. From politics, immigration and education, to culture, celebrity, and health, the site incorporates The Huffington Post’s signature mix of dynamic storytelling, must-see video, and penetrating investigative reporting.
The English-language HuffPost LatinoVoices complements and integrates with the Spanish-language AOL Latino, sharing an editorial team and publishing platform. The individual but cross-pollinated sites reflect the state of Hispanic America and cater to the fast-growing, increasingly influential population of bilingual/bicultural Hispanics – an audience that gets its information and entertainment in either language on its own terms.
The site will offer a number of ongoing features that cover the great expanse of Hispanic American culture from every perspective. "Vistas" will offer pointed and poignant perspectives on the major stories of the week, discussing reactions and interpretations by the Latino community. "Immigrant US" shares personal stories of Hispanic immigrants who came either documented or undocumented to the U.S. to shape their own lives and the country. In "… with Abuelita" writers will share their experiences of cooking, singing, dancing, and living life with their grandmothers and the traditions passed down through generations. "I Know I’m Latino When" will feature Hispanic celebrities sharing personal stories about moments in their lives when they strongly felt their innate Hispanicness.
HuffPost LatinoVoices features well-known Latino American experts, leaders and personalities as regular bloggers expressing opinions and ideas in real-time about whatever stirs their passions. Well-known bloggers on HuffPost LatinoVoices will include Eva Longoria, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens Margaret Moran, President and Founder of Nacional Records Tomás Cookman, comedian Bill Santiago, and many more.
Said Miguel Ferrer: "The launch of HuffPost LatinoVoices will tell the story of the sea change occurring in the U.S. today. The Latino community’s rapid growth over the last 10 years has been accompanied by claims for a rightful seat at the table, as well as a commitment to shared responsibility for the future well-being of the U.S. In this environment, HuffPost LatinoVoices brings the authentic voices and unique perspectives of the Hispanic community on local, national and global issues, events and personalities"
"With HuffPost LatinoVoices, advertisers can reach bicultural influencers and early adopters. Advertisers have access to high-impact formats including video and dynamic targeting opportunities through the AOL Huffington Post Media Group’s network of sites" said Derek J. Murphy, General Manager, Multicultural of AOL Huffington Post Media Group. "In addition to building a vocal community of readers and commenters, we will offer a wide range of media and marketing services with a variety of opportunities for advertisers, sponsors and business partners"
