Page 3110

Alpina Foods Invests In Avena Oat Smoothie Line

0
Alpina Avena Product Line in Spanish Packaging





Alpina Foods Invests In Avena Oat Smoothie Line

The South American favorite goes beyond tradition with expansion of flavors and enhanced packaging


MIAMI, Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Alpina Avena, a traditional, creamy, oat-based dairy beverage, has been a staple in many Latin American homes for centuries. In recent years, Latin American foods have increasingly grown in popularity across the Americas as consumers look for new and exciting flavors. This widespread trend, along with consumers’ continued interest in convenient and healthy meal options, has led Alpina Foods to expand its Alpina Avena line of oat smoothies. This month, the company is introducing new packaging and flavors of the 18-year-old product line.

Alpina Avena Product Line

Alpina’s recipe follows the generations-old tradition of El Espinal, a region in the company’s home country of Colombia. As Bogota resident Damaris Suta reminisced, “When I was a kid, we went to the market in Espinal to drink cold oatmeal. That is a tradition, you drink it cold and it is a great refreshment.”

Alpina began manufacturing Avena in Colombia in 1996. The first mass-produced oatmeal drink, Avena quickly became a top-selling brand of oat-based drinks in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and widely accepted across Central America. The traditional beverage is a family staple, with parents and children alike drinking Avena as part of a healthy diet to their kids for generations. With 170 calories, five grams of protein, and 15% of an adult’s recommended daily allowance of calcium per serving, Alpina Avena is a delicious recipe that satisfies hunger on-the-go or at home. 

“Alpina Foods brings nearly 75 years’ worth of dairy experience to our operations here in the U.S.,” said Gustavo Badino, Alpina Foods’ general manager. “But we also bring an unparalleled understanding of Latin American flavors and traditions, and we’re excited to bring them together to offer an expanded line of Alpina Avena to consumers nationwide.”

Avena’s new packaging, shelf-stable tetra packs, incorporates bold colors that stand out in-store. The design highlights the flavors, and in a nod to its heritage, all Alpina Avena packaging features one side in English, the other in Spanish.

Alpina Avena is available in original, light and cinnamon, as well as new flavors dulce de leche, strawberry, and chocolate. All flavors are available in 8.4-ounce (250 mL) tetra packs, and original and cinnamon are also available in a 32-ounce size. Avena is sold in select regional and independent retailers including WalMart, Winn Dixie and Publix in South Florida; Fiesta Markets in Houston; Western Beef in New York/New Jersey; and nationwide in independent retailers as well as select WalMart, Stop & Shop, and ShopRite stores.

For more information about Alpina, visit www.alpina.com or email [email protected].

For More Information:

Jamie Frumusa
585-683-5439
[email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Andres Cantor, Iconic Telemundo Sports Anchor, Ruben Mendiola, President mun2, And Gary Zenkel, President NBC Olympics, Discuss Future Of Olympics, FIFA World Cup And More At Hispanic Television Summit

0
Andrés Cantor, Anchor, Telemundo; Rubén Mendiola, President, mun2; Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics, and President, Operations & Strategy, NBC Sports Group





Andres Cantor, Iconic Telemundo Sports Anchor, Ruben Mendiola, President mun2, And Gary Zenkel, President NBC Olympics, Discuss Future Of Olympics, FIFA World Cup And More At Hispanic Television Summit

PRESENTED BY BROADCASTING & CABLE AND MULTICHANNEL NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2014
NEW YORK CITY


NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Andres Cantor, the iconic sports anchor and analyst at Telemundo, Ruben Mendiola, President of mun2, and Gary Zenkel, President of NBC Olympics and President of Operations & Strategy, NBC Sports Group, will take part in a keynote discussion — “Going for the Next Goal”— on how future telecasts of the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup will impact Hispanic viewers at the 12th Annual Hispanic Television Summit on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at the New York Marriott Marquis. This annual event is presented by leading television business publications Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140808/134781

The Hispanic Television Summit is the signature annual event for those in the business of video and television intended for Hispanic audiences. It attracts over 500 top executives in television distribution, programming, production, advertising, marketing, research, technology and finance from the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

The session will focus on how the Hispanic TV viewing audience has proven its influence with networks and sponsors, especially with regard to the two biggest sports properties: the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. The three guests will discuss network plans for the future designed to increase options for Hispanic viewers that will incorporate sponsors. 

“This is a unique opportunity to get multiple perspectives on the future of sports television for Latino viewers,” said Louis Hillelson, Vice President and Group Publisher of Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News. “The discussion will be especially worthwhile for our attendees since each of these individuals are well-regarded and accomplished within their own field of expertise in the sports television business.” 

Hillelson added, “Andres Cantor is one of the most iconic sports casters in America. He was presented with the Achievement in Hispanic Television Award at the 2nd Annual Hispanic Television Summit, so it’s a special honor for us to have him return this year.” Other past recipients of The Award for Achievement in Hispanic Television include on-air personalities Don Francisco and Cristina Saralegui; network news anchors Jorge Ramos, Maria Celeste Arraras, Maria Elena Salinas and Jose Diaz Balart; sports celebrity Oscar De La Hoya; and advertising executives Monica Gadsby of SMG and Edgar Sandoval of P&G.

The Hispanic Television Summit is produced by The Schramm Marketing Group, which is based in New York City.

To register now and save $50 (offer good through September 12, 2014), please visit: http://hispanictvsummit.com/ or contact Jennifer Ware at 917-281-4718 or [email protected]

To inquire about speaking opportunities, contact Joseph Schramm at 212-983-0219 or [email protected]

To sponsor, contact Louis Hillelson at 917-281-4730 or [email protected]

About Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News serve the television industry with respected, industry-leading websites, weekly print publications, daily e-newsletters and events. Broadcasting & Cable covers the broadcast, cable and syndication markets, while Multichannel News focuses on programming, marketing, finance and more for the cable and telecommunications industries.

Contact: Joe Schramm, 212-983-0219, [email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Western Dental Announces New Executive Clinical Leadership

0






Western Dental Announces New Executive Clinical Leadership

Ronald E. Inge, D.D.S. Welcomed to Western Dental as New Chief Dental Officer

Louis J. Amendola, D.D.S. to Lead New Office of Oral Health Care Research


LOS ANGELES, Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Western Dental, one of the nation’s leaders in accessible, affordable oral healthcare, named two senior leaders in dentistry to their organization. Ronald E. Inge, D.D.S., a nationally respected dental professional, is named Chief Dental Officer and Louis J. Amendola, D.D.S. will lead the company’s new Office of Oral Health Care Research as Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs.

Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Inge, will be responsible for guiding and enhancing Western Dental’s clinical quality programs. Western Dental has entered a new phase of development in its more than 180 affiliated clinics throughout California, Arizona and Nevada, as well as supporting its affiliated dental group Brident Dental & Orthodontics in Texas. Dr. Inge is a well-known and esteemed professional with over 33 years of dental experience, and 18 years of innovative leadership within the dental industry. He has championed efforts to publicize advanced solutions for many of the current challenges to improving oral health care.

Dr. Amendola, a multi-skilled dental professional with more than 30 years of experience in the dental field both as a practicing dentist and as a leader of Western Dental’s quality management team, will lead the company’s clinical affairs as Senior Vice President. In this new role, Dr. Amendola will head the development of standards of clinical practice and research projects for improvement in oral health care. He will focus on furthering strategic projects, enabling Western Dental to move oral health care forward, while bringing cutting-edge knowledge and training to Western Dental’s clinical staff and office.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Inge to the Western Dental family and proud to have Dr. Amendola lead our new clinical department,” said Simon Castellanos, CEO of Western Dental. “I am confident that their combined experience and institutional knowledge, as well as their unsurpassed integrity will be immense assets as we continue to build the exceptional quality of care and service that we provide to our patients every day.”

Prior to joining Western Dental, Dr. Inge was the Dental Director and Vice President of Professional Services at Delta Dental of Washington. Before Delta Dental, Dr. Inge held numerous leadership positions for the American Dental Association (ADA), Aetna Dental, PMI Dental Health Plan/Delta Dental of California, and DentiCare of California. While in these roles he provided strategic leadership in policy development and implementation. In addition, he was instrumental in conveying the importance of medical/dental integration, as well as initiating studies of integrated care models between medical and oral health. Dr. Inge also has 14 years of private clinical experience.

“I am honored to join the Western Dental family. The company’s vision to be the industry leader in delivering quality oral health care is in perfect alignment with my vision as a dental professional,” said Dr. Inge.

Dr. Inge holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Stanford University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California Los Angeles. He has earned executive leadership accreditations from Seattle University, Stanford University and Harvard University. Dr. Inge is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, the Santa Fe Group, and the Dr. Edwards B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund.

Dr. Amendola has been influential in directing Western Dental’s highly regarded quality assurance program and has supervised many activities to improve the oral health of Western Dental’s patients and enrollees. Before joining Western Dental, Dr. Amendola maintained a private practice, practiced in large group dental practice, and led quality management teams for dental benefits providers in California and neighboring states. He is known for successfully integrating quality assurance into dental benefits programs and large group dental practice operations.

Dr. Amendola will also work closely with universities, starting with the University of California, San Francisco, in a series of innovative research projects, which will lead to the development of new standards of care for oral health and the advancement of evidence-based dentistry.

Dr. Amendola holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Irvine, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California. Over the years, he has presented numerous dental education courses on a variety of topics including pediatric dentistry, periodontics, implant dentistry, endodontics, diagnosis and treatment planning, and risk avoidance.

ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL:
One of the nation’s largest dental providers, Western Dental (with its affiliate, Brident Dental & Orthodontics) is the leader in accessible, affordable oral health care, providing comprehensive business support services to and serving more than 750,000 patients annually in over 180 affiliated clinics throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, as well in Texas (operating as Brident Dental & Orthodontics). Informed by the latest research, Western Dental is committed to delivering high-quality general, orthodontic and specialty dental services in state-of-the art facilities. For more information please visit WesternDental.com and Brident.com.

All of Western Dental’s services are backed by a unique Quality Assurance Management System (QAMS) that electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality dental care.

 


Speed Stick® GEAR™ And Filmmaker Devin SuperTramp Create World’s Largest Zipline In Extreme Stunt

0





Speed Stick® GEAR™ And Filmmaker Devin SuperTramp Create World’s Largest Zipline In Extreme Stunt


NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Speed Stick® GEAR™ team and one of the internet’s most exciting filmmakers, Devin Graham, AKA Devin SuperTramp, released a video of one of the most extreme stunts the world as ever seen – World’s Largest Urban Zipline

In his latest video, Graham along with his fearless film team and a crew of six professional BASE jumpers, traveled to Panama City where the high-flying jumpers zipped down from the top of a 700-foot, water-front, building before releasing themselves from their ziplines and landing on a Speed Stick® GEAR™-branded base via parachute. The team set records for the longest and highest zipline from a building over water, as well as the length and height record for BASE jump from dual ziplines.

“Ever since I was a kid, I was borrowing my parents’ camera to get the shots that no one else could and have continued this passion ever since,” said Graham. “This shoot was no exception.  I’m thrilled that Speed Stick GEAR presented me with this challenge – my greatest one yet.” 

It is this dedication and passion that differentiates Graham from other filmmakers. His video releases have become highly anticipated among his 2.2+ million subscribers. One lucky fan even had the opportunity to travel to Panama City to see Devin SuperTramp film the World’s Largest Urban Zipline stunt first-hand this summer. In partnership with Speed Stick® GEAR™, @devinsupertramp tweeted a series of clues prompting fans to guess this stunt using #GEARChallenge; the winner went with Devin and team on-location for the shoot.

“As a young, creative and emerging filmmaker, Devin aligns perfectly with our brand story,” said Bill Van De Graaf, Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Personal Care, Colgate-Palmolive. “We’re so excited to connect consumers with Speed Stick® GEAR™ by capturing and sharing Devin’s personal experience making his next groundbreaking film.”

Speed Stick® GEAR™ is a new line of antiperspirants with DRYCORE™ technology designed for advanced performance, keeping guys dry even in the most pulse-inducing conditions imaginable – like filming one of the most extreme stunts the world has ever seen. 

New Speed Stick® GEAR™ is now available at mass retail and grocery stores nationwide.  To learn more about Speed Stick® GEAR™ products, please visit www.speedstick.com.  

Follow DevinSuperTramp on Twitter at @devinsupertramp, like on Facebook at facebook.com/devinsupertramp and subscribe to the YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/devinsupertramp.

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on oral care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world, under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive’s global business, visit the Company’s website at www.Colgate.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®, Colgate’s global oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com.

About Fullscreen
Fullscreen is the first media company powering the creation and sharing of video with the connected generation through technology and premium services. 425 million subscribers generate more than 3.5 billion video views across Fullscreen’s global network each month. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company was founded in January 2011 by CEO George Strompolos, a co-creator of the original YouTube Partner Program. Fullscreen’s network includes top creative talent, including: The Fine Brothers, filmmaker Devin SuperTramp, super-group O2L and recording artist Sam Tsui. Please visit Fullscreen.com for additional information.


Major League Soccer To Be Honored For Leadership In Hispanic Television By Broadcasting & Cable And Multichannel News At Hispanic TV Summit Thursday, October 2, New York City

0
Don Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer and Chief Executive Officer, Soccer United Marketing.





Major League Soccer To Be Honored For Leadership In Hispanic Television By Broadcasting & Cable And Multichannel News At Hispanic TV Summit Thursday, October 2, New York City


NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Major League Soccer (MLS), the Division I professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, will be honored with the Award for Leadership in Hispanic Television in the programming category at the 12th Annual Hispanic Television Summit to be presented at the New York Marriott Marquis on Thursday, October 2, 2014 by leading television business publications Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140711/126452

“Hispanic fans have always been a top priority for Major League Soccer. From the very first season in 1996, the league has been telecast on Hispanic programming networks,” said Louis Hillelson, Vice President/Group Publisher of Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News. “MLS is the only major sports league to have launched with a secured TV rights deal that served Hispanic viewers, which is why MLS is being honored.”

MLS is officially sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and currently operates 19 teams, of which 16 are in the U.S. and three in Canada. The league will expand to 21 teams by next (2015) season. Additionally, Soccer United Marketing (SUM), which is Major League Soccer’s commercial entity, promotes numerous international soccer events in the U.S. of high interest to Hispanic fans, including the Mexican National team, U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF’s Gold Cup Championship.

The Award for Leadership in Hispanic Television will be accepted by Don Garber, the league’s Commissioner, at a luncheon ceremony during the Hispanic Television Summit. Over the past 11 years, the Summit has developed an outstanding reputation as the signature annual conference for those in the business of TV and video intended for Hispanic viewers. This year, it is anticipated that nearly 600 executives will attend from the U.S., Latin America and Europe. They represent broadcasters, pay TV providers, over-the-top digital providers, programming networks, production companies, advertisers, ad agencies, technology suppliers, research firms and more.

This is the first of three awards that will be presented at the Awards Luncheon. The others are the Leadership Award in recognition of a content provider, which has previously been presented to Comcast and Time Warner Cable, and the other is the Award for Achievement in Hispanic Television, which has been presented in the past to on-air personalities Don Francisco and Cristina Saralegui; network news anchors Jorge Ramos, Maria Celeste Arraras, Maria Elena Salinas and Jose Diaz Balart; sports celebrity Oscar De La Hoya; soccer announcer Andres Cantor; and advertising executives Monica Gadsby of SMG and Edgar Sandoval of P&G.

The Hispanic Television Summit is produced by The Schramm Marketing Group, which is based in New York City.

To register now and save $50 (offer good through September 12, 2014), please visit: http://hispanictvsummit.com/ or contact Jennifer Ware at 917-281-4718 or [email protected]

To inquire about speaking opportunities, contact Joseph Schramm at 212-983-0219 or [email protected]

To sponsor, contact Jason Greenblatt at 917-281-4726 or [email protected]

About Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News

Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News serve the television industry with respected, industry-leading websites, weekly print publications, daily e-newsletters and events. Broadcasting & Cable covers the broadcast, cable and syndication markets, while Multichannel News focuses on programming, marketing, finance and more for the cable and telecommunications industries.

Contact: Joe Schramm, 212-983-0219, [email protected]

NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution image is available at: http://hispanicprwire.com/en/multimedia/


Georgia Power helps customers fight summer heat

0





Georgia Power helps customers fight summer heat

Company offers energy efficiency resources, bill payment assistance as high temperatures return to Georgia in August


ATLANTA, Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As the heat of the Georgia summer returns following a period of cooler weather, Georgia Power is reminding customers that focusing on energy efficiency can help keep their homes cool and reduce the impact of the hot weather on power bills. As part of continued efforts to help customers save energy and money, the company has made it easy to find energy efficiency solutions and advice at www.GeorgiaPower.com and is sharing tips and advice throughout the summer on Twitter using the hashtag #SaveEnergy.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO

Some of the summer-specific tips available from Georgia Power include:

  • See the SEER. When purchasing a window- or wall-mounted cooling unit, choose a model with the highest possible Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit.
  • Maximize your flow. Change or clean air conditioner filters regularly to maximize efficiency and keep air vents clear of any obstructions, like furniture or drapes.
  • Cool air belongs inside. Sealing doors and windows to stop air leaks can lower bills by up to 10 percent. Adding additional attic insulation can also improve efficiency and reduce bills.
  • Keep a lid on it. Covering pots and pans when cooking not only helps cook food more efficiently, but reduces “heat buildup” in your home.
  • Film your windows. Installing solar or “reflective film” on windows can block a large portion of incoming sunlight, reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

Other programs and services available at www.GeorgiaPower.com include a free online energy checkup, the ability to schedule a free in-home energy audit and access to a variety of rebates and incentives which can make energy efficiency improvements even more cost effective for home owners and businesses. Additionally, the company’s My Power Usage program, a free service connected to Georgia Power online accounts, allows customers to track their daily energy use online, project their month bill and stay within a set energy budget by signing up for account notifications.

Even with energy efficiency and careful planning, higher temperatures can mean higher bills. If customers need assistance paying their bill, Georgia Power is here to help. The company works with customers to coordinate payment arrangements and can connect them with community organizations which may be able to help them pay their bill. Additional information about bill payment assistance is available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/assistance, via phone at 888-660-5890 or by visiting a local Georgia Power office.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, advanced coal and natural gas, renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind, as well as a variety of energy efficiency programs. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).


Vme TV Takes Viewers to Madagascar, a Natural Paradise

0





Vme TV Takes Viewers to Madagascar, a Natural Paradise

Planeta Feroz special takes viewers to Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot


MIAMI, Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Vme TV, the only national Spanish-language television network affiliated with public television stations, is taking viewers on the trip of a lifetime to the island of Madagascar, a natural paradise in Southeast Africa, widely known for its diverse ecosystems and impressive variety of native plants and animals. Audiences can explore this biodiversity hotspot with “Madagascar” on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 5 p.m. E/P.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131031/FL07950LOGO

Explorer, ecologist, filmmaker and scientist, Massimo Simion travels to Madagascar to show the true wonders of what is commonly referred to as the “eighth continent.” The island, which is considered endangered due to its rapidly growing number of human inhabitants, is a geographically isolated bio diverse location that boasts a 90 percent rate of endemic species and growing.

“Madagascar” is the newest addition to Vme TV’s Planeta Feroz lineup, a special series developed with programming from educational networks such as PBS, BBC, and NatGeo, carefully curated for Vme TV audiences. Planeta Feroz introduces viewers to the wonders of Mother Nature by showcasing the world’s most exceptional habitats. The series forms part of Vme TV’s mission to provide inspiring programming for Hispanic Americans in the United States by engaging them in a superior learning experience that is entertaining for the entire family.

Available in 43 markets and reaching more than 70 million households in the United States, Vme TV is available through Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network and AT&T U-verse among other local cable companies. To find your local channel or to learn more about Vme TV, visit www.vmetv.com or follow us on social media via www.facebook.com/vmetv or www.twitter.com/vmetv.

ABOUT VME TELEVISION

Vme TV (pronounced veh-meh), is the first national Spanish-language television network in association with public television stations. Reaching more than 70 million households in the United States, Vme TV is broadcast in 43 markets by PBS stations and is available on DIRECTV, DISH Network, AT&T U-verse, as well as major cable companies including Comcast. The 24-hour digital broadcast service is dedicated to entertain, educate and inspire families in Spanish with a contemporary mix of original productions, exclusive premieres, acquisitions, and popular public television programs specially adapted for Hispanics. To find your local channel or to learn more about Vme TV, visit www.vmetv.com (http://www.vmetv.com/mediakit) or follow us on social media via www.facebook.com/vmetv or www.twitter.com/vmetv.


Radio Bilingue Slates English & Spanish National Forums Live from Texas: “Latinos & the College Dream” – Tuesday, August 19, 2014

0





Radio Bilingue Slates English & Spanish National Forums Live from Texas: “Latinos & the College Dream” – Tuesday, August 19, 2014


OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The aspirations and barriers to higher education for Latinos in South Texas and the nation will be the theme of back-to-back community forums – one in English and one in Spanish – broadcast live nationally on August 19, 2014 5-9 CDT by the Radio Bilingue (RB) National Latino Public Radio Network.  The live Linea Abierta/Open Line specials are part of RB’s series Diploma en Mano/Diploma in Hand, supported by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s initiative American Graduate – Let’s Make it Happen!

Airing from the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA) in Edinburg, TX – third in the nation in Latinos enrolled and degrees awarded to Latinos – the forums will set Texas as the stage for a national dialogue about Latino college track issues including the growing student debt crisis nationally. The public is invited to attend and share comments with expert panelists.  Hosts will be veteran public media journalist Richard Gonzales for the English dialogue from 5-7 CDT and RB’s Linea Abierta national host Graciela “Chelis” Lopez for the Spanish segment from 7-9 CDT.

Up for discussion: How is Texas helping Latino students realize the college dream, including solutions to escalating costs that preclude many and saddle others with staggering debt?  Confirmed guest stakeholders from the South Texas college community include administrators, faculty, students, educational researchers and advocates, and community groups from Brownsville, San Marcos, San Antonio, McAllen, Edcouch and San Juan, TX.

RB is the leading producer of national journalism in Spanish in public media, with 12 owned stations and 100 affiliates in the U.S.  In Texas the forums will air live on RB’s KRZU FM 90.7 Batesville-Crystal City, TX, and on partner public stations KXJT FM 88.3 FM Rio Grande City, KMBH FM 88.9 FM Harlingen and KHID 88.1 FM McAllen.  The forums will also air on all RB stations and participating affiliates nationally and stream live at radiobilingue.org, with two hours rebroadcast on Aug. 20 at 12 noon PT on RB’s Linea Abierta/Open Line national talk show.

Forum location is the International Trade and Technology (ITT) Building of UTPA, 1201 W. University Dr., Edinburg, TX 78539.