Press Release

Univision’s Teresa Rodriguez to host NAHJ’s Noche de Triunfos Gala

Media Contact: Daniela Montalvo (202) 662-7152

Washington, D.C. - NAHJ is proud to announce the winners of its 2005 ñ and Journalism Awards that honor excellent journalism that serves the Latino community and outstanding journalists who have covered stories ranging from the aftermath of a war-ravaged Central America to the fall of business giant Enron.

The winners will be honored at NAHJ's Noche de Triunfos Journalism Awards Gala Sept. 15 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

NAHJ is honored to once again hold this prestigious event during Hispanic Heritage Month. Noche de Triunfos is an evening devoted to honoring Latino journalists, exemplary news coverage of the Latino community, and leadership in efforts to achieve newsroom diversity and fair coverage.

The awarded works cover a wide range of topics relevant to Latinos, both in the U.S. and abroad. Some of the meritorious work that is to be honored includes brutal photo essays of the tragic plight of immigrants crossing into the U.S., stories about the rash of murders of women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, disparities in health care for Latinos in the U.S., and in-depth reports on the continuing struggles of war-ravaged regions in Central America.

This year's gala will be hosted by Teresa Rodriguez, co-host of Univision’s Aquí y Ahora. Rodriguez has worked with Univision for over twenty years and is the recipient of 11 Emmy awards for her news specials, investigative reports and features. In addition to Aquí y Ahora, Rodriguez writes a weekly news article for Univision.com and is the host of three daily radio segments aired on the national radio network LBC (Latino Broadcasting Company).

Geraldo Rivera, senior correspondent for Fox News, will serve as the honorary gala chair. Award presenters include NBC News correspondent Carl Quintanilla and Macarena Hernandez, editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News.

"We are proud to pay tribute to these journalists whose work provides our society with a greater understanding of issues affecting the Latino community,” said NAHJ Executive Director Iván Román. “The numbers show that there is so little of this valuable coverage in print and on the air. With Noche de Triunfos, we make sure that the accomplishments of these distinguished journalists are not overlooked.”

Last year’s gala attracted about 300 people who heard the winners tell inspirational stories and anecdotes about their work, which was dominated by the effects of Latino participation in the war in Iraq and contentious debate over immigration and border policies. This year’s event promises to be just as inspiring and a valuable part of NAHJ’s efforts to highlight and push for fair coverage of the country’s Latinos.

For information on purchasing tables, tickets or other sponsorship opportunities for this year’s event, please contact Azuree Salazar, NAHJ Development Director, at (202) 662-7482 or asalazar@nahj.org. Sponsors to date include: Freddie Mac (platinum sponsor), Hearst Newspapers, The New York Times, and Univision.

ñ AWARD WINNERS

The ñ Awards honor journalists for their professional achievements and their leadership in bringing greater awareness to issues affecting the Latino community.

Leadership Award – Paul Heebink – General Manager – KYMA-TV – Yuma, Arizona

Through his leadership, Paul Heebink has ensured that his television station in Yuma, AZ reflects the community it serves, both through news coverage and the diversity of its staff. Heebink has hired a Hispanic news director, people of color make up 50% of his staff, and the station provides Spanish-language viewers with up-to-date news and information in Spanish. Heebink has provided the industry with a model that should be emulated throughout the country, especially in communities with a great concentration of residents of color.

Broadcast Journalist of the Year – Vince Gonzales – Correspondent – CBS News – Los Angeles, California

Vince Gonzales’ portfolio of work is one of the most impressive in the broadcast industry. In 2004, his exposé of the Enron electricity scandal demonstrated his skill as an investigative journalist. Gonzales uncovered proof that Enron employees were stealing money from consumers during the West Coast energy crisis. His journalistic work led to one of the biggest business stories in US history and the eventual fall of Enron.

Frank del Olmo Print Journalist of the Year – Maria Luisa Arredondo – Latin American Editor – La Opinión – Los Angeles, California

Maria Luisa Arredondo was selected for her outstanding coverage of Latino issues both in the United States and in Latin America. Her retrospective of the Mendez vs. Westminster case thoughtfully explained the social struggles of the Latino community in Orange County, California. Her examination of the ongoing struggle of Latinos to rectify injustices in the education system was not only relevant, but inspired substantive debate.

Frank del Olmo was an associate editor and columnist at the Los Angeles Times, one of the founders of the California Chicano News Media Association and member of NAHJ's Hall of Fame. Del Olmo passed away in February 2004. NAHJ offers this award in his name as a tribute to his outstanding career and his contributions to Latinos and the news industry.

Emerging Journalist of the Year Award – Juliana Barbassa – Reporter – Associated Press – Fresno, California

Juliana Barbassa has proven to be an accomplished journalist, despite her young career. From covering farm worker stories to breaking news in California’s central valley, this Fresno-based journalist has provided fresh perspectives on Hispanics and health care, illegal immigrants and drivers licenses, and the consequences of pesticide use for farm workers. She has already set a high standard for herself and the public will be the benefactor of this young journalist’s work and career.

JOURNALISM AWARD WINNERS

The NAHJ Journalism Awards honor Latino journalists for excellence in their specialized fields of work or any journalist for their outstanding coverage of the Latino community.

Print – Commentary
Latina magazine – “What’s wrong with this picture?” This commentary strongly questions the stereotypical portrayal of Latin women in Spanish-language programming. The commentary emphasizes the need to examine our own coverage before we criticize the mainstream media.

Print – Breaking News
Jeorge Zarazua, San Antonio Express-News – “Piedras Negras Flooding”

Print – Investigative News
Manny Garcia and Jason Grotto, The Miami Herald - "Justice Withheld" this story examined the social and racial injustices associated with Florida legislators passing a law that allows judges to block the convictions of felony offenders, sparing them a life of potential economic hardship and the scorn associated with being convicted felons.

Print – Feature
Beatriz Terrazas, The Dallas Morning News - "Spitfires"

Print – Design
Elio Leturia, Detroit Free Press - “6th Man Mojo Guide” This layout featured a how-to guide on being the ultimate Detroit Pistons fan.

Television – Feature
Julio Cesar Ortiz, Vicente Cano, Jose Luis Palomino, KTVW-TV, Univisión, Phoenix - “Verano de Lagrimas". This story described the tragic and unsolved border murder of a family of eight.

Television – Documentary
Maria Hinojosa, Kimberly Arp Babbit, Blake Luce, CNN, CNN Presents - “Immigrant Nation, Divided Country”

Television – Investigative News
Cristina Londoño, Maday Rodriguez, Carlos Calvo, Caridad Rubido, Tony Somoza, Peter Lopez, Telemundo/NBC, Sin Fronteras - "Violencia en Puerto Rico”

Television – Breaking News
Connie Magaña, Gabriel Huerta, Rodolfo Hernandez, Griselda Gutierrez, Manuel Cisco, KVEA-TV Telemundo –“Mexican Consulate Shooting”

Radio – Reporting
Maria Martin, Gracias Vida Productions, Austin, TX - “Despues de las guerras: Central America after the wars”

Photo - News
Kelly Presnell, The Arizona Daily Star – “Heat Death”

Photo – Story
Peggy Peattie, The San-Diego Union Tribune - “Rugged Routes, Deadly Risks”

Online
Sergio Machado, AOL Latino, “De la Hoya vs. Hopkins”

Guillermo Martínez-Márquez Award for Latin American Reporting
Yvette Cabrera and Minerva Canto, Columnists, The Orange County Register –“The Women of Juárez”