Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15th to October 15th each year, is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural contributions and diverse history of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Cable TV networks play a vital role in paying tribute to this vibrant heritage, bringing stories, voices, and entertainment to millions of nationwide viewers and hosting campaigns and initiatives that uplift and elevate Hispanic people.
Here are just a few highlights of those projects currently underway as the month-long celebration kicks off, and as the industry continually works towards building a more inclusive and enriched media landscape.
Disney
Disney Entertainment Television is celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month in partnership with Ghetto Film School, commissioning four talented alumni to craft a short film, “Yo Recuerdo/I Remember,” as a heartfelt homage to their Hispanic and Latin American heritage.
- The collaborative effort demonstrates Disney’s commitment to empowering emerging filmmakers.
- Each of the alumni filmmakers was provided with an array of production resources, including video equipment, graphic designers, and editing facilities, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.
- They were also paired with mentors from various specialties within Disney Entertainment Television to guide them in their chosen career paths.
- The film will be shared on Disney Entertainment Television’s digital platforms and on Hulu throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.
Telemundo and NBCUniversal
Telemundo and NBCUniversal just released the next iteration of its bilingual multiplatform campaign, “Be the Next Story Told” (El Futuro Lo Escribes Tú), which recognizes contributions of Hispanics in the U.S.
- “Be the Next Story Told” encourages all Latinos to actively participate in shaping their narrative by sharing their personal stories, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for generations to come.
- The campaign’s celebratory anthem spot on NBC’s TODAY and Telemundo’s “Hoy Día,” followed by a widespread social media presence across the NBCUniversal portfolio, features an original song delivering an uplifting message in both English and Spanish.
- Subsequent weeks will center on various themes, including heritage, contributions, culture, and diversity, fostering a month-long celebration of Hispanic heritage and identity.
Noticias Telemundo will also feature special weekly stories showcasing Latino contributions to the arts, business, culture and sports. And in partnership with Axios, Telemundo is co-hosting the second annual Axios Latino Visionarios event today in Los Angeles, which will include deep-dive interviews with prominent Latino newsmakers across entertainment, policy and culture.
TelevisaUnivision
TelevisaUnivision inaugurates Hispanic Heritage Month today by paying tribute to Mexico through its two-hour special, VIVA MÉXICO, FIESTA MEXICANA, airing tonight at 11:50 pm ET/PT/CT.
- Hosting this celebration live from Mexico City are Alan Tacher, host of DESPIERTA AMÉRICA, and Michelle Galván, host of PRIMER IMPACTO, who will commemorate the 213th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence.
- The evening will feature performances by renowned Mexican regional music artists along with other prominent stars to celebrate the Mexican culture.
TelevisaUnivision also just announced the relaunch of its national campaign, ¡Hazte Ciudadano! (Become a Citizen!).
- The objective of the campaign is to support and educate Hispanics on the path to U.S. citizenship and to encourage them to actively participate in their civic responsibilities during the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.
- TelevisaUnivision’s SVP of Social Impact and Sustainability, Teri Arvesu Gonzalez, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to empowering and enhancing the lives of the Hispanic community, stating, “Becoming a citizen is possibly the single-most important step for any immigrant to be represented and shape the future of the United States.”
