A robust discussion of critical issues related to this year’s Latino vote will highlight the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists 2016 Media/Communications Professional Development Workshop.
SAAHJ invites all journalists and communications professionals — working and in school — to join us for an informative and enlightening event on Saturday, April 16, at Texas A&M University at San Antonio. The event will begin at 8 a.m. with registration, breakfast and networking, followed by welcoming remarks from TAMUSA President Cynthia Teniente-Matson at 9 a.m. and the plenary panel discussion at 9:30 a.m. Other breakout sessions will follow, and the event will end with lunch and more networking. The cost is $20 for working journalists and communications professionals and $10 for students (plus minimal processing fees). Click here to purchase your registration today!
“Presidential Elections and the Latino Vote” — the featured plenary session, moderated by local TV journalist Dillon Collier — will provide an examination of how the largest minority group in the United States is impacting American political parties and the 2016 presidential election. Every month, 66,000 U.S. Latinos turn 18 and become eligible to vote. Although their turnout during other elections has been panned as low and unable to make significant impact, Latino candidates, voters and operatives continue to organize throughout the country. In November’s presidential and congressional elections, their participation has been called key. How they turn out, which candidates will best connect with them, what issues will galvanize them and what organizations will organize to coax them to the polls are some of the major questions political experts are discussing as Republican and Democratic candidates press on toward Nov. 2.
Panelists for the plenary session will include Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, experts on demographics and voting trends, as well as elected officials and/or candidates for elected office, offering an exchange of ideas and viewpoints on the top issues that drive Latino voters, the impact of citizenship among Latin immigrants who become eligible to vote, what can be done to get Latinos to the polls and related issues.
Other panels and seminars will include the following topic areas:
- “Overcoming Cultural Barriers” — Even when Latino journalists are afforded a true level playing field for getting hired and advancing in journalism, there are cultural barriers that in many instances prevent or deter them from even trying. Hear from successful veteran and younger Latino journalists about how they encountered such barriers and overcame them.
- “Effective Networking” — Panel is geared toward public relations and corporate communications professionals, although journalists can learn a few things from it also.
- “Smartphone Photography and Video” — You’re at your assignment, and the photographer or video camera operator has just texted you: “Flat tire. Sorry.” Thank goodness you have your smartphone. This will be a hands-on seminar on how to get the most out of that lifesaving mini-computer in your pocket.
- “Freedom of Information Act” — Utilizing our host university’s computer labs, learn how to effectively access the information that the public is entitled to know. This seminar will be offered twice, and seating is limited.
- “Getting a Job in Print and Online” — Hear hiring managers from print publications such as the San Antonio Express-News and the San Antonio Business Journal talk about the do’s and don’ts for young and even new journalism school graduates seeking to break into print and online journalism.
- “Getting a Job in Broadcast and Radio” — Hear hiring managers from KENS 5 and Texas Public Radio, among others, talk about the do’s and don’ts for young and even new journalism school graduates seeking to break into television and radio journalism.
- “Blogging” — Sometimes the best way to control the message is to write it yourself, and toward that end blogging is becoming a common tool for both disseminating information and enhancing the blogger’s street cred on a range of topics. Hear from successful local bloggers about how to use this vehicle effectively.
